Sacramento Bee

Review: I have been a subscriber to the Sac Bee for a number of years and have put my delivery on vacation when going on vacation for a number of years. In May of 2014, I put my delivery on vacation, to restart on 5 Aug., 2014. I was told I had a credit of some $8.00. When I called to verify that the paper would be delivered to [redacted], Citrus Heights, CA.my credit card was charged $37.44 and I was told that would pay for the paper only untill Aug. 25th, 2014.I phoned the Sac Bee on Aug.6th to complain that no paper had been delivered and ask why I would only receive the paper for 20 days when I had $8.00 credit plus the $37.44 charge on my credit card I was told I had to pay for the paper straight thru because they did not offer a vacation option on them payment. (the automatic answering system at SacBee, does offer a vacation stop and restart option, and does not say anything about not stopping the charges). I feel the SacBee is steeling money by offering a vacation stop and billing for the paper after the fact.Thank you[redacted]Desired Settlement: I feel I should be given credit for the $8.00 plus the full month for the $37.44 charge on my credit card on 5 Aug, 2014. I feel they should be forced to say on their automatic phone system that they do not offer a vacation stop and that you have to cancel the subscription to not be charged for the paper.Thank you[redacted]

Business

Response:

Mr. [redacted] called in a vacation stop from 5/7/14-8/5/14. The options for our vacation stops changed back in 2012. In 2012, we included digital access with all customer accounts. The digital access allows customers unlimited access to read the paper anytime, anywhere. Digital access includes sacbee.com, the e-Edition (exact replica of the print paper) and the [redacted] app. While on vacation, Mr. [redacted] has the ability to read articles, view the paper, and access the paper daily. Since the option of digital access is available, we no longer offer a credit to the print subscription. Mr. [redacted] is currently activated to the full unlimited digital access. However, since Mr. [redacted] was unaware of the vacation options, we are able to give a one time credit for $28.80. This will pay his subscription to 11/4/14.

Review: As a subscriberof the Sacramento Bee youare required to pay ahead for home delivery. I usually pay for 13 weeksof service. As of 2012 you arenot given crediton your account when you put in for a vacation stop, ceasing home delivery for thwetime that you are away. Thus Iam paying for something and not getting.Your two choices are 1.) donate your papers toalocal school OR 2.) have all of the newspapers held foryou and delivered at once to you upon your return. The Bee will process a credit on the 22nd day of papers being withheld . Example: You are going away for 25 days ~ for the first 21 you donate or have them held to be delivered at a later date and upon the 22nd day thru the 25th you will be given credit for 4 days on your account.Per Mary of customer service at the Bee. Is this legal to be forced to donate or have old papers delivered to you ? You are being forced to prepay? Doesnot seem right. Please advise.Desired Settlement: I would like to have my account credited if and when I put in for a vacation stop in the future.

Business

Response:

As of September 2012, The Sacramento Bee added an option to have the paper digitally (including reading the paper online through our e-edition). This digital access also includes unlimited access to sacbee.com, our iPad apps and access on any mobile device or tablet. As this upgrade was implemented, The Bee now offers a way to read the paper while away on vacation. The other options are to donate the credit from the vacation to our local school program or have the papers held and delivered when the customer returns. In this case, Ms. [redacted] spoke with a customer service representative on 3/30/15 and these same options were explained. Our records do not indicate a recent vacation stop on the account. However, moving forward, the options are as explained above. We no longer offer a credit extension on the account unless the vacation is over 21 days. Please feel free to contact us at [redacted] if you have any further questions or concerns.Thank you

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: Why do I have to"" prepay"" for my newspaper subscription and when I place a vacation stop I either HAVE TO donate my newspapers or have them held until I return ? Who wants to read 2 weeks worth of old newspapers? I want my subscription to be extended. This practice does not seem that it would be legal...please advise..If I get the same answer I will purse with the State's Attorney General's Office.

Review: I subscribed to the Sunday paper for a period of 10 weeks. The papers were delivered to the wrong address for the first 3 weeks, so they granted me an extension. At the end of my term, the delivery stopped then I received a bill. I paid for the 10 week period in advance. I wrote them telling them I am no longer interested in receiving the Sacramento Bee. Two weeks later the Sunday paper was delivered again. I used the automated system to report my problems but the deliveries continued, sometimes at the wrong address. I received another bill. Today I spoke with a representative and asked her to please stop the delivery. She told me I am responsible for a balance, but I already requested the service to discontinue almost a month ago. What can I do about this? Is pushing an unwanted product on someone's doorstep then sending them the bill acceptable business practice? Thank you for your assistance.Desired Settlement: I do not feel I am responsible for the balance after my prepaid subscription service.

Business

Response:

This account was started 9/7/14. The order was sold by an independent contractor for Sunday only. We do see the address was incorrect when the account was started. This was corrected on 10/5/14. The payment was posted for 10 weeks. As a standard practice, the paper does not stop automatically. We allow a 90 grace period for our customers to renew their subscription. The first renewal notice goes out a month in advance. This allows time to contact us if there is a change in delivery or to cancel the paper. In this case, we understand Ms. [redacted] contacted The Bee by mail. She also tried to cancel via the automated system. However, we do not have an option to cancel the paper on the automated system. We request to hear from our readers as to why they are stopping the service. We apologize for any inconvenience. At this time, the account has been stopped and cleared of any balance. Please feel free to contact us at [redacted] if you have any further questions or concerns.Thank you

Review: Sacramento Bee delivers Essential Shopper and Vida En El Vallee publications to my home although I have instructed Sacramento Bee to stop.

Sacramento Bee continues to deliver Essential Shopper and Vida En El Vallee publications to my home. I did not subscribe to either of those publications and do not want them. Sacramento Bee continues to ignore my instructions to STOP. Sacramento Bee delivers those publications as a sales tactic to elicit subscriptions to the Sacramento Bee. I do not subscribe to the Bee, Essential Shopper or Vida En El Vallee and I do not want them. Sacramento Bee must STOP delivering them to my residence.Desired Settlement: Stop delivering items to which I do not subscribe and which I do not want!

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

This address was sent to the distributor and the regional manager for follow up on 9/24/13. As of today 10/9/13, the distributor responded and confirmed all deliveries have been stopped at this location. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our VIP team at XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Review: Account [redacted]

I have had a subscription for home delivery of the Sacramento Bee for seven years. Two years ago (12/14) they increased the subscription 40% without any explanation. I paid the bill without thinking about it. Later I noticed the big increase and requested an explanation for the increase through the customer service site on the Bee website. I did not hear anything back. One year later 12/15 I received a renewal notice again with an additional 40% increase with no explanation. I decided not to continue with a business that acts in this manner and chose not to renew, so I did send any money. I tried to cancel the subscription on their website but no option is available to do so. I then tried calling and received a recording that there was a large number of callers and I would be on hold for some time. I gave up. When I received another renewal notice 30 days later I mailed it back with a signed letter stating to cancel the subscription with an explanation why. The Bee continued to deliver the newspaper. A representative of the newspaper called and talked to my wife who explained that I sent a letter and did not want the paper any longer. The paper still continued to be delivered. The Bee operates under auto-renewal system, but since I opted not to renew and sent a letter to cancel and was ignored by the newspaper this makes the newspapers delivered after the subscription termination date unsolicited merchandise. The paper finally stopped delivery on 3/16/16 but then sent a bill for three months delivery at the new 40% increased rate! I sent them a letter similar to this one on 2/22/16 and received no reply. I recently received a letter from collection agency representing The Bee for $115.19. The newspaper seems to think that once a customer signs up for service, the service can continue forever, requiring payment for all delivered newspapers. If a subscription specifies a termination/expiration date, as it does then the delivery should stop.Desired Settlement: Please: 1. Cancel any charges the Bee thinks I owe. 2. Stop all calls regarding Bee renewal or collection of any money. 3. No reporting to a credit rating of not paying a bill

Thank You!

Business

Response:

Thank you for your email, The customer account has been cleared from their outstanding balance and they have been removed from all collection lists. Also the customer requested to be placed on out Do Not Call list. Just as a reminder [redacted] are not a credit reporting agency and the letters will not impact customer credit report or score. If you have any further questions please contact us at [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I have asked this company for more than 3 months (probably closer to 6 months; I did not record dates of early contacts, assuming that they would simply resolve the problem)to stop sending me their 'MVP' junk mail bundle. I was assured by every customer service rep (at phone # [redacted])I spoke to that they would, then had, taken me off the list, and by at least two customer service agents as well as the phone center supervisor ([redacted], ID [redacted]), that they were 'escalating' the request and it would be resolved immediately. I also phoned the distribution center (at phone # [redacted]), at the suggestion of the customer service staff; I never got an answer on the distribution center line, but I did leave a message requesting that my address not be printed on these mailers. I continue to get these mailers and no one appears willing to truly escalate, as in resolve, this issue. [redacted] suggested that I ask the post office to simply stop delivering, but of course the post office has a legal obligation to deliver mail as long the sender keeps addressing it.Desired Settlement: I would like for this business to stop printing my address on any/all of their advertising and stop sending me any mail not specifically contracted for by me. I would also like for them to identify what internal problem is responsible for their inability to resolve my request within the first one or two requests, and resolve that problem so that other, or myself if I ever have to move within their coverage area, do not have to waste this much time making calls to get off this mailing.

Business

Response:

We do apologize for the inconvenience of this complaint. Our records indicate a note on this address 7/2/15. The request usually takes up to 2 weeks to get processed since the Advertisers get the address list in advance. As of yesterday's list 7/21/15, the MVP should have been stopped. We double checked the mail list and this address was not included.Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-284-3233 if you have any further questions or concerns.Thank you

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because:I am not actually rejecting this response, but the options are too limited for the needed comment. I have made this same complaint to the business regularly beginning in February 2015 (far more than 2 weeks ago), so while I am happy to see that they are stating they will resolve the matter, it is the same response I have had approximately 10 times from them. Once I actually go through 1-2 mail weeks without receiving the junk mailer, I will then be ready to accept the response. Thank you for the response.

Review: Someone needs to look into the way the Sacramento Bee figures its subscription rates. Three of us - all subscribers for more than 25 years are pay three different amounts. The MONTHLY rate ranges all rounded rates) from $25 to $62. Two of us were at a rate of $40 (by the way, NOT identical amounts) last month when we decided to question why we were twice the amount of the third. After two very unsatisfactory phone calls (where NO resolution was made or reason for the different prices was given) I received an email informing me that my rate was dropping to $35. The other one, my elderly aunt who I'm sure is not as confrontational or demanding as I am, received an email today informing her that her rate was RAISING to $62.Desired Settlement: I would just like to know, a question that their phone help can't answer, is "How is it that there are such different rates out there for people living in the same area, paying for the paper the same way, and all long-term subscribers?"

Business

Response:

All subscribers rates are subject to change on the next renewal cycle. This is also stated on all renewal notices and autopay receipts. Unfortunately, we cannot compare other accounts to this one. All accounts are different for various reasons (the rate on the initial start, promotionl rates, delivery issue credits, vacations, type of service, etc). The rates are not based on the years of being a subscriber. In this case, the [redacted] residence is on an automatic payment cycle every 5 weeks. Over the years, The Bee has had a price increase which affects all customers at different times. Currently, the [redacted] residence is paying $52.40 every 5 weeks. The Published rate (located on page 2A in the paper everyday) is $16.33/week or $81.65 every 5 weeks. We do apologize for any confusion. This account has been set back to the previous rate of $41.90 for 5 weeks on the next renewal cycle. However, this does not prevcent the account form any future price increases. We show an email on the account. If the rate is going to change, an email will be sent 30 days in advance.Please feel free to contact us at [redacted] if you have any further questions or concerns.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: Actually, I guess I am accepting it because I have no other choice. To say I'm frustrated with the Bee would be an understatement. BUT, just for Revdex.com's information, the Bee already dropped my bill back down to $41.90 per an e-mail to me dated 8-31-15 - although I've been billed the higher rate since then. I don't think they know how much they charge for their subscription. And, the three accounts I talked about in my original complaint, they are identical. I know this because they are my parents and aunt. I've compared all of the bills and have copies. I realize I do have one more recourse and that's to cancel my subscription. Right now, I'm thinking about it. Thank you.

Review: I originally contacted this business and requested that my subscription be cancelled effective Tuesday, June 16, 2015. I received a response from [redacted] with the SacBee on June 15th confirmation my subscription cancellation and also notifying me of an outstanding balance of $7.14. I wasn't sure how or why I had an outstanding balance because they have my credit card on file and have been charging it for several years. I responded to [redacted] on June 15th requesting my credit card on file be charged for any outstanding balance as it has always been in the past. [redacted] responded on June 16th that my subscription had already been cancelled and that there was an outstanding balance of $7.14, however failed to respond to my request for my credit card on file to be charged as requested. I responded to [redacted] on June 16th requesting again that my credit card on file be charged for the outstanding balance of $7.14. I then received a response on June 17th from [redacted] with SacBee stating that all card info on the account are encrypted and are kept confidential and therefore they cannot charge the card on file. Again I responded on June 17th requesting that my credit card on file be charged because they have it on file and have been charging it for years which obviously proves the Sacramento can and does have my information on file. I didn't hear anything back from Sacramento Bee, therefore I sent a follow up message on June 17th again requesting my card on file be charged as the SacBee has been doing for years. I then finally receive a response on June 21st from Josh with Sac Bee stating that they no longer have access to the card on file for a "past due" balance once the subscription has been cancelled. I then responded on June 21st upset because they are stating I now have a "past due" balance, in addition to Sacramento Bee representatives providing conflicting information. I again requested that my credit card on file to be charged as requested as SacBee has been doing for years.Desired Settlement: To bill my credit card which they have been doing for several years and to take my account out of a "past due" status because they have my credit card on file and have had authorization to bill my credit card on file. In addition, when I attempted to use the SacBee website to pay this "balance", I received an error message stating that my account could not be found which leads me to believe there is no outstanding "balance" to begin with and therefore are harassing me to contact them.

Business

Response:

The account was stopped on 6/16/15. The amount owing was from the expiration date of 6/10/15-6/16/15. Sicne the account was stopped. our online system no longer recognizes the account and therefore, no longer shows any customer information. As for the request to process a payment for the $7.14, our records show this payment was processed on 6/30/15 to clear the account. Typically, when a customer's account is stopped, we no longer keep the credit card information in our system (for security purposes). However, since the account was under our autopay plan, the representative should have been able to process the final payment. We do apologize for the inconvenience and the frustration to close the account. As of 6/30/15, the account has been cleared. Please feel free to contact us at [redacted] if you have any further questions or concerns.Thank you

Review: I was a subscriber of the Sunday Newspaper and subscribtion was canceled before the subscription end date. Called customer service several times and aleays told that paper would be delivered in an hour which was never delivered. Also misinformed by customer service about closing time og office. Asked supervisor for refund but was told that Sacramento Bee does not refund for money.Desired Settlement: refund the amount for the newspaper

Business

Response:

Customer started Sunday only service on 3/17/13. It was purchased from a Groupon offer for 52 weeks. This paid the account until 3/16/14. Prior to the expiration date, The Bee sent out a renewal notice on 2/10/14 for the same offer of $19.00/52 weeks. Customer sent in payment for $19.00 on 3/12/14. This paid the account until 3/15/15. The first complaint received on the account was 4/7/14 stating no paper on Sunday 4/6/14. There was one other complaint on 4/27/14. These are the only 2 complaints on the account since starting the subscription on 3/17/13. As a standard practice, The Bee offers to have the paper redelivered or credit the account when a paper is missed. On 3/10/15, customer called to cancel due to price increase. The rate of $19.00/52weeks was no longer a valid rate. There are notes on the account stating the cancellation was due to price on the next renewal. There are no notes on the account regarding a refund. I would be more than happy to credit the 2 missed papers from the 2 complaint calls received. Unfortunately, we do not have the Groupon offer available anymore.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: The complain was regarding their poor customer service and their refusal to give refund. I called 4 times on that day and was always told that paper would be delivered within an hour. The paper was never delivered and due to the false assurance I waited for paper and did not buy another paper. I as told that refund will not be provided for the undelivered issues. I would like to get the refund for undelivered issue.

Review: Signed up for promotion at Kings Game. Canceled service within first 30 days. Continually billed for service that had been paid in full and canceled and finally they make unauthorized debt transaction twice in 5 days 3 months later. Contacted customer service and they claim no record of any transactions. Now I have to take the time and effort to prove I paid for service and that they have made unauthorized transactions. Absolute worst customer service experience and the Sacramento Bee must have the most inefficient payment processing service in the business community. It's no wonder the newspaper business is a dying breed.Desired Settlement: Full refund for unauthorized charges as well as initial payment for the time and energy loss to this unproductive matter. Total refund due 12.50 + 10.50 + 10.50+ 33.50

Business

Response:

For this address, we were unable to locate a PO BOX since we do not deliver home delivery papers to a PO BOX. I was able to find the physical address at [redacted]. I see 2 notes on the account from our Customer Services Department. One was on 2/12/14 stating customer will fax over or mail in a copy of the statements. The other note was on 3/11/14 stating customer is upset because the proof of payment was sent in, but there has been no response or refund. Unfortunately, the proof of payment is not in our Audience Services Department. It would have been given to our Accounting Department to research and resolve. As of today, I will ask our Accounting Manager to process a refund on Friday 4/18/14 and send a refund check in the amount of $33.95. I do apologize for the inconvenience and that the pape was never started. This information has been given to the Sales Manager.

Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Thank you

Review: I have been a long time customer of the Bee. This last year has been extremely upsetting. I have had to call to report a paper missing more times than I can remember. The customer service for delivery problems is a joke. How can a person in the [redacted] really be able to handle the problem. I asked to speak to a Supervisor and she repeated the same nonsense over and over that she would take care of the problem. The girl I spoke with this morning said the same thing and promised to have both the Sunday paper and Monday,s here within the hour. It is now 2:00pm and I still do not have either.I have e mailed my complaints to customer service in Sacramento as well as sent a letter of complaint. I have received no communication from the Bee at all.I received Tues. paper but today, Wed. it is not here. Still no Sunday or Monday's paper.Desired Settlement: An appology for terrible service. My bill is taken out of my credit card every month on time. Seems I should receive a paper every day.A month free paper is the least the Bee can do to make up for their lack of concern, and poor servise.

Business

Response:

Thank you for your email to The Sacramento Bee, Mrs. [redacted] information was sent to the Operations Manager to follow with the copies of 03/06 and 03/07 papers and to follow up with the distributor to correct the delivery at their address. Also we have provided a 14 days credit and additional 2 days for the missed papers on the account due to the inconvenience we may have caused with that it will extend their subscription date from 03/26/16 to 04/09/16. If you have any further questions please contact us at [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: My pre-paid 12 month Sacramento Bee subscription ended, and they continue to deliver the paper to me although I've tried to call several times to remind them that I pre-paid for a specific period of time and never intended to continue getting the paper. I was able to speak with someone briefly, who told me that I now owe them for the continued delivery of the paper (that I never wanted in the first place and did not authorize). They say they cannot cancel my subscription until I pay the balance on the account (which is for the papers delivered after my subscription ended). I am not paying for something I never purchased, and didn't have the ability to give back to them. I can't find any number related to cancelling a Sacramento Bee subscription. When I call the numbers for other issues, no one every picks up.Desired Settlement: I would like someone to call me from the Sacramento Bee to verify that they will stop delivering papers to my house. I don't want them, and won't be paying for papers delivered against my will. I would like the representative to confirm that I do not owe their company any money.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Business

Response:

This subscription was on a promotional rate for Sunday only. Once the promotional offer expires, the rate changes to the regular rate of the subscription. Prior to the expiration date, The Bee generates a renewal notice to give customers a chance to renew or stop the service. In this case, we understand Ms. [redacted] requested to have the subscription stopped. Unfortunately, the transaction was not processed. We apologize for the confusion and the problems this has caused Ms. [redacted]. As of today, 8/18/14, the account has been stopped and there is a zero balance on the account. Our hope is Ms. [redacted] will. restart a subscription sometime in the near future at sacbee.com/plus.

Review: SUPPOSEDLY BOUGHT A NON-RECURRING SUBSCRIPTION TRIAL THROUGH SACRAMENTO KINGS BASKETBALL GAME. THEY HAVE BEEN CHARGING ME MONTHLY AND DO NOT GIVE ME AN OPTION TO CANCEL MY SUBSCRIPTION! I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AND HAVE NOT BEEN HELPED AT ALL!! I CANNOT CANCEL MY SUBSCRIPTION ONLINE OR THROUGH THE TELEPHONE. THIS ISNT RIGHT! THEY HAVE NEVER EMAILED ME, MAILED ME, OR CALLED ME TO ASK IF I WANTED TO RENEW MY SUBSCRIPTION. WHY WOULD THEY NOT MAKE IT EASIER TO CANCEL THEIR SERVICES?!Desired Settlement: I WANT A REFUND FOR EVERY MONTH THEY HAVE CHARGED ME WITHOUT MY CONSENT! I NEVER AUTHORIZED THEM TO CHARGE ME AND NEVER WANTED A RENEWAL.

Business

Response:

This account was started on 2/7/15 from an order placed at an event. The account was started and set up as an automatic 5 week billing cycle with the credit card given, ending with XXXX-[redacted]. The original order is attached and there was a confirmation email sent when the order was placed. On the order, it is indicated that the subscription is on areoccuring charge under the easypay field. We do apologize if this was entered in error. The paper continued to be delivered until the stop came in on 11/20/15. At that time, the remaining amount was automatically refunded ($9.49) back to the card on file. There are no complaints, messages or notes on the account letting us know this was a problem. The Bee also sends out,by email, auto notice receipts after each payment was processed. On all notices and all emails, The Bee indicates the paper will continue unless The Bee is notified otherwise.

Review: I write this letter to inform you of the ineptitude of your billing and customer service department. Starting in February my wife had been trying to cancel our subscription to the Sacramento Bee. She did this through notification on our bill. In April we received another bill for $16.75 for the Bee. At that time I got involved in the cancellation process, which is almost impossible to do. I informed and person named Jane through email that as soon as I was sent a written notification of the cancellation that we would pay the $16.75, I even gave her my credit card number to do this. This was done via email on April 24, 2014. We received the bill and on April 30, 2014 my wife sent in a check for the $16.75, not knowing that the charge was also posted to my Mastercard. So your bill was paid twice. Last week we received a letter from A.R.M Solutions saying that we are being taken to collection over a bill that has already been paid, TWICE. My wife has sent the cancelled check information, that's right the check that you people deposited, to A.R.M to try and settle this matter. Now comes your problem. My wife and I have impeccable credit and we are in the process of refinancing our home, if your mistake in anyway effects my credit rating I will do everything legally possible to recoup all financial, emotional and personal damages that your mistake has caused. I will also make sure that others know of the pain and suffering that we went through because of your mistake.Desired Settlement: I hope that someone looks into this matter and issues a letter of apology to my wife and I because of your ineptitude and that a letter wold be issued to any of the credit rating companies so that they do not lower our credit rating.

Business

Response:

Mr. [redacted]'s account has been cleared of any balance. The payment of $16.75 was posted on 5/7/14. Unfortunately, the letter that Mr. [redacted] received was in error. This has been reported to the Retention Manager who handles the collection company. The Retention and Loyalty Manager has also mailed out a confirmation letter to Mr. Ward in regards to the error and the account being cleared of any balance. We apologize for this error and please rest assured the account will not appear as delinquent on any credit report.

Review: I paid for a full 1 year subscription with a legitimate promotion code which is not being honored. I'm now past due with no paper service.

My paper has been stopped and I'm being told I'm past due. On 9/17/13 I wrote check #[redacted] in the amount of $52. On the check I included the promotion code of RET035C (which I was given from one of their sales reps as a full 7 days a week, 1 year subscription). I started getting phone calls I was past due. When I initially talked with a billing rep, they explained that the account was past due at the time of payment (9/13) and the 1 year subscription would be retroactive starting on 6/13. I agreed that was correct. They confirmed that my subscription would only go through 6/14 because of that. Again I agreed. I am still receiving daily recorded phone calls telling me my subscription has expired when in fact it has not. Concerned that I might have been scammed with a false promotion code, I had them check to make sure it was legitimate and they confirmed it was. Several times I have called the billing department and spoken with reps only to receive different answers and promises that the supervisor will call me back. No one has ever called me back. I have made 2 calls in the past 3 days to try to get answers again. Now I am told they don't know what to do, that I am past due $64 and that I don't have a 1 year subscription through June 2014. My paper is now stopped and I am told I need to pay my balance. Desired Settlement: I am simply asking that they honor this promotion code which extends my subscription to 6/14 as agreed upon and remove my past due amount before it gets sent to collections.

Business

Response:

Final Consumer Response

The Sacramento Bee has called me back and settled the problem by extending my subscription and removing the past due per my request.

Review: I contacted Sac Bee on 10/22/15 to let them know that I purchased a Groupon (#[redacted]) for one year 7-day subscription. It too several emails back and forth for them to let me know on Nov 10 that I had a balance due on a previous Sunday only subscription of $19.20 which I immediately paid on Nov 12. On Nov 12 I sent and email and said stated today I am paid to date, please let me know when my 7-day subscription will start. On Nov 17 I was told, yes we received your $19.20 payment but our Finance department had not cleared your payment. On 11/20 I responded what the heck is going on? Where is your Finance Department located? Today 11/23 (Over one month from my original contact) I receive an email from Mark stating I have a remaining balance of $90.57. I feel like I am getting bullied and or scammed. My balance was "paid off" on the 12th and now I have a new remaining balance?Desired Settlement: I do not owe these charges!

Business

Response:

There were 2 account for this customer. The one account under [redacted] at #[redacted] was cleared of all past due amounts as of 12/1/15. There should not be any further calling or notifications of a past due balance.

Review: I gave you an effective date of Saturday, October 31, 2015 – I have written you for the THIRD time today. I tried to cancel by calling and you NEVER answer the phone.

I am sending a copy of this letter to the Revdex.com in Sacramento, maybe you will cancel this account then?Desired Settlement: CANCEL my service to account number [redacted]!

Thank you,

Business

Response:

This account was stopped 9/3/15 with an amount past due of $80.29. We received a payment on 9/18/15 to clear the balance. Then, on 9/20/15, The Bee received another payment of $77.48 through our automated system. Along with the payment, we also received a new start from one of our Sales vendors. The account was restarted on 9/22/15 on a promotional rate of $2.95/week for 26 weeks. The account is currently paid until 3/8/16. As requested, the account has been stopped and a refund will be generated back to [redacted]. There is also a second account at this same address under a different name. This account was started on 10/2/15. To find out more information on the second account, please contact us by phone.Please feel free to contact us at [redacted] if you have any further questions or concerns.Thank you

Review: I have been receiving the MVP advertising supplement in my mailbox from the Sacramento Bee for approximately one year. Approximately eight months ago I called them and asked them to stop mailing this to my house. The customer service agent that I talked to assured me that it would no longer be sent to my house. The Sacramento Bee has continued to mail the MVP advertising supplement to my house since that time. I have called their customer service line more than six times and each time been assured that they would stop sending me the MVP. Additionally, I have emailed their customer service email address at least four times and been assured by email that I would no longer receive the MVP. Despite all this, the MVP continues to arrive in my mailbox on a regular basis.Desired Settlement: I would simply like the Sacramento Bee to stop mailing the MVP to my house, as they have assured me multiple times that they would do. The resolution that I desire is to never see the MVP in my mailbox again.

Business

Response:

This request has been submitted and confirmed. The address of 926 Snyder Dr, Davis 95616 has been removed from the weekly MVP mailing as of Wednesday 6/3/15. Unfortunately, the advertisers receive the list 2 weeks in advance. This means there may be 1 more MVP received. The mailing should stop as of Wednesday 6/17/15. We do apologize for the inconvenience. This will be resolved.Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-284-3233 if you have any further questions or concerns.Thank you

Review: I'm writing to your office to file a complaint against the company: THE SACRAMENTO BEE, newspaper company in Sacramento, California. I have sent there office several letters requesting information reguarding the shippment of my newspapers, but they have filed to reply to any of my request for answers. I ordered there newspapers PAID-IN-FULL (DBM) shipment by mail service for these newspapers to be sent to me by mail service. As of today I ONLY received "1" (one) newspaper in the mail FEBRUARY/9/2014 issue but it was sent to my OLD address that I am no longer at: [redacted]. When I placed my new order back in JANUARY 2014 I included my New address with the order along with the several letters that I sent there office that I got No reply from. Desired Settlement: I am still due 5 or 6 newspapers that I have NOT received as of today?? Can you please contact there office, to see why they don't reply to my letters?? and to see that I receive my "5" or "6" newspapers that I'm still due??

Business

Response:

Unfortunately, I do not have any way of contacting the customer at this location. There is no other billing information, phone number or email address to contact about this account. However, in our records, we show there was an account #[redacted] originally started back on 5/6/12 for address [redacted]. This account remained active until 11/27/12. When the payment of $13.40 was received and posted on the account, the account was automatically started on 1/14/14. Since all of The Bee payments go to our Fresno Office, the notes or changes or letters do not come directly to The Bee first. The change of address was never processed since the payment posted and the account was automatically started by our system. There is no problem in honoring the Sunday missing papers. The $13.40 is good for a 5 week period. Since the customer mentions receiving 1 Sunday copy, we will be happy to honor the remaining 4 copies at the new location.

Review: My delivery subscription rate increased 23% earlier this year. When I called up to complain on July 7th, I was offered the lower rate of 39.40 for the next 5-week period. This amount was taken out of my account in August. My next bill is for 49.40 for the next 5-week period. I called again to remind them of the price agreement they offered in July for the lower price of 39.40 .I was given some double talk by them that since was offered the 39.40 price, that they would honor it in the future. What about now?I wanted by 10.00 back for the difference, and was told no,that the 10.00 would be used to "Extend my 39.40 subscription." You should not commit to a lower price, then charge a higher one. I AM REQUESTING THAT MY ACCOUNT BE CREDITED 10.00, the difference that their customer service department told me I would pay, (39.40) vs. what I was actually charged, (49.40) on September 24,2015Thank You.Desired Settlement: Please credit my ATM Account $10.00

Business

Response:

Customer's account was credited $10.50 on 9/24/15. The rate of $49.90 was charged on 9/21/15 and was set to expire on 10/20/15. With the credit of $10.50, the account was extended to 11/4/15. The next payment cycle is set to charge on 11/9/15 for $39.40 for 5 weeks. Since the account is on an AutoPay plan, if there is a change with the rate, The Bee sends out an email 30 days in advance to notify our customers of any rate change. In this case, the rate was going to increase, but the Customer Service representative honored the original rate.Please feel free to contact us at [redacted] if you have any further questions or concerns.Thank you

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. However, the bee does not conduct business in an ethical manner, charging different people of various age groups differing prices for receiving the same product