Magazine subscription renewal alert

[Cest La Vie]

I have been a long term subscriber to a number of sailing publications for many years. While reviewing my monthly credit card statement, I noticed a charge for $43.00 for what appears to be a one year "automatic" renewal of my Cruising World Magazine subscription. This was claimed to be an automatic renewal charge, but I have never authorized an automatic renewal for this publication. I was able to make contact with the Cruising World team who advised that this subscription was made through Magazine Service Center, a third party provider. After making contact with Magazine Service Center, I was able to get a credit on my credit card for most of the subscription followed by an offer to provide nine additional issues for only $2.00 and agreement to provide notice prior to any future renewals. Not only was the unauthorized charge an issue, I had an insert in my last issue of Cruising World that offered a subscription for two years for $33.00. Bottom line, check your credit cards to minimize unintended consequences from third party subscription services.

 

[kappykaplan]

A magazine I subscribe to defaulted to automatic renewal if you renewed online and paid with a credit card. Nope, didn't hit the submit button. Gotta read the fine print every time now,

 

[FastOlson]

Thanks for the update.
I used to subscribe to CW and Sail for many many years.... finally figured out that they basically were rewriting and recycling the same articles. (!)

And, also that they were promoting the charter boat industry a .... Lot.

Nowadays we receive three excellent mags -- Good Old Boat, Yachting Monthly, and Practical Boat Owner. The later two are from the UK, and are furlongs ahead of any 'mainstream' US magazine.

And, of course you are right about watching your credit card accounts like a hawk. (sigh)

 

[Leeward Rail]

Nowadays we receive three excellent mags -- Good Old Boat, Yachting Monthly, and Practical Boat Owner. The later two are from the UK, and are furlongs ahead of any 'mainstream' US magazine.

Yup. When I discovered those UK mags, I stopped buying the mainstream US ones.
(Even the motorcycle ones are MUCH better)

I have standing orders at the local bookstore for PBO and Crappy Old Boat.

 

[Ward H]

Bottom line, check your credit cards to minimize unintended consequences from third party subscription services.

I‘ve set up text alerts on my credit cards. One for any charge $1.00 or over and one for “card not present“ transaction. I found it’s a good way to monitor all of my accounts.

 

[ifmdalvey]

I have given up on the US sailing mags, its just one big charter industry back scratch but i was gently offer a years subscription for $10 and willl see if they have improved, i am not optomistic.

 

[shemandr]

I've been receiving "Renew Now" emails from one of the group for around a year. The thing is my renewal date was Feb 22. I don't know if I the renewal term when I started getting these messages would have been tacked onto my existing renewal date or if my renewal date would re-set to whenever I accepted the offer. If the latter I would have lost about a year that I had already paid for. I never got a clear answer about that.

 

[Ken13559]

Same thing happened for this side of world with Practical Boat Owners magazine auto renewal. Difference is PBO info subscribers on auto renewal before sign-up. Renewal handled by probably same 3rd party as mentioned above.

Ken Y

 

[Joe]

If I accept the sub offer, I let them bill me and then pay by check.

 

[Leeward Rail]

In the interest of keeping my local independent book store open, I just have a standing order with them, and go pick the magazines up along with a coffee.

I often end up buying actual books at the same time.

No risk of autopayment, besides those benefits.