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Important information

• Additional Info:

  BBB has received information indicating consumers experience difficulty in contacting the business to cancel subscriptions. Consequently, consumers remain in the negative option plan which automatically withdraws payments directly from bank/credit card accounts.

  BBB contacted Budda Box to address current business practices. The business responded and indicated customers can log into accounts online to cancel subscriptions as well as update addresses for shipping to ensure merchandise is delivered to an accurate address.

  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides consumers with tips regarding negative option plans:

  •"Research the company online. Search the plan and company name, with words like “complaint” or “review.” Complaints can tip you off to questionable practices. But just because you don’t find complaints, it doesn’t mean the plan doesn’t have problems.
  
  •Don’t skip the fine print. Find the terms for the offer. Know your obligations before you join. If you aren’t sure exactly what you’re agreeing to, don’t sign up. That includes offers online, on TV, in the newspaper, or on the radio. If the offer comes via telephone, ask the caller to repeat anything you don’t understand, and write down the important information, including the number for customer service. Call it to test it out. If no one answers or calls you back, don’t join.
  
  •Be honest with yourself. Think about whether you’re likely to stay on top of forms and reject products you don’t want. If you join, follow the instructions on the forms.
  
  •Compare costs. The introductory merchandise or the promise of some great deals might sound appealing, but what about the products you have to buy at the club's regular prices? How do the prices compare? How about after shipping and your monthly fees?
  
  •Keep copies of documents. That includes documents that explain the terms of the plan, which may come with the introductory shipment, and the rejection forms you return to the seller. It's also a good idea to document the date you mailed the rejection forms.
  
  •Look for free trials and pre-checked boxes. Sometimes, dishonest companies use free trials to enroll you in a buying club. When you sign up online, you may see a box already checked that gives the company the okay to continue the offer beyond the free trial — or to sign you up to buy more products unless you uncheck it.
  
  •Mark your calendar. Write down important dates, so you don’t miss the chance to turn down or return merchandise you’re not interested in and don’t want to pay for.
  
  •Read your credit and debit card statements. It's the only way you’ll know if you’re being charged incorrectly."

  If you feel you wish to receive more tips and information regarding negative option plans, you may wish to contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or on 877-382-4357.