Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/09/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company sent a cookbook to my elderly mother that was not ordered. And sent a bill for something not ordered. There is no way to call them, nor any way to return the book except to pay postage, and no way to cancel some unknown subscription or future orders.100s of the same complaint on BBB. We are happy to return the book if they provide return postage.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/10/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience ***** ****** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.

  Our records show we received an order for the Everyday Cooking Book series on July 1, 2024. As stated on the order, Ms. ****** would received future editions in the series (no more than two a year)  to preview for 30 days. The book was sent on July 12, 2024.

  We have attached a copy of the order and payment we received for the book series.

  The next book in the series was sent on November 13, 2024.

  Instead of returning the book to us, we would like Ms. Bisset to keep the book with our compliments. We have cancelled the balance due there is no further obligation. We have also removed Ms. ****** from future book mailings.  

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/09/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Persistent and Misleading Solicitations from Dotdash Meredith:Mailings from Dotdash Meredith, appearing to come from Better Homes & Gardens, to my elderly grandmother are designed to look like bills, creating confusion and unnecessary distress. The outside envelope is labeled "Billing Notice," and the enclosed paper includes a "Past Due" stamp along with phrases such as "Urgent Notice for [FULL NAME OF MY GRANDMOTHER]" and "Please send payment in the amount of $36.61 TODAY"; with "TODAY" in all caps and underlined. It includes the Better ******************************* logo, which is My grandmother has never subscribed to Better Homes & Gardens or any of its related services. It is evident she was targeted because this is a widely recognized brand among older individuals, which makes this practice particularly exploitative.These solicitations appear crafted to mislead elderly recipients into thinking they owe money, even when no obligation exists. These solicitations appear intended to trick elderly recipients into believing they owe money when they do not. This predatory tactic is deceptive, unethical, and clearly designed to confuse a vulnerable demographic.Despite previously contacting customer service and requesting the cessation of these mailings, they have continued unabated.This behavior is unacceptable, and no company should use deceptive practices to target vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. I urge the BBB to take action to hold Dotdash Meredith accountable and prevent further harm to others. Dotdash Meredith must cease all deceptive mailings, adopt ethical marketing practices, and take responsibility for these misleading solicitations.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/10/2024

  We will need the name and address as it appears on the billing notices.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/25/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Meredith is sending magazines not ordered. Repeated written requests to stop sending magazines are ignored. Calling the company there is no record of my account. It is a scam to demand I pay for these magazines.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/27/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ******** has experienced regarding Dotdash Meredith.

  Our records show we received orders for Coastal Living, People, Southern Living, Traditional Home Quarterly, Travel and Leisure, and Meredith Time Books. We have attached copies of the orders that were available.

  We have cancelled the orders and we are processing refunds. Ms. ******** should allow up to three weeks for delivery of her refunds.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/18/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Meredith Books sent unsolicited books to my grandmothers house addressed to a misspelled amalgamation of family member names obviously taken from an online database somewhere. They included a bill despite the person listed never existing. An online search for their address lists at as an undeliverable scam address. I don't feel like paying to return some nonsense scam items anyway.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/19/2024

  Please provide the name and address as it appears on the invoice so we can investigate further.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/20/2024

   
  Complaint: 22566688
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the business asked for more information than the order number.

  The invoice was sent to:

  ******* ********

  *****************

  **********************

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/21/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience Ms ******** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.

  Please see the attachments for copies of the book orders we received.

  As stated on the order forms, additional books would be sent to preview for 30 days.

  Instead of returning them to us, we would like Ms. Hallcock to keep them with our compliments. We have cancelled the balance due there is no further obligation.   

  There is a book on the way that we cannot stop deliver of. Ms ***************** keep the book with our compliments when it arrives.

  We have discontinued the book series.

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/21/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/17/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  BH&G have been sending my elderly invalid mother books she never requested and invoicing her for them. With over 100 similar complaints they do not seem to be inclined to alter their shady marketing where they seem to target elderly people in the hopes that they just pay for books they did not order. Furthermore the number listed for customer support is incorrect it ****************, but that does not matter because I have been on hold for 2.5 hours waiting to talk to someone about this, they have no intention in dealing with this. I will similarly be reporting this corrupt business practice to my congresswoman. Shame on you!!!!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/18/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. **** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.

  W received an order from the customer for a book in the Our Best Recipes book series (copies of the order and payment we received are included). As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on April 15, 2024.

  The next book was shipped August 30, 2024.

  We have cancelled the balance due and we have removed Ms. **** from the book series.

  Ms. **** should disregard any invoices that may cross in the mail.

   

   

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/16/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company deducted $114.71 out of my ****** account without my permission. I paid in full for a magazine subscription with this company on June ****** in the amount of $11.03. I did not renew the subscription with this company, and I certainly did not renew a subscription for $114.71. What a difference between $11.03 and $114.71. As a senior citizen I don't like being taken advantage of and I feel like I have been violated by this company. I am almost positive that I am not the only person who has been ripped off by this company. I would like to have a full refund of my $114.71 that was stolen out of my account. I have also filed a complaint with ******. I want this company to remove my name and contact information from their records their records and never try to steal any more money from my account.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/17/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. Blair has experienced regarding People.

  The offer Ms. Blair responded to included continuous service.

  We have cancelled the renewal and we have processed a full refund. Ms. Blair should allow up to two weeks her refund.

  We have removed Ms. Blair from our promotional list.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/17/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22426115, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Debra Blair

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/16/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On August 9 2024, I ordered and paid $10 for a Christmas cookbook. Earlier in July, I paid $16.68 for my Better Homes & Gardens renewal. In early September of 2024, I received a cookbook that I did not order with a bill for $32.27. I did not open the box and attempted to return it as instructed to the address provided. The cost to mail it back via *** was going to be over $14. When *** looked up the address where it is instructed to be sent back to (1 Meredith ************************) it was noted as an undeliverable address. I did not want or did I order any additional cookbooks nor could I return or cancel.This is unacceptable. I simply do not want to pay for the book I received, though I am happy to return it, nor do I want to receive any additional books in the future. Since the return address is undeliverable, I am stuck.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/17/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. Rundell has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.

  We received an order from the customer for a book in the Annual Recipes book series (a copy of the order is attached). As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on April 23, 2024.

  The next book was shipped August 30, 2024,

  We have cancelled the balance due for the next book in the series and we have discontinued the book series.

  Ms. Rundell should disregard any further invoices she may receive.

   

   

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/18/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22418378, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Sandy Rundell

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/07/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have never submitted a complaint before anywhere. ********************************* magazine started sending issues though I did not and would never order this magazine or any other magazine. Ive tried to cancel the order but it is impossible. This is a fraudulent scam. On the phone the automated questions do not apply. They want an order number which I would not have since I did not do an order, they want an order date, they are not familiar with my ZIP Code, my name or my address. It takes me back to a menu that does not apply to me or my problem. I would like to cancel the subscription immediately and get a refund because I never made this order. It is a fraudulent scam!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/07/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. Smith has experienced.

  A refund for $81.00 has been processed for the subscription to People Magazine.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/23/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I do not want to do business with this company, Better Homes and Gardens and Meredith ******** far as I am concerned this is a SCAM. I received a cookbook and did not order, and whether I send it back or not, I will keep getting books which I did not order. I WILL NOT PAY FOR THESE BOOKS. If they want it back, send a label and I will be glad to send it back. the Account # *********** is in the name of ***** *********. I was ordering Magazines (Better Homes and Garden), But no more.****** *********

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/30/2024

  We have cancelled the book order account for this customer.  They may keep any books received with our compliments.  We have also removed their name and address from our mailing lists.  We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/20/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On September 19, 2024, I received a cookbook from Better Homes and Garden that I did not order. An invoice for payment was attached to the outside of the box. The email address and return instructions provided on the invoice are inaccurate. I do not want this cookbook and I am willing to return it, but do not want to pay shipping costs on an item that I did not request. I would like to cancel all future mailings/books/publications from Better Homes and Garden, but have been unable to sucessfully do this online.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/21/2024

  We have cancelled the book order, and the customer can keep it with our compliments.  We have removed them from our mailing lists, as requested.  They can disregard any further preprinted invoices they might receive.  We apologize for any inconvenience caused.