Just wanted to know if anyone experienced this recently. I received my first issue of McCalls that came with a free DVD of quilt patterns. That was fine, although I thought the magazine would could have been better. Anyway, about a month later, they sent me a DVD with quilt patterns and said I owed $12.95 or return it to them! I did not request the DVD, so I got mad and asked them to cancel my new subscription. (I don't like to return things in the mail, especially since I didn't request the this program.) They said they could only partially return my money - and that I could contact the company that sent out the DVD to have them stop mailing. I asked why I should do this when I didn't request in the first place! What nerve....

Fons and Porter did something similar 6 or more months ago. They sent a CD, said you could pay for it, return it in the postage paid envelope or keep it since I didn't order it. I threw away the PP envelope and kept the CD. Still haven't even looked at the CD so don't even know what is on it. However, after that I continued to get a bill for the CD or request to return it in the PP envelope (which I had thrown away). I just continue tossing the new mailings. If you didn't order it, then you don't owe anything for it and don't have to return it. Yes, I agree that it is VERY POOR MARKETING. Needless to say, I am not renewing my F&P subscription as I don't care for that practice. Further, I haven't found their magazine interesting/helpful/inspirational in a while so definitly have no qualms for not renewing.

I dont like that either. If I order it, fine, if NOT, they shouldnt be sending a bill!

you know there is a law that says if someone sends you something you did not order you do not have to return it or pay for it. Now if you renewed you subcription and it said the DVD was part of the deal then it is considered something your ordered. If you get another one don't open it just put return to sender on the package, but you may have to pay return postage on it but that should stop more from coming.
Good Luck

I also got the fons and porter CD unsolicited and just discarded the return envelope. That was several months ago, and I did get bills from time to time that I threw out. Just recently I took the time to watch the DVD and really loved it, so I ended up sending them the $12.00 , and hope they will send me some more. The dvd was very well done, and I actually learned a lot from it.

I also had an issue with Quilt Magazine, I got a renewal in the mail to renew for a year for $14.95. Then a couple of days later, I got an e mail with an offer of a free years subscription for a friend if I renewed my subscription. I did that and they charged my credit card $36.00. I immediately called and told them to cancel my renewal, that it was false advertising, and I did not want the magazine. It took me three phone calls and a lot of hassle to get my money back. Just this week, my friend called me and thanked me for her free magazine. Go figure

Thanks to all of you who think this is a shady, unrealistic practice. The older folks just get confused and there's no one to help them so they just continue to pay. Glad I'm not at that point in my life and can still tell these "sharks" where to jump! I'll go back to my BH&G magazines. And to think I just wanted to experience a change...won't do that again!

I can't believe the stuff these magazines are pulling. How do they get away with it!

All the practices used to get money from consumers...shame on them

If you didn't order it, you are not required to return it. If they want it....per BBB