Returns Dept is Incompetent (Fantasy & SF Bookclub)

Member Name: Destrudo

Product:	Fantasy & SF Bookclub
Date:	21/09/06 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Initial offer of cheap books is tempting; though catalogue prices are higher than most bookshops

Disadvantages: Service borders on incompetence, impossible to get hold of by phone and leaving is difficult

I was happy while I was a member and brought my membership quota. However, one magazine failed to turn up and I was sent the editors choices two months later. Trying to return them turned into a nightmare.

I used the automated phone to request a returns label, and while they were able to charge me the price for the label, the label itself failed to materialise.

I contacted them via email three seperate occasions, and each time was assured the label would be sent and each time it failed to turn up.

On top of that, they didn't have any problems charging me for late payment. Admittedly they removed those charges, but still no label turned up.

Finally after three months, they sent me an apology letter from one of their managers. The letter asked me to use the enclosed return label. What return label? They had managed to not include it in the envelope.

After a couple more emails, I had it sent recorded delivery and returned the parcel immediately. I sent a final email telling them I don't want to be a member any more and not to send me any catalogues, which they acknowledged and we parted ways.

Today, one month after all of this, I get a bill from them for £4.50 for late return charges, a catalogue and they're going to send me the next editor's choice if I don't order another book from them by 11th October.

Summary: My attempts to return an unwanted book and leave the book club.