Best Deal magazines, despite what their shills may have posted below, appear to be an out and out scam operation, taking money and providing nothing but an endless trail of emails claiming all the problems are with "the clearinghouse". More than six months since the order, there is still no magazine arriving.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SEND ANY MONEY to this company - you will NOT get anything in return except aggravation and lies.
************
In response to their reply below, as of yet, there have still been no copies of this magazine received, though I will post again when and if they begin to arrive. I imagine that many people would not pursue them this long, and just "write it off" - leaving Best Deals taking something for nothing.
While they actively response to emails, only when pressed do they provide any meaningful information, as they finally did after I chased them for months for an answer.
Any individual is far better off paying a regular subscription price and receiving their product in weeks rather than waiting as long as six months or more - if you receive anything at all - than dealing with this company.
This review was modified by its author, JDMC, on
9/18/09 3:03 PM.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
9/18/09 7:09 PM
Update 9-18-09:
Best Deal Magazines is NOT at fault with respect to this order. The publisher shows that this order began in June 2009. The reason issues have not been received is due to an invalid address being provided both times by the customer. Below is the history of your order direct from the publisher of Autoweek:
*Order started with June 29, 2009 issue
*First address came back undeliverable July 27, 2009
*New address entered Aug 17, 2009
*Order restarted with Sept 7, 2009 issue
*New address came back undeliverable Aug 24, 2009
*Order suspended until valid address is provided
*Order good through Aug 9, 2010 at this time
*Publisher will extend further once new address is entered
Each every time you were in contact with our company we responded. We have confirmed multiple times that your order is on file with the publisher and have advised you of the problem each time. It is up to you to provide a valid address to which the postal service can deliver to.
PREVIOUS:
Best Deal Magazines has been in business now for almost 20 years. We are not a scam operation and find that this comment is unwarranted and defamatory.
Your order was placed on 3/9/09 for Autoweek to be sent to an inmate at a correctional institution. As per the publisher, the order began with the 6/29/09 issue. The first issue sent out was returned by the postal service to the publisher as undeliverable on 7/27/09. You then provided us with a new address and, as per the publisher, the new address was entered into their system on 8/17/09 and the order was restarted with the 9/7/09 issue which was immediately sent out following the address update. On 8/24/09 the postal service returned this issue back to the publisher as undeliverable. The order was then suspended by the publisher until a valid address is provided. The publisher states that the order will expire with the 8/9/2010 issue but they will extend for missed issues once a new, valid address is entered. We spoke with the publisher of Autoweek this morning (9/15/09) and confirmed this information personally.
Best Deal Magazines is NOT at fault with respect to this order. The problem is related to the fact that an invalid address was provided on two occasions by this customer. Once a valid address is provided to the publisher the order will restart and the full term will be received.
Back on May 5th, 2009, I placed an order for a subscription to Consumer Reports with Best Deal Magazines. The bargain price they offered of just $16.56 for a 1 year subscription was too good to pass up.
Fast forward to August 15th- 100+ days later. No magazine, no refund, endless runaround by Best Deal Magazines.
Best Deal Magazines company keeps deflecting my requests for a refund by saying that they are 'still checking with the clearinghouse'. What clearinghouse is this- the one that cleared out my bank account for the false promise of a magazine subscription?
BUYER BEWARE regarding this company (and others) that promise magazines at rock bottom costs but deliver nothing.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
8/15/09 2:08 PM
Best Deal Magazines is a magazine subscription agency. Orders are fulfilled by the individual publishers. When you place an order with a magazine subscription agency, the order is sent to a clearinghouse who then prepares the order for the publisher. The order is sent to the publisher for fulfillment usually within 1-2 weeks of receipt by the clearinghouse. The publisher must then enter the order into their system and schedule the first issue for delivery. Most delays in receiving a first issue occur due to the advance printing of mailing labels by each individual publisher. Most publishers prepare their mailing labels 2-4 issues in advance.
Our website clearly states that fulfillment time is 8-14 weeks. This order was sent to the clearinghouse on 5/8/09. The 14 week timeperiod was up on 8/14/09 which was yesterday. An order is not considered late by a publisher until 14 weeks has passed.
The publisher of Consumer Reports historically has been prompt in fulfillment of orders. Since this has not been the case with your order, an error has obviously occurred between our clearinghouse and the publisher. Our customer service department has sent inquiries to our clearinghouse requesting account status on your order. This is not the runaround but proper procedure when there is a problem with fulfillment by a publisher on any order.
Since the first issue has not been received in the proper fulfillment time by the publisher, a refund has been issued to you which resolves this matter.
I placed an order for a renewal as well as a new order for 2 magazines. I have yet to receive either one and it's been 16 weeks. I sent in an inquiry at 12 weeks - the "normal" turnaround time they claim and received a form response. I have ordered magazines online from third parties
in the past and have never waited so long.
Sure you can save money, but if you never get the magazine, what's the point. I'll order directly from the magazine itself in the future.
I smell scam. Just glad they didn't get me for a lot of $$$. Shame on them.
Update 7/16/09
After several emails and an extremely long wait, Best Deal was able to confirm my two subscriptions will start. So while not a scam, it's still unsatisfactory in my opinion and not worth the frustration. I think I'll stick with ordering from the magazines directly.
Update 7/21/09
Best Deal Mags sent me an email to let me know September would be my first issue but their response to this review states that July/August would be my first issue. would like to get a straight answer once and for all on when my subscription will start. This frustration is not worth the $ saved.
This review was modified by its author, ringobeagle, on
7/21/09 12:14 PM.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
9/18/09 2:38 PM
Update 9-18-09
A check with the publisher shows that Martha Stewart Living begins with the October 2009 issue and expires with the September 2010 issue. Your account number with the publisher is 152XXX589 (partially blocked for your privacy).
A check with the publisher shows that Everyday Food began with the July/August 2009 issue and will expire with the July 2010 issue. Your account number with the publisher is 152XXX589 (partially blocked for your privacy). The last issue mailed to you was the September 2009 issue. The publisher does not show any delivery problems on your order and shows that it is being received.
PREVIOUS:
Your order was placed on 3/12/09 and sent to our clearinghouse on 3/20/09. On 6/26/09 we checked with our clearinghouse regarding your order for Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food. Up until today we were unable to get a firm start date for your order from our clearinghouse or the publisher. Your order for Martha Stewart Living will begin with the October issue. Your order for Everyday Food will begin with the July/August issue. Your order was submitted to the publisher back in March. We do not know why there was such a long delay in processing your order and scheduling your first issue. This is very frustrating to our company as well and is outside of normal fulfillment times. It does appear that there was an error between the clearinghouse and the publisher which caused a delay in your order being entered.
Please keep in mind that Best Deal Magazines sent the order to the clearinghouse on 3/20/09. Any delays encountered in receiving a first issue are a result of delays by the publisher. Once the order has left Best Deal Magazines and goes on to the publisher we must rely on the publisher to promptly process the order. What happened with this order is unusual and not the norm as most publishers are very prompt to process orders.
I received your reply to my review. I have no order number as I was not given one. And regardless of what you claim, I have never received any responses - just your standard form email response saying I'd get a response - which never came. But of course, you charged my credit card for the subscription right away. And, your 800 number rings and no one answers.
This review was modified by its author, notpleased, on
6/24/09 4:05 PM.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
6/24/09 8:59 PM
You have provided a copy of the confirmation e-mail sent to you after completion of your order for Videomaker. We have checked with the publisher and the publisher shows an active account for you with 11 issues remaining. Since this magazine is published 12 times per year, one issue has been sent to you. Your subscription ID is 112XXXXX. Your order is being fulfilled and was fulfilled within the publishers fulfillment time of 8-14 weeks.
PREVIOUS RESPONSE:
When your order completes, the order number is visible on the receipt page. You are given the option to print this page for your reference. In addition, an e-mail confirmation is sent to the e-mail address you noted when you placed your order.
In your e-mail response to us directly you have not provided a name or address so we can view the order history and provide you with your account status with the publisher. Until we have this information we cannot assist you.
When customer service staff is not available to answer our 800 number it does go to voicemail. However, the voicemails are picked up by our customer service staff and calls are returned each day and within 24 hours at the latest.
RESPONSE TO ORIGINAL POST:
All e-mails sent to additionalsupport@bestdealmagazines.com are answered by Best Deal Magazines' customer service staff. If you did not receive a response, our response may have been blocked by your ISP as we do respond to each and every e-mail.
Our 800 number is working and the customer service staff returns calls the same day or within 24 hours Monday thru Friday. Our 800 number is 800-332-0278.
You have not provided an order number with your post so we have no way of verifying any of the information you have posted.
Low prices, but definitely not worth the couple dollars you'll save. Unbelievably slow process... Their website clearly states "Please allow 8-14 weeks for your subscription to start. This is the industry standard." However, it is now 16 weeks after I placed my order and have yet to receive a single issue of either of the two I ordered. I emailed customer service, and finally got a response back after four days, saying that one of my magazines should be coming within the next "several weeks" and for the other one, an inquiry that will take two weeks has been sent to the clearinghouse.
They really need to revise their time estimate to reflect a more accurate picture of the horribly slow process - regardless of whose fault it is, whether it is the clearinghouse, publisher, or theirs. I could understand a rare delay in the 8-14 week process, but it seems delays beyond the 14 week upper end are the norm.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
1/11/09 8:09 PM
Our records indicate that an e-mail was sent from this customer to our customer service department on 1/5/09. A response was sent to the customer on 1/7/09. The order consisted on Foreign Policy and Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel. Both orders are on file with each publisher.
The publisher of Foreign Policy shows that the order began with the Jan/Feb 2009 issue. The publisher states it should be received by Jan 30, 2009.
The publisher of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel shows that the order begins with the February 2009 issue.
We cannot stipulate a start date for any given order as Best Deal Magazines is not the publisher. Each publisher has their own policies and procedures for starting an order. Most times the delay is due to the advance printing of mailing labels - usually 1-4 issues in advance.
I ordered a subscription for MacLife on Sept 10 and have emailed them twice. No magazines so far and only an automated response. Looks as if I had a 50/50 chance of getting the subscription from the previous reviews. Should have gone by instincts, if it's too good to be true, probably shouldn't have ordered it.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
12/6/08 9:39 AM
I have checked our e-mail history and I show that you e-mailed customer service on 12/4/08 - less than 48 hours ago. You have not allowed sufficient time for our customer service department to respond.
I have checked on your order and the publisher shows that your first issue is scheduled for February 1, 2008 as per below (I have x'd out personal information):
Sxxxxxx Fxxxxx
9xxx Rxxxxxxxxx Dx
Hxxxxxxx, XX 3xxxx
United States
Account Status: Active Paid
Issue Information:
The first issue of your current order is Feb 1, 2009
Your subscription will expire with the Jan 1, 2010.
Mac|Life Magazine is published 12 times per year.
Order Information:
Your current order for 12 issues was processed on Dec 2, 2008.
Your order was sent to our clearinghouse on 9/15/08. The publisher processed your order into their system on 12/2/08 and scheduled your first issue for delivery. How quickly a publisher processes and sends a first issue is something we cannot control as we are not the publisher.
I have responded to the e-mail you sent on 12/4/08 and will notify my customer service department that you have received a reply.
It's hit or miss if an order will actually be fulfilled. When I didn't receive a few subscriptions I had ordered well over 10 weeks. I e-mailed..... then e-mailed... then called... then called again. They never responded. In fact, after Googling them, I found they just ignore their customers. If you ever have a problem with them, and you will, expect ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE. They won't be around for long. Eventually they will lose all their customers this way.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
7/16/08 11:20 AM
Dear mmconhea,
Best Deal Magazines takes pride in excellent customer service. I noticed that your post was in September 2007. Prior to this time, we had a customer service manager working who led us to believe that all inquiries were being addressed and responded to. As time went on it became obvious that the inquiries were not being address but were being ignored. Hence very upset customers. Due to this our customer service manager was discharged from our employ. In September 2007 we hired Lori for the position and she is absolutely wonderful and takes care of every inquiry that arrives in our customer service department.
I truly believe that you may have been one who was affected by a customer service manager who thought the wool could be pulled over our eyes. I apologize that this was your experience. This is not representative of Best Deal Magazines as we have always had an excellent customer service rating prior to this particular customer service manager and have managed to rebuild this reputation now that Lori is our customer service manager.
Best Deal Magazines has been in business now for almost 20 years and we plan on being around for many more to come. If you send an inquiry in and do not receive a response it may be that your ISP is blocking our response. Some known ISP's that block our domain are AOL, Comcast, Cox, SBC Global, and Road Runner. Be sure to e-mail from an alternate e-mail address that is not associated with one of these domain names.
Subscribed to 8 magazines. I have only received 2 magazines. I have contacted the customer service many times, however, no response. They will steal $ and never return your $, better yet not even answer your questions. Price is nice but service is at its worst. Be AWARE!!!
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
7/16/08 1:17 PM
Dear ms214,
During the time that you sent in your inquiry we had a customer service manager who was not properly doing the job hired for. We were led to believe that inquiries were being handled yet they were not. Once this was identified this person was discharged from our employ. A replacement was hired in September 2007 who is absolutely fantatic.
If the issue regarding your magazines is still outstanding, please e-mail additionalsupport@bestdealmagazines.com and we will definitely look into your order and see that you receive your magazines or a refund.
Ordered two new subscriptions from Best Deal magazines 09/17/06. I started receiving issues of PC Gamer after about two months, but have not received a single issue of Guitar One yet. Email to Customer Support stated that you must wait 18 weeks before contacting them for help. After six months and several emails I have yet to receive anything but the automated response from BDM's customer support. The prices may seem great, but you may never receive the subscriptions you pay for.
Really awful experience. Never received the magazine ordered, and many, many e-mails over several months yielded no response. They have no phone number to call for customer service. Wish I read the other reviews here before ordering!
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
7/18/08 3:46 PM
Dear consumer089,
Our 800 number is posted on our "contacts" page. Our number is 800-332-0278 and all messages are returned by customer service.
Best Deal Magazines takes pride in excellent customer service. I noticed that your post was in April 2007. During this time, we had a customer service manager working who led us to believe that all inquiries were being addressed and responded to. As time went on it became obvious that the inquiries were not being address but were being ignored. Hence very upset customers. Due to this our customer service manager was discharged from our employ. In September 2007 we hired Lori for the position and she is absolutely wonderful and takes care of every inquiry that arrives in our customer service department.
I truly believe that you may have been one who was affected by a customer service manager who thought the wool could be pulled over our eyes. I apologize that this was your experience. This is not representative of Best Deal Magazines as we have always had an excellent customer service rating prior to this particular customer service manager and have managed to rebuild this reputation now that Lori is our customer service manager.
Best Deal Magazines has been in business now for almost 20 years and we plan on being around for many more to come. If you send an inquiry in and do not receive a response it may be that your ISP is blocking our response. Some known ISP's that block our domain are AOL, Comcast, Cox, SBC Global, and Road Runner. Be sure to e-mail from an alternate e-mail address that is not associated with one of these domain names.
What good are low prices if you never get the magazine. I ordered a magazine last year and never received any copies!!!
I followed their instructions for appeal but have been ignored. Recently,they asked me to renew for another year(sic)!!
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
7/18/08 4:06 PM
Dear jyili,
I see that you ordered Delaware Today and Dog & Kennel. Since so much time has passed I cannot verify whether you received Delaware Today or not. However, Dog & Kennel, which was published by Pet Publishing experienced some publishing problems beginning in 2006 and were unable to fulfill the orders but stated they would eventually be fulfilled. We issued coupons for a replacement magazine to anyone who ordered a Pet Publishing magazine. You would have received a coupon at the e-mail address on file with your order.
If your issue is still outstanding, please contact my customer service manager at additionalsupport@bestdealmagazines.com.
I'm surprised at their rating thus far. I've used BestDealMagazines several times in the past, most recently on Oct. 5, 2004. I ordered a three year subscription to MaximumPC using a coupon code for 15% off found on Techbargains.com. This is one of the best deals around folks, you can't even get a three year sub through MaxPC directly.
I'm VERY pleased with this company and will continue to use them for any applicable magazine subscription needs. Doesn't get much more cheaper or reliable than this.
this site is a scam. they take your money right away, and your magazines probably will never come. then the owner will harass you once you complain (his name is Philip Seldon), claim you are being impatient, tell you he's busy and his time is valuable, you name it.
stay FAR FAR away from this company. the way they are able to give you subscriptions at this price is because they end up paying the balance of the price, and then sell your information to other companies. The magazine companies hate this and are looking to close this loophole. It's a scam - they couldn't care less whether or not you get your magazines ... they could do it immediately if they wanted to - but the real value is selling your information to telemarketers and the like.
Well, I got 1 of 3 magazines after 3 months. They will NOT provide any support until you have waited about 24 weeks. That is about 6 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which is way beyond what the credit card company will consider letting you file a fraud report. So buy at your own risk.
This review was modified by its author, davidw333, on
10/29/02 7:23 PM.
Reseller Reply
Posted
by
7/16/08 1:22 PM
Dear davidw333,
Based on the invoice number you provided, this does not appear to be an order number for Best Deal Magazines. Please doublecheck the invoice number and if this is an order from Best Deal Magazines, please send an e-mail to additionalsupport@bestdealmagazines.com and we will definitely review your order.
Also, we do not require that you wait 24 weeks before inquiring on your order. Again, this may be another website that you have ordered from that has this requirement.
Best Deal Magazines will always answer any inquiry sent in on an order at any time. A publisher does not consider an order to be late until 14 weeks has passed. At that time, if you have not received a first issue we can then inquire into the account with the publisher. Please note that this is a rule of the clearinghouse and/or publisher, not a rule of Best Deal Magazines.
Please check your order and, if it was from Best Deal Magazines, please send us an e-mail to the e-mail address noted above. We will happily investigate the order.
