Not Made Of Money

We currently subscribe to our local newspaper for the Sunday edition only.  About 2 months ago we received a “courtesy call” that since we were such loyal customers we would be receiving the newspaper 7 days a week for free for a limited time.  They didn’t ask us if we wanted to try it, they just said they would be delivering it and there would be no obligation on our part. 

The paper bill came yesterday.  It’s a good thing we always read our bills and double check them.  Guess what we are being billed for?  Seven day delivery.  There was not even an option for the Sunday paper only anymore.  After a quick call to the billing department, we were given the quote for receiving the Sunday paper again, and it has increased since last quarter.  We let them know we only wanted the Sunday paper and we didn’t appreciate them removing that option from our list of choices.  Oh, and that they could keep the “free trials” in the future. 

I wonder what would have happened if we had signed up for automatic billing.  Would they have just deducted the new amount and made us question it?  I can understand that the free trial is to try to get us to be 7 day subscribers but I feel it is dishonest to only present that option on the next bill.  They could have said something like, “if you enjoyed receiving the full week of the paper, you can subscribe to it for the next quarter for a total cost of $_______ versus receiving the Sunday only edition which will cost you $_____________. 

Lesson learned:  Always read your bills fully every month and make sure you know what you are paying for. 

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