Complaints
Customer Complaints Summary
- 82 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 31 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe 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:09/23/2024
Type: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: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.Initial Complaint
Date:09/06/2024
Type: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.
My current subscription for Better Homes and Gardens Magazine expires in September 2025, a full year away. With the last magazine, this company has included a STATEMENT, as pictured, for $16 PAYMENT DUE NOW. I believe that the company is trying to extort extra money from me by sending a STATEMENT saying that I have a balance due when I do not. This is very deceptive marketing practices.While most if not all magazine companies practice this deception, most do not make it look like an actual statement. Most indicate that it is a special promotion to EXTEND my current subscription. This statement does not look like that, but is an actual statement or BILL, saying that I owe money. VERY DECEPTIVE.Business Response
Date: 09/06/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience ************** has experienced regarding Better Homes and Gardens.
Our records show the offer ************** responded to July 18, 2022, included continuous service.
As requested, the renewal order has been cancelled. ************** should disregard any further billing she may receive.
Initial Complaint
Date:08/15/2024
Type: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.
Receiving unsolicited / unrequested publications along with a billing statement. I received just today another bill (2nd one this year) with a box that I did not open and have marked return to sender. I wish to be removed from any mailing list and do not wish to renew any magazine subscriptions with this company.Business Response
Date: 08/16/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience **************** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
On April 28, 2023, we received an order from **************** for a book in the Red Plaid cookbook series (a copy of the order we received is 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 May 4, 2023.
The next books were shipped November 16, 2023, March 28, 2024, and July 29, 2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer should disregard any further invoices that *** be in processed.
Customer Answer
Date: 08/16/2024
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:08/12/2024
Type: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 recently received a package from Better Homes & Gardens. The attached note said it was a cookbook and included an invoice for $32.05. I have not opened the package. I did not request that a cookbook be sent to me and do not wish to receive future cookbooks from them. The invoice stated for return instructions to go to bhg.com/book return. In order to return a cookbook that I did not request I would have to pay the shipping cost which according to the invoice would be $5.95. I will gladly return the cookbook to them but not at my cost. Please help in remedying this issue.Business Response
Date: 08/13/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience ************ has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
Instead of returning the book to us, we would like Ms. Oedy to keep the book with our compliments. We have cancelled the balance due and there is no further obligation. We have also removed Ms. Oedy from future book mailings.
Customer Answer
Date: 08/19/2024
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:05/01/2024
Type: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.
Southern *************** deducted $39.95 without authorization from my checking account.This occurred on Friday, April 5, 2024. On Monday I called the ************ phone number, and was told this money would be refunded in two to three weeks. I waited the three weeks, and called again as I did not receive this money. Again, I was informed that it could take the three weeks. I repeated the dates, and was informed that my money would be in my account by April 29, ********** is April 30, 2024, and I have not received one ***** of my money, and I was told that it would be another two to three weeks to be corrected. This is out and out stealing from a private checking account. I filed a compliant with Southern Living on April 8, 2024, and it was totally ignored. Not only do I not have my money, but they copied information from my check to further enhance their fraudulent scheme.Business Response
Date: 05/03/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience ****************** has experienced regarding Southern Living.Our records show a refund check was processed April 8, 2024. We apologize that the refund check did not arrive.
We have now processed a refund to the credit card that was charged ***** ending in 9563). ****************** should see the refund in the next 72 hours.
Customer Answer
Date: 05/06/2024
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:04/24/2024
Type: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.
We began receiving Better Homes and Gardens magazines and have never subscribed to this publication, nor are interested in having a subscription. Today we received a bill for $16 Payment Due Now with a letter than begins By subscribing you have guaranteed yourself substantial savings . . . But we never subscribed. These magazines have been an annoyance as they go straight to the recycling and sending them to us is wasteful and unwanted.Business Response
Date: 04/25/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience ****************** has experienced regarding Better Homes and Gardens.
We have cancelled the order and removed ****************** from our promotional list. ****************** should disregard any invoices that *** cross in the mail.
Customer Answer
Date: 04/25/2024
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:03/27/2024
Type: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 received a magazine, "Allrecipes), in the mail along with an invoice for $15.00. I did not order this magazine. I am reporting this company as being fraudulent.Business Response
Date: 04/09/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience **************** has experienced regarding Allrecipes.
The order and Payment for $13.00, received July 8. 2022, included continuous service. The automatic renewal was processed January 2, 2024, and an invoice was sent.
As requested, the order was cancelled March 27, 2024. **************** should disregard any further invoices that *** have crossed in the mail.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/08/2024
Type: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.
Charge for a magazine we did not sign up We started gett BHG last year starting in May 2023 we never signed up fr this magazine 2 years ago we signed up for Allrecipes that is fine I talked to BHG support JohnP he explained what they did.Maggazine.com took a 1 dollar cash and started a subscription in May of 2023.This started the subscription that I did not order if you search the web for complaints I am not alone in this scam **** from *** said they would refund my money to date that has not happenedBusiness Response
Date: 03/09/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. *** experienced regarding Better Homes and Gardens.
Our records show a refund for $29.95 was processed on March 6, 2024. **. *** will need to allow up to ten business days to receive her refund.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/11/2024
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:02/19/2024
Type: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 have never ever had such difficulty in trying to place a magazine subscription. In October I ordered this magazine and another with a main offering.The order consisted of two magazine orders one to my home address and one as a gift certificate subscription for my daughter! I contacted the company email, phone, and online forms beginning but the following dates: 11 /12/23, November 17, December 6, December 12, December 18, January 4, 2024 January 15, January 27. I have continued to client contact them because I keep receiving an accurate information from at least 10 different representative said I spoke to Or have received emails from(Just some representatives namesLeyden-4 times, *****, ******,..) I have corrected the names and addresses every single time and have been told that I would be getting my magazine subscription! Today I spoke to a supervisor, ***** who confirmed that I might be getting my magazine by the end of February which is a January issue! I just dont understand why this is so difficult to get this information corrected! The customer service is horrible. I have waited each time when I had called at least 45 minutes!Assigned a case number:##******** (KMM160468633V54543L0KM).just SO E of the emails..not including the MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS??Business Response
Date: 02/20/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience ********************* has experienced.
Our records show we received an order for ********************** on October 26, 2023. The subscription started with the January/February **** issue. The January/February **** issue was resent to ********************** on February 19, ****.
The address we have on file is:
JILLBARBARISE
652 **********
******* ** *****The order included three free gifts. We are also resending the free gifts.
In addition, we adjusted our records to include a subscription to Real Simple for ***************************** on January 27, ****. Since our address labels are printed in advance, we allow up to eight weeks for the first issue to arrive.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/20/2024
Complaint: 21314050
I am only rejecting this response until I actually receive the magazines to be to both parties..Regarding anything that was sent previously is inaccurate - magazines or free giftsonly because it took this long, over four months to hopefully correct the errors off the businesss part.I have been told since November I should be receiving the subscriptions in mid January, the latest..still nothing..??
Sincerely,
***************************Business Response
Date: 02/21/2024
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience ********************** has experienced.
We are extending both subscriptions to compensate for her inconvenience.
We hope that excellent service from now on will compensate for any inconvenience Ms. **************;has experienced.
BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.