Magazine Sales
CQ Communications, Inc.This business is NOT BBB Accredited.
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Complaints
Customer Complaints Summary
- 46 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 1 complaint 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:11/01/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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 subscribed for an 8-year subscription to "CQ Amateur Radio" magazine in 2021. 1.) I was receiving the magazine late, about a month after the issue date, and 2.) I've stopped receiving the magazine in March 2023. I called, and they sent me the paper copy of the February 2023; however, I have not received a single issue since. I've called and emailed three time per month with no response whatsoever.Business Response
Date: 11/02/2023
Hello *****,
In accordance with your request we have cancelled your subscription and have instructed our accounting department to send a refund of $111.95
to you. We apologize for any inconvenience here.
CQ
Customer Answer
Date: 11/02/2023
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 and the matter has been resolved.
Sincerely,
*******************
Initial Complaint
Date:10/30/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:UnresolvedMore 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 am a licensed amateur radio operator. I'm 70 years old, recently retired, on a limited budget.I enjoy reading a lot, and enjoyed reading "CQ Magazine" each month, which the business in question publishes. In March 2023 I received my CQ Magazine. Since then I have received no copies of the magazine. I have tried to resolve the I have written one letter, no reply.I have written several emails, and still no response. (One email contained proof of subscription.)I have sent a message by ******** to them, no response.While on ******** I noted several other people who reported that they have not received their subscriptions. So I feel there is a widespread problem.What I would desire is for the BBB to check into their status and find out why they have not; a) sent the magazines which I paid for in good faith, or b) refunded the balance of by subscription funds.Note the end date for my subscription. We are talking about several hundred dollars.If necessary I can ask the courts in their jurisdiction to assist, but it seems that delivering the product I purchased, or returning funds, is the best for the both of us.Business Response
Date: 10/31/2023
Our records indicate a refund due of $73.00 - which has been forwarded to our accounted to for processing.
We apologize for the delay in response.
CQ
Customer Answer
Date: 11/01/2023
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 and the matter has been resolved.I trust they WILL refund in good faith within 10 business days.
Sincerely,
*****************************
Customer Answer
Date: 11/14/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:The CQ **************** has still not returned the funds they stated they would in correspondence to you.
I accepted their offer (via BBB) to a refund in return for closing the case.
However, they have not followed through on what they said they would do.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/24/2023
Type:Billing IssuesStatus: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 renewed my subscription to CQ magazine (a ham radio/ amateur radio publication) for three years at a total of $105 in on February 12, 2023. I have been a subscriber for about 30 years or so. No one answers their telephones for resolution. I have not gotten the paper magazine since March of 2023. It is published every month in paper style. Many people are on the internet with the same problem. I have enclosed an attachment from my ************************* statement with a closing date of 9 March 2023 to show the money spent. Also the label from a previous issue showing my account #. This company has had a problem for years in always being a month late in sending out their monthly magazine. Now, no response to my 3 year renewal. I am through with this company.Can you help in getting my money refunded?*******Business Response
Date: 10/24/2023
We are extremely late with the print editions and in accordance with your request,we have initiated a full refund in the amount of $105 to ************************
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/06/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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 ordered a one-year subscription for the printed magazine. I have called and left voice mails, but no calls have been returned. Seems this company has been having problems for some time. I would like a refundBusiness Response
Date: 10/10/2023
I have initiated a full refund of $39 with our accounting department.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused here.
CQ
Customer Answer
Date: 10/11/2023
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 and the matter has been resolved.
Sincerely,
*****************************
Initial Complaint
Date:09/15/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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.
This is for a subscription to CQ magazine. I have never received an issue. I have tried numerous phone calls and emails to have them tell me what was going on but not one response or any form. The info below is my pal receipt data of $39.00 This is for a subscription to CQ magazine. Transaction ID ***************** Merchant ************************************************************ *************** Invoice ID ********Business Response
Date: 09/28/2023
We are issuing a full $39 via PayPal.
Sorry for any inconvenience here.
CQ
Initial Complaint
Date:09/15/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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.
Paid for print issues that I am not receiving. Would like a refund of my payment.Business Response
Date: 09/28/2023
Full refund to credit card today!
Sorry for any inconvenience here.
CQ
Initial Complaint
Date:09/05/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:UnresolvedMore 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 sent in a check for a year's subscription. It was cashed in May ****. No magazine as of 1 Sept 2023. I have called over 20 times and emailed more than that; never a reply EVER.. I beginning to think this is a scam.Business Response
Date: 09/05/2023
We are behind with ********* editions. I have requested a full refund be issued immediately ($40) and cancelled this subscription order.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Best regards,
CQ
Customer Answer
Date: 09/28/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:On 09/05/2023 they (CQ Magazine) replied that they would send me a refund of $40.00.
Today is 09/27/2023 and still no refund
Customer Answer
Date: 03/07/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:Never got a refund. What a waste of time.
Initial Complaint
Date:09/01/2023
Type:Delivery IssuesStatus: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.
My subscription is paid up through February **** for print editions. I have not received a print copy since March 2023. I understand digital editions are available but this is not what I paid for. This is a case of not delivering the product paid for and I have received no communication explaining this or a remedy. I have been a loyal subscriber for many years but this is unacceptable. I will no longer renew as this is a dishonest business.Business Response
Date: 09/01/2023
Refund due for 11 issue= $39.37. We are far behind with the print editions and therefore have cancelled this subscription as requested. I have forwarded the $39.37 refund information to our accounting department for processing. We apologize for any inconvenience here. CQInitial Complaint
Date:08/28/2023
Type:Delivery IssuesStatus: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.
Call on 3-22-23 to subscribe - $39.00 on Debt Card- Never Got a Issue- Called Them They said nex week- Next Week Never Came, Called On 7-6-23 to ask for refund said **. Haven't received it yet. Multiple calls always voicemail, leave messages to call me back. No callsBusiness Response
Date: 08/28/2023
$39 refund has been issued today. Here is the info:
Transaction *********** has been successfully ACCEPTED by the system.
Below is a summary:
*********** *** ***********
******* ******* ********
******* *** *******
******** ***** ********************Sorry for the delay here - the refund was requested previously - but not completed until today.
Thank you, CQ
Customer Answer
Date: 09/12/2023
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 and the matter has been resolved.
Sincerely,
*******************************
Initial Complaint
Date:07/27/2023
Type:Customer Service IssuesStatus: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 subscribed to CQ Magazine on 6-21-2022 paying for the Print Issues subscription - 24 issues (2years) paying $73.00 for 2 years of printed magazines. With my first issue, July 2022, I did not get a print magazine but only a digital version. Now my last print issue I received was March 2023, no others since that issue. So far I have not even received a year of CQ Magazine.I have called numerous times only to find your **************** voice mailbox is FULL and not taking messages. No-one ever answers the phone for any of the options!!I was able to send an email to **** * ***** **** did respond advising you are having printer problems. Five months is a long time to get printing resolved !!**** did not offer any other options, only saying you are working on this problem and I will receive all back issues. I tried again to reach out to **** but he has not responded for a while now. I have been also trying to call only to have the same thing happen, no-one answers the phone and you get a mailbox FULL message.I was trying to see if I could at least get digital versions until you get printed ones out.Business Response
Date: 07/27/2023
Let me begin by apologizing for the delays - while the digital editions are going live without a hitch - we are behind with ********* editions. The April issue is working now and will mail shortly followed by the **** June and July issues asap.
I am emailing PDFs of the ****** **** ********* and August issues to you.
Thank you for your patience!
CQCustomer Answer
Date: 07/28/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:[Your Answer Here]
This looks good now and thank you for providing the digitals of the printed issues I am missing. If you do not get printing resolved, I need to be assured that, going forward, you will provide digital issues on a timely basis until the printed ones get ************.
Thanks again,
***************************
In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.
Sincerely,
***************************
Business Response
Date: 08/01/2023
Yes, we will send digital editions until the print situation is resolved.
Thanks you for your patience,
CQ
Customer Answer
Date: 08/01/2023
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 and the matter has been resolved.Sorry we had to do this, but up to now, I have not been able to communicate directly to anyone at CQ except for **** but that was very limited. Thank you in advance for resolving this.
Sincerely,
***************************
CQ Communications, Inc. is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.
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