Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Dotdash Meredith's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 100 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 35 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:05/21/2025
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 originally ordered a subscription for the magazine Southern Living from the Girl Scouts in one of their promotions for my nieces troop. I did NOT want to renew this subscription. All available websites state that this magazine - Southern Living - will NOT auto renew. (See my attachments from the Internet) I have tried to cancel this and the links provided on the Internet to take this action do NOT WORK! They do NOT anywhere state that your subscription will auto renew- in fact, all available information on the internet says the contrary - that this company does NOT use auto renewal. Today I just learned that through some other company called *******************, my subscription- placed originally through the ****************** renewed. ******************* is unreachable! You can only leave them a phone number and email address for THEM to contact YOU! I dont want this magazine going forward and I believe they engage in deceptive practices, because they claim to NOT auto renew subscriptions and, apparently, they DO! They also make it nearly impossible to cancel as the form submittal to do so via the Internet site for Southern Living magazine DOES NOT WORK! I dont believe I should pay for any issues beyond my expiration date of last December!!
Business Response
Date: 05/21/2025
The subcription was processed through an outside agency. We have cancelled the remaining subscription, as requested.
Any refund or payment questions must be made to the independent sales agency from which your subscription was ordered.
***********************
********************
***** **
***************
************
************************************
**************Initial Complaint
Date:05/06/2025
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 Paid for a subscription in December 12 2024 as a gift.. The actual publisher just confirmed they only received the order for dot dahs medias, *********************** this week May 5 2025, coincidentally the same day I requested an update on my issues since not one issues has been received since December. The publisher confirmed that since they just received the order it will be another 2 months before I received my first issue in July. I had previously called earlier this year and was told publishers can delay in mailing out but that my order was in. I also emailed them March 13 for an update with no response. This is all contrary to what Rolling Stones verified for me over the phone today. *************** now says they cannot track the issues or what went wrong, cant give me a credit or missing issues, and said all they can do it cancel the subscription, apologize and wish me a good day. Unacceptable. Had my order been out in when I paid for it, I would have had between 4/5 issues my the time July rolls around. I am asking for these issues or a credit for these issues or an extension of my subscription date.Business Response
Date: 05/27/2025
Upon review, it has been confirmed that the order in question was processed and fulfilled in the system on December 17, 2024. The following week, on December 23, 2024, an address change was submitted and completed. However, the updated address appears to be the same as the original, and the reason for the change is unclear.
According to the publisher, the subscription is scheduled to begin with the July 2025 issue and will run through the June 2026 issue. When customer service contacted the publisher for clarification regarding the delayed start, the publisher was unable to provide a specific explanation and simply stated that July 2025 was the first issue available for fulfillment.
The order is confirmed to be on file and is set to begin with the July issue, as indicated by the publisher.Initial Complaint
Date:04/30/2025
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.
Dotdash Meredith has begun sending me unsolicited emails saying that I'm receiving the email because I subscribed to given content when I have not. Examples include:* Successful Farming * Shape * WOOD Magazine * Midwest Living * Parents * Allrecipes I don't want to click on the 'Unsubscribe' link in the email as that probably just confirms to them that my email account is active.Business Response
Date: 05/12/2025
The consumer's email address has been successfully unsubscribed and removed from the mailing list.Customer Answer
Date: 05/21/2025
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:04/16/2025
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.
On April 10th. I received a welcome message from myrecipes, despite my never having heard of them or consented to emails from them. I do not click on links on unsolicited emails. On April 12th I asked them not to contact me. I told them they did not have permission to contact me and that I do consider continued communication from them harassment. Today on April 15th, they send me another email!Please tell me to LEAVE ME ALONE!Thanks!Business Response
Date: 04/16/2025
We have unsubscribed this consumer from all MyRecipes and other Dotdash Meredith newsletter titles as of April 16, 2025. Please allow at least one business day for the changes to take effect, as our newsletters are pre-scheduled in advance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.Initial Complaint
Date:04/02/2025
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.
An unauthorized auto renewal of a magazine subscription was made for $45.53, effective June 2025. The original subscription was made through ***************************., but the business name is Meredith Operations. When I attempted to contact the number listed - ************** - I got a repeating message of, "Sorry, I didn't get that." I am seeking a refund and cancellation of the auto renewal.Business Response
Date: 04/02/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience *** ******** experienced regarding Dotdash Meredith.
A refund is being processed. Please allow for processing time.
Customer Answer
Date: 04/07/2025
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:04/01/2025
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.
Acct#: ********* I have received another calendar that you did not order. I received an invoice for $75.17 - 2025 Southern Living Garden Wall Calendar.I would like for them to stop sending the calendar and billing for the calendar that I did not order.Business Response
Date: 04/04/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience *** *********** experienced regarding the Calendar she received.
Instead of returning it to us, we would like *** ******************* keep it with our compliments. We have cancelled the balance due there is no further obligation.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/06/2025
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.
This company is spamming me with emails and I never visited their site. I have repeatedly unsubscribe and it does no good.Business Response
Date: 03/06/2025
The consumer has been unsubscribed from all newsletters from Dotdash Meredith. Please allow up to one business day for this change to take effect, as our newsletters are pre-scheduled in advance. If the consumer continues to receive emails after this time frame, please let us know.Customer Answer
Date: 03/12/2025
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:02/19/2025
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.
Transaction date: December 15, 2024. I ordered two subscriptions to Real Simple magazine-one for myself and the other as a gift intending that the subscription would start in 2025. Both households for the subscriptions received a December 2024 issue on January 29, 2025. To date, we have received no further issues of Real Simple. I contacted *************************** (subsidiary of Dotdash Meredith) on February 6, 2025 stating inquiring about why we were sent a December ******************************************** 2025-and why they would send the issue so late if they intended for it to be included in the subscription. I have tried to resolve this matter by phone, the online "contact us" system, and via email. Their response was to allow until March 10, 2025 for the February/March 2025 issue to be delivered. If it has not arrived by then, let them know and they will either extend your subscription or replace the missing issue. There are 8 issues per year and it is unacceptable for *************************** to deliver 25% of my two subscriptions grossly after industry standard schedules. I told them that I will accept my subscription start dates being moved to the next month that they can ensure timely delivery that aligns with industry standards, or a full refund of my two subscriptions. Ultimately, I do hope I can get delivery of Real Simple magazine started to both homes as intended-and on time.Business Response
Date: 02/20/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience *** **** has experienced regarding Real Simple.
We have extended her subscription and gift subscription to compensate for the inconvenience.
Real Simple is published 10 times per year. The next issue published after the December 1, 2024 issue is the February/March 2025 issue.
The February/March 2025 issue should arrive no later than March 10, 2025.
*** ****** subscription and gift subscription will be served through the March/April 2026 issue.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/22/2025
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:02/18/2025
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 bought 4 magazine subscriptions through *********************** which is owned and operated by Dotdash Meredith. I received one cope of three of the magazines, Real Simple, Better Homes and Garden and Food and Wine, I never received any copy of Highlights. I reached out to *********************** and received no response. It has been 5 months since the subscription was purchased.Business Response
Date: 02/19/2025
Hi ********,
After reviewing your *************************** account, we can confirm that you have active subscriptions to Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Food and Wine, and Highlights, and there doesn't appear to be an issue with the Highlights subscription.
To resolve this, we suggest contacting the publisher of Highlights directly regarding the missing issues, as they will have the most accurate information on your delivery. If you'd prefer, we are more than happy to initiate contact on your behalf. However, we want to ensure you're aware of any updates before we do so. Alternatively, if you'd like, we can proceed with canceling and refunding the Highlights subscription.
Please let us know how you would like to proceed.Initial Complaint
Date:01/15/2025
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.
Subscribed year 2023 then did not renew, Continually receive monthly magazine and hard back annual book, Keep receiving unpaid invoices.Business Response
Date: 01/16/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience *** **** has experienced regarding Meredith Time Books.
On April 29, 2024 , we received an order from ******* **** for a book in the Southern Living book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on May 2, 2024.
The next books were sent August 26, 2024, and November 26, 2024. Our records do not show we received notification to cancel the book series.
We have now discontinued the customers enrollment in the series. *** **** may keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process.
We have also cancelled billing for the renewal subscription for The Magnolia Journal.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/16/2025
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,
******* ****
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.