Business Profile

Publishers Periodicals

Dotdash Meredith

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 Complaint

The 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:11/17/2022
Type:Service or Repair Issues
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 subscription has stopped after my October 3, 2022 issue although my subscription runs till 2028.I then called People at and spoke to ********* at ************ who said that it halted because of a paper shortage but my mom is still getting print issues and print issues are still being sold at my local supermarket and Target stores. She said that I could access the digital version but did not provide a website link nor access code; therefore I can only access the regular website.In addition, I was never notified of this change; my issues just stopped coming. I also asked how it was determined who gets delivery halted, and she could not say. Therefore I would like to get compensated for my whole subscription through 2028.The subscription tab on the website says a yearly subscription is currently $ 91. So from 2023-2028 is 5 years x $ 91 which means I am entitled to a refund of $ 455 or they can honor my subscription and send me print issues again.In addition, I have reached out to People's Instagram as well as your ******** sites and have not received a response so it appears that I am being singled out for the halt of delivery without rhyme or reason. I have also sent an email to ******************* and contact **************** through their website.It seems that since DotDash Meredith has bought People, this is becoming the norm but it seems fraudulent.Please note earlier in the year, they also stopped printing my InStyle and Entertainment Weekly issues but they sent a postcard and compensated me for the halt in production.Link to subscription site - ********************************************************************************************************************
Business Response
Date: 11/18/2022
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience ********************** has experienced regarding People.
We are resuming delivery with the first available issue ( March 20, 2023) and we are extending the subscription for all missed issues.

Customer Answer
Date: 11/29/2022
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:

[It does not address my concerns-
How was I chosen?
How do I get access to the digital version?
Why is my account suspended for 4 months?
How do I get compensated instead of waiting 4 months?
Why was it stopped when others continue to receive their magazines in the mail?
Why did I not receive advance notice to respond?

In addition, I tried reaching their *********************** on their website. *******************) responded to me and said that I made the order through Blue Dolphin, a third party, (which I did not) and they told me to reach out to them. I emailed Blue Dolphin and ************** said that she could not find said subscription and asked for more information.
It appears that I am getting more run around as I try to investigate this further. I would like the People representative from ************** to send me a letter confirming what they told the BBB, answering all my questions, and verifying that my subscription will be extended 4 months past my **** subscription. Thank you.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

*******************************

Business Response
Date: 12/26/2022
Our records show the subscription for ********************* was a complimentary subscription.

Due to limitations on inventory, we have suspended delivery of the magazine. ************ may receive 6 months of a digital version by going to *******************************. The account number is **********.
Due to the limited inventory, we cannot resume delivery at this time. The subscription will be extended for all missed issues.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/27/2022
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.
However, it is not to my full satisfaction since many of the questions were not answered and the name on the account is wrong but at least the company finally gave me the website and the digital access which I was able to use successfully. I understand this is as far as they are willing to admit and I appreciate the continued efforts of the BBB to assist me with this matter. However, if they do not resume my delivery in March 2023 and extend my subscription for the missed issues, I will be following up with the BBB again.
Thanks for your hard work. Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

****************
Initial Complaint
Date:11/10/2022
Type:Product Issues
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've tried to subscribe to People magazine recently. And the person who I purchased a gift for never received it (and she probably won't receive it). My account was charged instantly. I've tried contacting ************ or whoever I'm supposed to contact and they refused to respond to my message. My desired resolution is to cancel the subscription immediately and give me a refund. And I'll forever tell people that you all are a scam.
Business Response
Date: 11/15/2022
Our records show we received a payment of $55.00 on October 11, 2022. A full refund for $55.00 has been processed. ************** will need to allow up to three weeks for delivery of her refund.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/16/2022
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,

***********************

Customer Answer
Date: 12/05/2022
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:

From: *********************** <***************************************************;
******** still has not been resolved

Hello,

Dotdash Meredith still has not refunded me the money owed due to my magazine subscription cancellation. And it's been 3 weeks. Please look into it and either email me back or call me at ************.

Thanks,

***********************

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

***********************

Business Response
Date: 12/16/2022
Our records show a refund check for $55.00 was mailed to the address below on November 14, 2022:
***********************;
***************** **
******* ** *****
We received notification on December 15, 2022 that the refund check was received.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/31/2022
Type:Product Issues
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 purchased a subscription to People magazine to be delivered to my son. I saw that I was charged $92.40. My son told me that he never received a magazine from People. I contacted People and I was promised a refund on July 6, 2022. I contacted People magazine to inquire about my refund and was told to contact a subcontractor SUBCO. I sent a certified letter to SUBCO on August 23, 2022. I still do not have my refund. I just want my full refund.
Business Response
Date: 11/15/2022
Our records show a refund for $92.40 was processed on November 1, 2022, and mailed to:
**************
*** *****************
****** ** *****
Please allow three weeks for delivery of the refund check.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/19/2022
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. Thank you for helping me. I received the check, already. It had been months but you worked a miracle.

Sincerely,

*****************************
Initial Complaint
Date:10/04/2022
Type:Product Issues
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 am getting email from them that I never signed up for. When I click the unsubscribe function I get a screen that says "Loading Failed". I have contacted them asking for my email address to be removed and got a reply saying "You have been unsubscribed from our newsletters. Please allow at least 5 - 7 days for the changes to take effect." however am still getting the emails. I believe they are in violation of the CAN-SPAM Act.
Business Response
Date: 12/14/2022
We apologize for any inconvenience *************************** has experienced.
We have removed ******************** from receiving Newsletters.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/16/2022
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.

***************************************************
Initial Complaint
Date:09/29/2022
Type:Billing Issues
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.
PayPal account *******************
Business Response
Date: 09/30/2022
Please let us know how we may assist ********** regarding Dotdash Meredith publications.
Initial Complaint
Date:09/23/2022
Type:Delivery Issues
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 have attempted to remove my name and email address from their contacts in order to stop receiving unsolicited emails for several email magazines. I never subscribed to their magazines. The Unsubscribe button does not work. Instead, it sends you to a page to formally subscribe. I want confirmation that my name/email have been removed from the company's database.
Business Response
Date: 09/27/2022
We apologize for any inconvenience **************** has experienced.
We have remover **************** from our email list.
Customer Answer
Date: 09/29/2022
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 recognize the same wording in the responses of others on the BBB website. If I continue to have problems after today I will file a new report. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,

*********************
Initial Complaint
Date:09/20/2022
Type:Delivery Issues
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.
Hi! I ordered a product from the Better Homes and Gardens product line that this company owns in May of this year--called the "Better *************** Delahey Convertible Studio Outdoor Daybed Sofa", through Wal-Mart. It came with a 6 month warranty (order number **************). The product was fine, except that the zipper broke on the large bottom cushion, and the cushions were advertised as water resistant, but immediately soaked through when left in the rain. I didn't want to replace the entire couch, which was the only option if I went through Wal-Mart, so instead tried to contact the manufacturer to replace the cushions. I left a voicemail with the number given to me by Wal-Mart customer service, and also have tried emailing, but have received no responses.
Business Response
Date: 10/07/2022
Please let me know the color of your cushion .... the manufacturer will be sending a replacement. Apologies for the delay in response.
Best,
***************************
Initial Complaint
Date:09/20/2022
Type:Customer Service Issues
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.
In May, 2022, I mailed a $12.72 check for a 2-year subscription to Allrecipes Magazine. The check was cashed 5/16/22. The company has a record of my payment and my correct address on file. However, I have not received a single copy of the magazine. I have contacted customer service multiple times by email. Each time, I was advised to wait a few more weeks. No magazine ever arrived. It is very difficult to get a human to assist using their customer service email or phone number. (Say Operator when you call their subscriptions line at ************. Don't waste your time on the robotic customer service line they list as ************. You will never get a person on that line.) When I finally got a human, they did not want to give me a full refund, but would not give a coherent reason why. They just want to extend the subscription. That won't help if the magazine is not getting to my mailbox. I have requested a full refund. They say it will be another 3 weeks. That's what they said about the magazines.
Business Response
Date: 09/20/2022
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience **************** has experienced regarding Allrecipes.
Our records show the subscription started with the June/July 2022 issue. The address we have on file is:
*************************
*** ************
****************** ** *****
A full refund has been processed. **************** will need to allow three to four weeks for delivery.
Initial Complaint
Date:09/12/2022
Type:Product Issues
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 notification on 4/20/22 that Fine Cooking print magazine was being cancelled and a number to call to request a refund. I called that number and spoke with a person who said my refund would be sent. I called again on 7/20/22 and 8/22/22. Spoke with persons who said my refund of $39.93 would be sent. Still no refund received 9/10/22.
Business Response
Date: 09/14/2022
We apologize for any inconvenience ************************** has experienced regarding Food & Wine.
Our records show a refund was processed on April 23, 2022.
A replacement refund is now being processed. ************************** will need to allow up to three weeks for delivery.

Customer Answer
Date: 09/26/2022
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:09/08/2022
Type:Product Issues
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.
Simply put, I'm getting 1 out of every 3-4 monthly issues. I do not know if they don't send, or P.O. is taking Regardless, I don't enjoy paying for something and not getting it.I called Wedn.,; 7/07, again Tues., 8/23 and most recently, yesterday, 9/06.All 3 calls were met with "I'm so sorry, wait a little longer, mail must be slow......SLOW?? May,June and July never arrived.never arrived.I asked for a refund, told, "$3.17 back to debit card, 3-5 business days, $8.00 by paper check. What?? If you can return to my checking/debit, put it all back, right? Please help. It is a wonderful magazine, but they're shady.
Business Response
Date: 09/09/2022
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience ****************** has experienced regarding Food & Wine.
Our records show the account was missing the apartment number and were getting sent to:
***********************;
** *************************
******** ** *****

A refund check for $8.61 was processed on August 22, 2022. ****************** will need to allow up to three weeks delivery of the refund check.
Customer Answer
Date: 09/16/2022
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:

Dear BBB: Regarding above case, the time frame, according to Food and Wine, of "up to 3 weeks from August 22, 2022
refund check back to me" elapsed Monday September 12. Surprise, no refund received. Upon a check of my *****************
account, there is no check coming Friday 9/16, Sat 9/17 or Monday 9/19.

These people have, pardon me, bullshitted me for months. First the refund was coming in July, then August. Total ****.

You cannot let this scummy company continue to lie. Please help.

As for their response to you, i.e., "missing apartment #, " more lies. When I've called for refund, they ask my name AND THEY
REPEAT MY ADDRESS TO ME...** ** ****** ****** *** ******* they say. So they do know unit #.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

*************************

Business Response
Date: 09/19/2022
We did not have *** ********s Apartment number listed on the refund check. We apologies for the inconvenience and frustration caused. We have processed a new refund check going to the correct address.

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