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:09/06/2022
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 an unsolicited cookbook in the mail, along with a bill. Because I neither requested, nor wanted the cookbook, I returned the unopened package as "return to sender" (pictures to verify this are available). Since then, I have received 3 bills for a book that I I never wanted or requested!!! This practice is salacious, heavy-handed, desperate, and contrary to best practices that should depict reputable business decorum. I would like to let other, potential victims to know that this is the level that Meredith Books and Better Homes and Gardens have sunk to! And, to let them know they do not have to cave in to a business' mafia-type business tactics in the marketplace!!!
Business Response
Date: 09/07/2022
We apologize for any inconvenience ************************* has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
Instead of returning the book to us, we would like ************************* to keep it with our compliments. We have cancelled the balance due and there is no further obligation.
We have discontinued the book series.
Customer Answer
Date: 09/21/2022
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:I do not want the following quoted text from Meredith Books to be published:
"Instead of returning the book to us, we would like ************************* to keep it with our compliments".
The nucleus of my problem is that I had ALREADY returned the book and provided acceptable verification that the book was returned, including pictures of the physical process!! Ignoring this fact is blatantly insulting, dismissive, and condescending!!!
The remainder of their statement can be published (with the omissions of the quoted text indicated)
Also, Meredith Books, and Better Homes and Gardens, must remove my name and address from their current and any future marketing lists!!
Once these exceptions are acknowledged and implemented, I can consider the matter closed.
****** ******
In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.
Sincerely,
*************************
Business Response
Date: 10/05/2022
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience ************************* has experienced.
We have discontinued the book series for ************************* and we have removed Dawnda from all promotional lists.
Customer Answer
Date: 10/05/2022
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:08/29/2022
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 paid $32 to renew *************************** Living magazine to November 2023. The company stopped publishing as of the May 2022 issue. They owe me a $24 refund for the issues I will never receive.Business Response
Date: 08/30/2022
We apologize for any inconvenience ************ has experienced.
The remaining issues of *************************** Living were transferred to Food & Wine.
We have now processed a refund for all issues that were transferred to Food & Wine. ************ should allow up to three weeks to receive her refund.
Customer Answer
Date: 08/31/2022
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:08/23/2022
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.
remove email from their data base as I get too many and unsubscribe button does not work. I call this a form of harassment. I have emailed them multiple times and called them with no resolution. not only do I want my email removed, but I WANT THE LINK FIXED. This is merely a form to make people looks at their ads in the system. Thank you. I want an email from them personally that the link has been corrected and my name removed. Thank you.Business Response
Date: 08/30/2022
We apologize for any inconvenience ************************ has experienced.
We have processed the request to have ************************ from our email list. Please allow 30 days for this to take effect.
Initial Complaint
Date:08/16/2022
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.
Entertainment weekly ceased publication. I was promised a refund since April ********* called again 7/7/22. My acct number **********. How many people besides me have been ripped off. I do not want a people magazine subscription. They owe me $13.00 . There number is **************Business Response
Date: 08/17/2022
We apologize for any inconvenience ******************* has experienced.
The order was placed through an independent sales agency and it will be necessary for the refund request to be sent to them. The agency information is below:
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** *** ****
********** ***************
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************
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