Free magazine trials? Except for that 41 cent stamp to tell them to stop harassing you

by Jen (August 1, 2007)

A while back, I took Real Simple up on their offer of a free no-risk trial magazine. They sent me two holida specials, as per the terms of the trial. I was underimpressed. Now, here’s where the risk comes in.

They billed me. I ignored it because they didn’t include a postage-paid envelope for me to mail back the invoice marked “cancel”. They billed me again - still no postage-paid envelope. And again.

I think it happened 4-5 times before they sent me a threatening letter that they’d turn it over to a collection agency. Yeah, a subscription of about $28, if memory serves.

So finally, I stamped the envelope and returned the invoice with some threats of my own. I called their actions “harassment” and mentioned lawyers.

That’s the last I heard from them. Just beware: a “no-risk free trial” does carry the risk that they will threaten and harass you. Would they actually have gone to collections? I kind of doubt it, but it’s the principle of the thing. Either it’s a sincere trial offer, or you are completely full of it and trying to force people into subscribing.

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