Stepniowski Family

Last spring, I came across a pretty cool publication that included a lot of different project ideas for kids.  A subscription was only $10, so I went ahead and gave it a try.  And, I even went as far as recommending it to a few friends.

The first issue took a while to get here, and it was about a month behind.  I could understand that.  I did like that you received a PDF version as well.  But, there hasn’t been any consistency between when you get the PDF and when you get the original.  Sometimes I even get double copies of the same issue.  Whatever.

The real problems with Disney Family Fun only started recently.  First, I decided to go ahead and fork out the extra $10 for the special Halloween issue.  So far, many weeks later after ordering online, I still don’t have it.  And, I’ve communicated with them via direct message on Twitter and also tried emailing them.  Still, no Halloween issue and Halloween is next week.  If I see the “Have you seen…” tweet regarding this issue one more time, I’m going to scream.

Then, I notice a charge of $14.99 on my Amex.  OK… my subscription isn’t due for renewal until next year and I don’t think it’s appropriate for them to go ahead and assume they can charge my credit card.  The first email reply I got on this was that a credit would be issued.  OK… and when is that going to happen?  The charge is still there.  Then, I go to the website and send another email asking about both the Halloween issue and the bogus renewal charge and I get this reply:

Hello,

Thank you for your letter. Please visit the following URL and click “Subscription Help” to contact FamilyFun Magazine: http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/

Regards,
Sharon
Disney Family.com
www.family.com

So, do you think maybe they could have just forwarded it?  I mean, the email that I sent to was in fact the one from the website @ FamilyFun.com Support <support@familyfun.com>.  You would think this would be the right place.  Of course, I couldn’t find an actual phone number to call.

And, yesterday was the icing on the cake… I got a package from the post office including a soaked October issue of the magazine.  Now, that’s not the special Halloween issue I’m waiting for.  That’s just my subscription copy that I’m not sure what the post office expects me to do with.  Would they like me to sit it outside to dry so I can wade through the crinkly pages?

I really wanted to be patient about all of this because the magazine itself is actually pretty good.  But, enough is enough.  I can’t tolerate incompetence when it comes to service and support regardless of how much I like something.  At this point, I’m just trying to get the bogus subscription charge cleared up and am crossing my fingers they don’t renew me next spring.