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Reader's Digest

Customer Service Ratings and Comments

Reader's Digest is ranked #147 out of the 219 companies that have a CustomerServiceScoreboard.com rating with an overall score of 30.55 out of a possible 200. This score rates Reader's Digest customer service and customer support as Disappointing.

NEGATIVE Comments

42 Negative Comments out of 44 Total Comments is 95.45%.

POSITIVE Comments

2 Positive Comments out of 44 Total Comments is 4.55%.

Issue Resolution

Reachability

Cancellation

Friendliness

Product Knowledge

Disappointing Overall Customer Service Rating
  • Submit your comment >>
  • We have been subscribers to RD for the past 15 years, yet over the past few years we have never received the Jan. addition and continue to receive bills from them, despite the fact that this has been a gift to us by family members. Several calls have been made to correct the situation, only to find that the person is in a foreign country, more often than not they are rude and have no idea what you are talking about. I do agree with other subscribers that a CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT is a possible action.

    Anonymous 1/22/10 4:49PM

  • The repetitive billing statements made it difficult to know if they ever credited my payment to the account.... THEN they shafted me with the unsolicited book and free crappy gifts -- followed by collection letters. I sent written responses to the collection letters stating that I did NOT order the book -- and finally found the elusive customer service phone number on a website (consumer complaint website) and got the bill canceled. It is a nasty thing for them to do -- I will NOT ever renew my Readers Digest subscription.

    BJKPMA 1/19/10 9:24PM

  • I grew up with Reader's Digest. I looked forward to its arrival, and read it cover to cover, even as a child. Times have changed. We recently received unsolicited condensed books, followed by demands for payment, I have concluded that the folks who used to run Reader's Digest in the 60's & 70's have died, or are being held prisoner in the basement. I am now shocked and disgusted by their unethical bully tactics. I did manage to speak to a customer service rep. (in a foreign country) with minimal effort, only to be informed that we "had ordered the series". I firmly and adamantly advised the rep that, not only had we NOT ordered these books (or the ridiculous plastic train car that was included), but that I had done my research. I informed her that despite her protests to the contrary, it was blatantly obvious on numerous complaint websites that Reader's Digest was, in fact, sending out unsolicited merchandise, then trying to intimidate recipients into paying for the stuff. During my telephone conversation with the customer service rep., I ultimately got an apology, and a promise that we would receive no more merchandise OR bills from Reader's Digest. We shall see. I don't know exactly when Reader's Digest, a formerly respected, ethical and patriotic company, mutated into a corporation of professional scam artists - but they have lost our business, and our loyalty, forever.

    X-Attorney 1/12/10 1:13PM

  • Perhaps it's time for someone to file a CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT against them. That would certainly add to their serious financial situation.

    Anonymous---in Arizona 1/10/10 7:28AM

  • I continue to be frustrated when I visit my father and find yet another Reader's Digest "Free Book" that has been sent to him despite my repeated calls to remove him from all of their mailing lists. My father, though certainly not senile, is unable to grasp the concept of refusing a package that says free gift at the post office. It infuriates me the way they deliberately prey upon older people in this way.

    MB 12/31/09 10:50AM

  • I was sent a card for free gifts, I recived my gifts but then billed 30.21 for the so called free gifts. They piced out a condenced story book for me, and then prompley billed me for it. If I had wanted to pay for a book it would be to my type of reading, and I certenly would not pay 30.21 for a paper back book. I can get the most recent hardcover books for the same amount at any Book Store. sincerly Bernadine Crouse.

    Anonymous 12/30/09 4:05PM

  • Totally and utterly incompetent in sending out the right goods. Pathetic letters 'promising' to rectify - and didn't. Downright lies by the Customer Service Manager.

    This has been a demonstration of how many people can make a bad situation worse. Collective farce with NOBODY actually taking ownership. Readers Digest has become too big for them to manage.
    You have left me, the customer, behind.

    Stevew 12/27/09 6:56AM

  • Do a Google Search. Reader's Digest has FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32537169/ns/business-media_biz/

    Anonymous 12/24/09 4:08PM

  • I never renewed my subscription. Here it is 8 months later. I have NOT been receiving any issues in all that time. When they first mailed me an invoice 7-8 months ago I sent the invoice back stating my non-renewal. Every few weeks a new invoice is mailed to me. Now they claim an amount PAST DUE. I have filed a formal complaint with the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU and I urge everyone else to do the same. I also mailed back a cover letter of my own with a copy of their bill. Have not heard from them yet...two weeks. I used to really enjoy the RD, now it's just not worth the grief!

    Anonymous---in Arizona 12/23/09 8:57PM

  • 20 plus year subscribers to RD's Select Editions and love them. But over that time "free" books show up in the mail (never asked for), the latest "The Best Mysteries" series. Trying to get them to stop these freebies is a huge, time-consuming process. Contact numbers are never given, not even on the subsequent billings (book 2 and on are never free).
    J - SF Bay Area

    Anonymous 12/9/09 4:00PM

  • I was called by one of the so-called "agencies" representing Reader's Digest, I told the caller that I did not want to renew my subscription. When he persisted in asking me why I was cancelling, I ended the conversation. The representative called me back to say that my credit card was being charged and that there was nothing that I could do to stop it. When I tried to use the telephone number to call the so-called "Customer Care," the machine refused to recognize any verbal responses. Finally, after a long wait, I actually spoke with a representative of Reader's Digest who apologized and agreed to cancel the subscription.

    RDMIII 12/7/09 10:15AM

  • Don't feel like the Lone Ranger.

    I renewed in Sept. and now I get a notice on the 17th that I have until the 16th to renew.

    Also, back in April they said they would extend me subscription on to another. Which has not happened.

    REL 11/18/09 8:29AM

  • Reader's Digest has apparently lost my subscription. I received a gift subscription for 24 issues. It was ordered in October of 2008 through my daughters' girl scout troop. At the same time, I ordered a 24 mos subscription for my parents, also through girl scouts. My parents are still receiving issues, and my account has been terminated. I tried speaking to Customer service and they tell me that they have no record of my order since 2006 when my parents and I also ordered 24 issues for each other. Those issues expired at the end of 2008. I have JUST received my "last" issue in November of 2009. My parents are still receiving issues. If Reader's Digest has no record of my 2008 order, why have I gotten the last 12 issues? They gave me a phone number of "Quality School Plan" who also had no record. Apparently they just didn't want to help me any more.

    fluttering2002 11/6/09 1:53PM

  • Reader's Digest is a bunch of scammers promising FREE FREE FREE calendars (desk and wall), gift subscriptions, "attractive gift card", etc. I called three weeks ago about my sister's never having received one Reader's Digest - they had her address wrong and promised to send her a FREE YEAR beginning with the next issue. Additionally, I was promised a FREE calendar for her and for me (desk AND wall - TWO!!). Additionally, I told them I did NOT want to renew. Today I got a bill in the mail to renew. Once again, this BILL promises FREE gift for me if I play their silly sticker game. This BILL was also for me to PAY FOR A RENEWAL for the "gift" my sister never received. I called and was told that the "Gift subscription" for my sister had expired! Ha! Again, Reader's Digest, while a good magazine, has a bunch of scammers working there. If I want one, I'll just pick it up at the grocery store to avoid all the excitement, and then the let down, about all the FREEBIES promised. SJR Universal City, TX

    suereinikk@aol.com 11/3/09 12:07PM

  • Thank you so much for providing this 800 number to contact them. I too received a book that was marked Free Gift on the box with absolutely no accompanying paperwork. A few weeks later I received another book that was a "series" continuation of the first book. This one was also marked Free Gift on the box, but came with a bill. Since I had already opened the box I didn't want to spend for re-packaging and shipping, so after about three notices that my payment was overdue, I paid for the second book. Apparently the first book really was free. After they received payment for the second book, they mailed me a third!!! Followed shortly by a letter saying payment was overdue. I had already sealed the overdue notice back to them with a terse note that I would not be paying for the book when I came across this 800 number. The menu system insists that you select from a set of choices that indicate that you want to pay for a subscription or merchandise. I just pressed "0" repeatedly until the system transferred me to a live operator, who claimed that I had ordered this series of books as part of a sweepstakes entry. Complete rubbish! Also found out that there is a 4th book apparently on its way to me in the mail. They agreed to stop mailing me any more books and to send me two postage pre-paid return labels for books 3 and 4. Very annoying that all their bills and overdue notices provide no phone number to contact them. More annoying to realize that this is deliberate so most customers will pay the bill rather than contesting it.

    UnhappyRDcustomer 10/30/09 6:40AM

  • I received a book today Oct. 27,2009 I did not order, this is the second book I have received this year that I DID NOT ORDER. I have called them and they said to return it. I am not paying for the postage to send it back. I live on a fixed income and I am really ticked off. M J ADAIR

    M J Adair 10/27/09 4:54PM

  • Recieved another letter from collections dept for unsolicited SELECT EDITIONS shipment that was NEVER ordered. They also threaten to instigate more efforts to collect the payment. I have now gone ahead to cancel this service on their website.
    Also, bills keep coming for unknown reasons. I have already paid my year's subscription!

    I'm planning to stop RD forever as their marketing and advertising dept have sunk to very low levels.

    Nelson 10/22/09 6:35AM

  • I like others received a free book in the mail. I then received another with no paperwork in the box. The outside stated free gifts. About 3 weeks later I received a bill for the book. When I contacted them via email to say I would not pay for anything I did not order. They couldn't find my account. Now 3 months later I have received a past due bill from collections. I emailed back saying I will not pay for what I did not order. Mt RD credit status is at stake.

    Never will deal with these people. I will also be contacting the Better Business Bureau about the matter.

    K 10/5/09 11:05AM

  • I don't know about all of you, but I am tired of receiving all the invoices in the mail telling me that this is my last notice and my subscription isn't due until 2012! I just called to make sure I was NOT sending gift subscriptions this year and he said they were not automatically renewed, but turned right around and asked me if I wanted to renew!! I WILL NOT renew when this is finished, no wonder they have financial problems...

    Lin 9/16/09 12:39PM

  • I just received an invoice stating I owe Reader's Digest $30.28 for Connecticut Yankee. I never ordered it, nor have I ever received it. To top it off, attached to this invoice is a "Letter of Instruction" to be awarded $47,750.00 with an account number. Once I pay the amount I "owe" I will then be entered for a possibility to win the money! This really ticks me off!!! How many people will fall for that line? Too many! Reader's Digest gives the impression that if their 'bogus' bill is paid (even if no one has purchased a thing) that person will then win a big pile of money. This infuriates me because it's very misleading and underhanded. Reader's Digest needs to concentrate on honesty and outstanding morals not deception!

    dand2berry 9/13/09 6:46AM

  • I called because I was sent an email asking me to participate in a sweepstakes. I have just renewed my subscription so I assumed this was a way to say "thanks", couldn't have been more wrong. After clicking on numerous links I realized that I had inadvertently subscribed to some kind of RD book club. I then went online to find a number to call to cancel and couldn't find it on their site, actually found it here (thanks contacthelp.com). I called and after going through the robo-operator I was finally able to speak to a live person. i explained my problem and she told me I'd have to wait to cancel until my order was process, which would be 48-72 hours or until it was shipped. I explained Iwas very frustrated and asked who I could talk to to get it resolved today (i didn't yell, but used my professional business voice) and what doya know? She was able to cancel it today afterall. I am very disappointed RD....

    Jo 8/26/09 9:56AM

  • I have enjoyed Readers Digest for years in physicians offices and other waiting rooms, I received a great offer in the mail to order the magazine so I took advantage of the offer. What a Because I them started getting (FREE BOOKS) in the mail. Their was no telephone number to call and cancel the subscrption. Then a second book arrived followed by a bill with no phone number to cancel> The bill did contain a address to send the $29.95 for a free book I didn't order or even want. I hired someone to take two letters certified to the payment center to stop all free books or any thing else Free that READERS DIGEST was giving away. I wanted no communication with them at all. This was followed by another bill with a demand for the payment for the free book and another book was on its way. At this time a friend went on line and found this web site with a telephone number to call. After rude personnel answered the phone and laughed at me for complaining they gave me another number to call related to the Free READERS DIGEST BOOKS (that are not free) supposely the issue has been resolved. I hope so. I work six days a week from 4am till 6-6:30 pm and this suitation is causing me problems and money that I shouldn't have to spend.
    If I was going to spend 29.95 for a book it would be of my choosing not an abridged edition of someone else choice. My free time is valuable to me and I don't want any one choosing my reading selections. Beside, you can't even give these books away at a yard sale. Linda S.

    linda s 8/25/09 4:19PM

  • Our family subscribed to Readers digest for at least 60 years. We no longer do so because of all the unsoliceted crap that comes with a subscription, I have tried at least 6 times to UNSUBSCRIBE to your email listing. Note comes back saying unable to deliver. Phone calls go through to some idiot that dose not understand or speak english very well, all they do is threaten to cancel our subscription to OUR CANADA.Of course you would like that because it is paid for. PLEASE TAKE US OFF YOUR E MAIL LIST.....Jack Klassen Kelowna BC

    Jack Klassen 8/19/09 9:58AM

  • Good magazine - EVERYTHING ELSE is LOUSY! Rude, deceptive, double shipping, crazy billing, sneaky, take advantage of the elderly, do not comprehend anything you tell them. I could go on and on. Basically customer service STINKS at every level.
    Would you like to know how I really feel????

    Anonymous 8/17/09 3:54PM

  • Thank you Carol from Lexington, SC. A few weeks ago, I received a Select Editions book in the mail. The outside of the box read "Free Gift", I also wondered why I was receiving this thing out of the blue, that I did not order. I immediately crossed out my name and wrote "Return To Sender". Last week, I received another book packaged just the same on the outside, but this one had a BILL attached to it, claiming that I was past due $30 some dollars,and that I needed to pay it by Aug. 27th. Then, just a few days later, I received another bill in the mail stating that I was past due and that it was suppose to have been paid by Aug. 4th. And I did not order this either. Talk about a scam. Well, this time, I unfortuneatly opened the box to see what it was - just junk - and a stupid book I would never read. I am furious that I now have to spend time, trouble dealing with something that has nothing to do with me. I also thought RD was a reputable co. - UNTIL NOW. Deb, Austin, TX

    Anonymous 8/15/09 10:54AM

  • My husband purchased a year subscription, he paid in full for the year, the checked is cashed out of the account and yet every month he got a invoice/statement he had not paid and now had a "deliquency bill". What a load of CRAP is that! Have not even seen even 1 subscription of reader digest that supposedly sent to the house and it about close to 1 year to date that I paid for 1 year subscription. There is no FREAKING customer service number on the bill for you to call. So rather you asking my husband for payment with a "deliquency bill"; it should be him asking you where is his copy of monthly reader digest? And I thought all this time Reader Digest is a reputable company. Trust me if I know of anyone that plan to buy this magazine I will suggest that they not, but all you will get is a deliquency bill notice and not any magazine in your mail box.

    QLHA75 8/10/09 3:22PM

  • These folks have a huge scam operation running here. They send you a renewal reminder that is very ambiguious as to when your subscription actually expires and if you do manage to figure out that you still have a year left on what you have already paid and ignore it they then start sending you reminders that make it appear that your subscription is expired and you owe them money - NOW!! I had 11 months remaining on my subscription and they told me that they were going to turn me over to collections. Needless to say, I no longer have a subscription. I will say that they did "Fess up" and refunded me for the unsued portion of my subscription. Amazing that a refund was issued to an account that was going to go to collections. Do I enjoy the magazine, Yes - will I ever subscribe again , NO WAY!!!

    old_guy 8/5/09 2:23PM

  • I recieved a bill in the mail today. There is no customer service phone # listed on the bill to get clarification for the hogwash they claim. Sure enough i called the customer service line via your listing and i'm paid up through 2010. Talk about a way to take advantage of someone, if i hadn't keeep a record of my bills i would of repaid them again. They use way too many tricks to make you think your account is delinquent.

    Anonymous 7/11/09 12:12PM

  • I recieved a bill in the mail today but was so sure that i had already paid the bill, and sure enough i called the customer service line and i'm paid up through 2011. talk about a way to take advantage of someone, if i hadn't keeep a record of my bills i would of repaid them again.

    Anonymous 7/9/09 3:07PM

  • The phone number does work but you might as well be talking to a recording. They are trying to sell you something all time you are voicing your complaint! It makes me mad when I get a renewal notice (hoping I'll just pay it) stating my subsrcription runs out in 1 month, when actually it is good through 2010.

    Anonymous 7/7/09 11:35AM

  • This number does work, but the customer service is quite poor. I was trying to cancel a gift subscription (my mother and I ordered duplicate subscriptions for my grandfather). Readers Digest claimed to have no record of it and that they had never received payment despite the fact it had cleared my credit card. I have had to dispute the charge directly though my credit card company!

    Anonymous 6/10/09 7:35AM

  • My father lost my mom 2 months ago and kept receiving the Reader's Digest. RD called and he informed them of this. The next week he received another RD and it was titled "To the estate of". He has been harrassed by RD and finally I decided to set in. I called RD and told them if this continued we would call the BBB and the State Attorney General on them. They informed me that my father was receiving calls from their Marketing firm. I informed them that they need to call this firm and request my father be taken off of their call list. Hopefully this will end.

    Jo 4/6/09 12:36PM

  • This is the second time I have given the RD mag a chance to please me. They have not done so. This evening they called me to advice that they were sending me a free book which I did not want. The agent said that they would send me a new book each month for a certain figure I believe was $21.95. Little did they know that we are on the no call list and they broke the law that forbids companies from calling these numbers. The lady was surprised inasmuch that they did not know about the list.
    I called the RD 800 number and spoke with a nice lady in the Philippians and explained that I wish to CANCEL my subscription ASAP. After listening to my story she said she would cancel the subscription for me and tell the front office the problem.

    I seriously doubt her and her front office.

    alanlbessey 4/1/09 4:00PM

  • Scam is the exact word to describe what this company is doing. I called over a month ago and was assured my problem would be handled by someone higher up in the organization. Of course there has been no correspondence at all. I am very disappointed in this company and will NEVER buy anything they have to offer.

    Anonymous 3/23/09 9:27AM

  • This is about the "Free Select Editions" book sent without request. NOTHING in enclosed mailing to help anyone REFUSE any further shipments. Another one arrives with a bill.
    Called to let them know we did not order and do not want any further shipments and was assured that no further shipments would arrive and to disregard bill. Bill arrived about 4 days later. Called again 800-344-2560 and talked with Amity and was again assured to disregard the bill and no further shipments would be forthcoming. I am posting the phone number for the SELECT EDITIONS to help any one being harrassed by Reader's Digest. I am very disappointed in this company and will NEVER subscribe to anything they have to offer. I feel so sorry for the people that they scam in this manner that have no one to help them fight against it.

    Optasia 3/17/09 9:14AM

  • My rating for this company "F" in every department!

    Anonymous 3/4/09 11:42AM

  • I find this company to be very unconcerned about anything..........just keep sending all those promises of free gifts and winning millions. I will never buy anything from them ever again because of the advantage they take of the elderly and sick. They do not care any more when you call them, they say they will refer you but you never hear another word, just more information of free (?) gifts.

    Kay 3/4/09 11:37AM

  • I have been going through my deceased Mother's papers and I am outraged that you take advantage of the elderly. Mom was in her late 80's and fell for every stupid scheme you mailed to her. I think your company is criminal in their actions. Thank goodness my Dad finally started returning the books to sender. By the way, I just called customer service and they hung up on me. Very classy.

    Anonymous 2/20/09 12:13PM

  • Sent a statement to renew after I put cancel on bill BUT customer service said to diregard as it was preprinted and the account was canceled. Seem in a hurry to get you off the phone.

    anonymous 2/17/09 12:48PM

  • We have received for xmas a Guide de la Route for France, some of the maps are missing and some are duplicated. We cannot find a number to ring to get it exchanged or an address to return it to for exchange. Can anyone help

    Anonymous 1/18/09 5:42AM

  • I subscribed to RD in Nov 2008 plus 4 gift subs. All the gifts were rec'd but I have not rec'd my mag. I have called different #s but never get anyone who can help. One only handled credit cards, I sent a check which was cashed in Nov but still no RD for me. The same thing happened to me approx 3 yrs ago when I swore I would never again get RD.And now they call me to extend my sub when I still haven't rec'd a mag. HELP!! I don't know where to turn.

    Sue Callahan 1/14/09 12:07PM

  • I would like to continue my subscription to R.D ,but they make it so difficult unless you use checks. Hello, this is the 21st century!

    Anonymous 12/30/08 5:51PM

  • Submit your comment >>
  • Last month I received a Select Editions book, four books combined in a paperback. It was supposed to be a free gift. This month I received a second book with a pen and a small plastic toy and a bill for $30.70. I never ordered the books, so I called customer service. Bryan was very apolegetic and helpful. He removed the charges and cleared my account without giving me any problems. I still believe Reader's Digest is a reputable publishing company.

    Ruben 8/24/09 5:17PM

  • I have been a subscriber to Reader's Digest for a number of years and have always had GREAT customer service as well as subscriber service in getting the magazine on time. I am surprised to read some of these comments saying that RD is anything but helpful, as that has not been my experience at all. Thank you for a wonderfully readable and family-friendly magazine that I enjoy reading and from which I get a lot of helpful information. Laurie

    Anonymous 8/11/09 1:03PM



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