Complaints
Customer Complaints Summary
- 87 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 24 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:04/10/2025
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 am disputing 2 orders - ***** & *****. I did not order / acct # *********** I have tried to cancel and contact them on their website - won't accept acct number (thats on the bills) even though its the same number used to log in Can't get though to them on the phone Have tried multible times and ways and they keep sending books and invoices They are a sleazy, sneaky company
Business Response
Date: 04/11/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ******** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
Our records show on July 16, 2024, we received an order from Ms. ***************** a book in Everyday Cooking book series. We shipped the book on July 25, 2024.
The next Books were shipped November 13, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
We have discontinued Ms.******** ********** in the book series and cancelled the unpaid invoices. Ms. ******** may keep the books and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process for that books.Initial Complaint
Date:03/17/2025
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.
My People and *** magazine subscriptions were cancelled without notice or reason during the delivery period. This occurred after payment of both magazines were paid for and processed. I had to cancel the original form of payment due to the card being hacked and cancelled by me. Im now waiting for a replacement card to arrive by mail. In the meantime, I stopped auto delivery because my subscription were placed under this card. I then immediately attempted to update a valid credit card for my account and both were cancelled. I never wanted either subscription cancelled and want to continue receiving them as was already paid for and happily receiving. Also, I was informed via email I was receiving refunds for both, however, the refund is going into the hacked, closed account. Please, please help me continue receiving my subscription for People and *** as I never intended to stop receiving them, but was merely updating my credit card information. Ive called and emailed the appropriate and correct contact people multiple numerous times without resolution or reason. I feel ****, a supervisor with CS was quite condescending and I felt insulted and hurt. Ive been a very loyal and happy customer of this organization for many years. Ive never had any issues and have enjoyed their magazines and offers. Im surprised at the lack of assistance I received from everyone I spoke to and the email responses that lacked any requested information from me regarding this matter.Business Response
Date: 03/18/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ***** has experienced regarding Better Homes and Gardens and People.
We have adjusted our records and resumed delivery of both subscriptions.
Better Homes and Gardens will resume with the February 2025 issue will continue through the December 2026 issue.
People will resume with the April 7, 2025, issue and will continue through the March 30, 2026 issue.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/22/2025
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.
Sincerely,
******* *****Initial Complaint
Date:02/10/2025
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.
Southern Living sent a Christmas Cookbook that was NOT ordered. It was sent back unopened more than a month ago marked "REFUSED." Subsequently, they have sent two (2) past due bills to which we responded appropriately (i.e., we returned the book): We do not want any further communication from them regarding the cookbook.Business Response
Date: 02/11/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ****** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
Our records show on October 7, 2024, we received an order for the Southern Living Calendar series. As stated in the offer, when ordering the Calendar, the customer would receive cookbook and automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time.
We shipped the next book on November 26, 2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series. Ms ****** should disregard any further invoices that may be in processCustomer Answer
Date: 02/11/2025
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.
Sincerely,
***** ******Initial Complaint
Date:02/10/2025
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.
This product sent "2024 Christmas with SL" was not ordered. This is a misleading offer. As a senior citizen, I feel taken advantage of and do not wish any further contact by this company.Business Response
Date: 02/11/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ****** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
Our records show on October 9, 2024, we received an order for the Southern Living Calendar series. As stated in the offer, when ordering the Calendar, the customer would receive free cookbook and automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time.
We shipped the next book on November 26, 2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series. Ms. ****** may keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process.Customer Answer
Date: 02/11/2025
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.
Sincerely,
***** ******Initial Complaint
Date:01/16/2025
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.
My 93 year old mother received a book from Meredith that she DID NOT order. My mother is not able to read this book, and for sure does not have extra money to spend on nonsense books she did not order! I will not spend any time and energy to see that this book is returned. I want her name and the account number on the attached statement taken off immediately! If she continues getting these unsolicited books, you will get a letter from my lawyer. ***** ********* Acct# on the Statement attached is ***********Business Response
Date: 01/21/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ********* has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
Our records show that on August 23, 2024 2024, we received an order from Ms. ********* for a book in the Christmas from the Heart book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on August 30, 2024.
The next book was sent November 18, 2024
We have discontinued the enrollment in the series. Ms. ********* may keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/30/2024
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 ordered a book in June. I paid for it. I did not want another. They sent another in November with a bill for $31.93. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford this, nor do I want it.I do not want a recurring order sent to me. Never requested it. I am 88 years old and can barely see. I would like to return the book, but cannot pay for postage. I have requested a mailing label pre-paid by them, but got no response.(My daughter is typing this for me)***** ******Business Response
Date: 01/02/2025
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ****** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
We received an order for the Everyday Cooking book series on July 1, ******* stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on July 12, 2024.
The next book was sent on November 13, 2024
Instead of returning it to us, we would like Ms. Lappie to keep it with our compliments. We have cancelled the balance due and there is no further obligation.
We have discontinued the book series for Ms. ***********
Initial Complaint
Date:12/19/2024
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.
My mother received a book from Meredith Corp. She didn't order it. I tried to return it to the address and the post office said it didn't exist. She paid the bill thinking that she would be in trouble if she didn't....She is 84. This must be a scam. The address is ***************************************************************************. I want to return this book (the package has not been opened) and my mother's money refunded. I am assuming it is Better Homes and Gardens.Business Response
Date: 12/19/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience.
We will need the name and address of the customer to locate the account.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/28/2024
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.The name and address of the customer is: ***** *******, ************************************************************************************************************. I hope that this can be resolved.
Sincerely,
**** ********Initial Complaint
Date:12/09/2024
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.
This company sent a cookbook to my elderly mother that was not ordered. And sent a bill for something not ordered. There is no way to call them, nor any way to return the book except to pay postage, and no way to cancel some unknown subscription or future orders.100s of the same complaint on BBB. We are happy to return the book if they provide return postage.Business Response
Date: 12/10/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience ***** ****** has experienced regarding Meredith Annual Books.
Our records show we received an order for the Everyday Cooking Book series on July 1, 2024. As stated on the order, Ms. ****** would received future editions in the series (no more than two a year) to preview for 30 days. The book was sent on July 12, 2024.
We have attached a copy of the order and payment we received for the book series.
The next book in the series was sent on November 13, 2024.
Instead of returning the book to us, we would like Ms. Bisset to keep the book with our compliments. We have cancelled the balance due there is no further obligation. We have also removed Ms. ****** from future book mailings.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/09/2024
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.
Persistent and Misleading Solicitations from Dotdash Meredith:Mailings from Dotdash Meredith, appearing to come from Better Homes & Gardens, to my elderly grandmother are designed to look like bills, creating confusion and unnecessary distress. The outside envelope is labeled "Billing Notice," and the enclosed paper includes a "Past Due" stamp along with phrases such as "Urgent Notice for [FULL NAME OF MY GRANDMOTHER]" and "Please send payment in the amount of $36.61 TODAY"; with "TODAY" in all caps and underlined. It includes the Better ******************************* logo, which is My grandmother has never subscribed to Better Homes & Gardens or any of its related services. It is evident she was targeted because this is a widely recognized brand among older individuals, which makes this practice particularly exploitative.These solicitations appear crafted to mislead elderly recipients into thinking they owe money, even when no obligation exists. These solicitations appear intended to trick elderly recipients into believing they owe money when they do not. This predatory tactic is deceptive, unethical, and clearly designed to confuse a vulnerable demographic.Despite previously contacting customer service and requesting the cessation of these mailings, they have continued unabated.This behavior is unacceptable, and no company should use deceptive practices to target vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. I urge the BBB to take action to hold Dotdash Meredith accountable and prevent further harm to others. Dotdash Meredith must cease all deceptive mailings, adopt ethical marketing practices, and take responsibility for these misleading solicitations.Business Response
Date: 12/10/2024
We will need the name and address as it appears on the billing notices.Initial Complaint
Date:11/25/2024
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.
Meredith is sending magazines not ordered. Repeated written requests to stop sending magazines are ignored. Calling the company there is no record of my account. It is a scam to demand I pay for these magazines.Business Response
Date: 11/27/2024
We apologize for any inconvenience Ms. ******** has experienced regarding Dotdash Meredith.
Our records show we received orders for Coastal Living, People, Southern Living, Traditional Home Quarterly, Travel and Leisure, and Meredith Time Books. We have attached copies of the orders that were available.
We have cancelled the orders and we are processing refunds. Ms. ******** should allow up to three weeks for delivery of her refunds.
BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.