ComplaintsforIdaho Press Tribune

• Initial Complaint

  08/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I received notice last October that my Idaho Press Tribune subscription would come due on Dec. 1, 2023. The price was too high, so I called the customer service number provided to let them know I no longer wanted a subscription due to the high price. The customer service agent convinced me to stay a customer by lowering the price for a 52 week subscription if I would pay up front. I agreed, and paid the lower price. Fast forward to 8/5/24, I received a notice that my Idaho Press subscription would be ending on 9/11/24 (rather than 12/1/24). I called customer service telling them that it must be a mistake because I paid for a 52 week subscription that was supposed to begin on 12/1/23. Their response was that in their terms and conditions it says that price changes during the period would impact the 52 week subscription. First, I was not told of this important condition while renewing what I thought was a full 52 week subscription, and if there was ever a terms and conditions sent to me, I had already purchased the subscription and would not have paid attention after the fact. Second, every other subscription I have ever had, both newspaper and magazines, the purpose of paying up front for a longer term subscription is to lock in a specific agreed upon amount. This is not standard practice that an average consumer would suspect when purchasing a subscription up front. Since I was not told of this condition while purchasing the subscription and since it's not standard for other print media, I would deem it as sneaky and unethical as well to not honor an up front 1-year subscription. There is no reason to purchase up front if a future price change impacts the dollar paid.

• Initial Complaint

  03/27/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I met a commission paid newspaper salesman at ******** in *********. He said the subscription was only going to be about $18 and that my card would not be charged until the 29th of this month. I have been charged $10 and my card is now on file. So obviously this was a lie about it only being $17 and something cents or I was not told about the additional charge that was going to be made to my card. I would please like a refund and no additional charges be made to my card. I can't trust that you won't over charge my account.

  Customer response

  03/28/2024

  I signed up for the idaho state journal not the tribune. I am very upset about how my card number was transferred from the journal to the tribune. 

  Business response

  03/28/2024

  The $10 charge was a pre-authorization to ensure the validity of the credit card.  It was not an fully processed charge, noted in your attachment it is "Pending."  We have also stopped the processing of the actual charge and cancelled your subscription.  We hope you enjoy your free $15 gift card that you accepted.

  Customer response

  04/03/2024

   
  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. There was not clear communication about the surcharge. Perhaps next time the salesman can explain this better with the next customer. Thank you for your time.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  02/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a 3 month paper subscription (not digital) for my husband as a Christmas gift. It was to start January 1st. To date we received 3 papers in one day (2 old) and after complaining of non-receipt I received two other papers on another day (1 old). No other papers have been received despite numerous calls to the paper and promises by them to get the problem resolved. After several calls I asked for a refund and was refused. The customer service rep said they do not issue refunds but would extend my subscription. That's ridiculous considering they are not delivering the paper. Non-delivery can be proven by my doorbell camera.I called again last week and they assured me they were going to fix the problem and to 'give them a week.' The week is up, I've received NO papers, have not been contacted, and I want a refund. I have paid for a service not being provided. It was suggested we read the digital version which we will not do as we paid for a paper subscription and my husband does not want to read the paper on line. The reason we dropped the Statesman and went to *****'s paper was for a 'real' paper. Please help me get the refund that is owed me.

  Business response

  02/07/2024

  Refund has been processed and should be completed within 7 days.

  Customer response

  02/07/2024

   
  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.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****************************

• Initial Complaint

  11/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I live in a townhouse community that has 19 units. The community has an entrance, then a short lane to get to **************. I signed up to receive the Idaho Press Tribune (***) back in August of 2023. At the time the *** promised to deliver their paper to my unit just like every other delivery company ***************** and the Idaho Statesman). Unfortunately, they never did that. They kept dropping the paper at the front entrance of our community, over 100 yards from my unit. I called customer service numerous times (probably 4 or 5) to report the problem. I also reported the delivery issue to them (at least 10 times) through their online reporting system but they never did a thing. Finally, I got fed up and cancelled the paper. This was done in mid-September. I received confirmation of the cancellation. Unfortunately, they never stopped the delivery. The papers are piling up at the front entrance to our community as litter. Residents in the community are getting upset. To fix the problem I called *** customer service and reminded them I had cancelled their paper and that I wanted them to STOP THE DELIVERY! I called them at least three times with this request. The customer service woman kept saying that she will escalate this issue and make sure it is done . . . but the paper keeps coming. A week ago, I made my last call to *** ***************** I was very clear about what I wanted. I insisted that the paper delivery STOP. I was assured by the customer service lady that she would take care of that she didnt. Here, a week after that call, they are still tossing the paper in the entrance to our community. I dont know what else to do. Can you help? Note: I feel like this has something to do with their circulation numbers. Maybe they have a rule that even if you cancel the paper, they will continue to deliver it just to keep their circulation numbers up.

  Business response

  11/16/2023

  **************** contacted us directly via email with this complaint.  And here is my reply:

  From: *************************
  Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 6:30 PM
  To: *********************** <*********************>
  
  Subject: RE: Complaint to the BBB
  
  *****,
  I apologize for the inconvenience.  As it turns out we do have another subscriber that lives in your complex, although we didnt have a complete and accurate address.  We have remedied that issue and alerted the carrier contracted for delivery.  If you see anything to the contrary,please let me know and we will circle the wagon and take further steps to remedy the situation.
  
  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

  Customer response

  11/22/2023

   
  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

  10/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 10/8/2023 my family went to Octoberfest in Downtown ********. While we were there we purchased two baseball hats and a shirt from a vendor. Upon buying those goods I was informed that as a "local" I get 8 Sunday papers for free. I completed the purchase and was emails the attachment as my contract. The signature on the contract is not mine. During the conversation there was nothing mentioned about a contract or auto-renewal of the contract. I do not dispute the initial charge of $20. That was the agreed upon price for the goods I purchased. I did not agree to auto-renewal or auto-payments. I have emailed with the company this morning and told that I have to return the "free" gifts. I have responded to tell them there were no free gifts exchanged. The initial charge of $20 is valid. I only want them to not auto-renew the subscription. I feel like this is predatory and unethical advertising and business dealings. They had a three tables full of hats, t-shirts, and hoodies. No where did it say that is was a newspaper, or was there talk about subscriptions.

  Business response

  10/10/2023

  Per the customer request, **************** will NOT be charged any auto-renewals.  The initial charge of $20 will remain valid.

  Customer response

  10/10/2023

   
  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

  09/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased the Idaho Press Tribune subscription for my mom.at the Western Idaho Fair. They took my money and have Not delivered a single paper. When I call to get a reason why they have given me all sorts of excuses...a new person on the route..they quit and so forth. They " extend the subscription" but won't give me my money back. This business needs to be shut down because thery are Ripping People Off Left and Right!

  Business response

  09/19/2023

  Refund has been completed per customer's request.  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  07/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Approximately around the 5-7th of July I signed up for paper delivery. I have received one paper. I have sent numerous emails, complaints of where are my papers. I fell for the promo at the Boise Hawks Stadium. I signed my friend up for a subscription also. A couple weeks later I signed up my daughter in law. They live in Kuna. AGAIN, no papers. We signed up for the Tuesday thru Sunday papers. I used 3 different credit cards, under my name. I asked for a refund, they said they would give me a free month! A free month of nothing, thanks, but no thanks. They are running a pretty good scam.

  Business response

  07/27/2023

  Refund has been processed.

  Customer response

  07/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 20381540
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  This is a lie. They were set up at the Boise Hawks Stadium. They offered free gifts if you signed up for a subscription. I signed up for a subscription for myself, my friend and my daughter in law. We NEVER received any newspapers. They told me if the free gifts were returned, I would get my money back. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Business response

  08/08/2023

  Customer requested a full refund and a full refund was applied to the credit cards that she used.  I believe we have fulfilled her request.  

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I signed up at the ***** mall right after thanksgiving and was told I would get 3 free hats with subscription for $20 for 3 months. Told the guy I would do it and he filled out paperwork and I signed it. I had told him I wanted paper delivery and he said ok. I havent not received one paper since abs was charged $40. **** tells me that I signed up for online. I said no I know what I told him. She then says you didnt read your contract very rude! I said no I took your representative as a professional and his word and just signed it. Prior to this I had talked to an older gentleman there at their office and he had agreed and says he would get my refund approval because I didnt get what I signed up and he would get the final approval from a supervisor, well that was 3-4 weeks ago! Lady on the phone says I will give you 2 months free paper and I refused after she was unprofessional and unethical in their practice! WORST BUSINESS I HAVE EVER DELT WITH! I did it to help the guy at the ***** mall to get his goal! Worst mistake! DONT SIGN UP FOR ANYTHING! call center is in so called ********* but everyone their has a heavy accent and cant understand them!!

  Business response

  03/02/2023

  Attached is the signed customer receipt in which indicates an online only subscription (thus would not receive a print copy) and the terms of recurring charges.  Customer received 3 gifts (sports team hats) valued at over $30.  That said, when his dissatisfaction was presented to us, the customer service representative refunded $39.86.

  Customer response

  03/03/2023

   
  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,
  
  ***************************

  Customer response

  03/03/2023

  Press tribune made the refund yesterday and all is good now. But Im sure they still practice deceiving practices. I didnt read the contract I signed ****** the rep told me this is all we talked about and I took his word for it. Not knowing I was lied too 
  

• Initial Complaint

  12/16/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My wife subscribed to the Idaho Press Tribune at a kiosk. The only reason she subscribed is because they said it was for charity and was for only 2 months and would not auto renew. She never received any kind of receipt or copy of the contract. After 2 months our credit card was charged for $19.93. I emailed them on 12/9/22 and asked them to cancel my subscription. I received an email back on 12/12/22 saying that this was set up on auto renew and that my subscription would stop on 1/8/23. I called them back that day and talked to a customer service representative. I said I wanted it canceled and wanted a refund of $19.93. He said it is difficult to get a refund but that he would talk to his manager. I never heard back so I sent another email on 12/14/22 again asking them to cancel my subscription and to issue me a refund. I never received any response.

  Business response

  12/20/2022

  Refund in the amount of $19.93 has been processed and should be applied to the original card within 7-10.  Attached is the Subscription Receipt that confirms the terms of the transaction.  Please feel free to contact the Idaho Press @ ************.

  Customer response

  01/09/2023

   
  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

  02/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Worst customer service I have ever had!!!! . My elderly parents (92/93 yrs old) are subscribers for past almost 5 years and service gotten worse every year. I have called as their adult child with parents on line at least 4-5 times in past several months. Have asked repeatedly to talk to a manager - they refuse saying they are "well trained and able to handle any situation" only once they said they would have a manager call back after I was irate... never called. Tried emailing a manager. No response. The issue is my parents have requested (and we were told that it is possible to do this) to have the paper thrown onto porch.. near front door. They are both huge fall risks with history of falling and serious injuries. The paper is left in the middle of a sloping driveway that can easily be icy and ice is not always visible. After at least 8 phone calls by them and me with them... every time customer service apologizes and say they will fix issue. NEVER HAVE !! So we tried to cancel paper repeatedly and told we can not... then told them to just cancel without a refund... they say they will cancel, then a few days later call my parents and beg for just one more chance .. and still fail. We want to cancel FOREVER, which is a shame since my father LOVES print newspapers and can not read online... it is a safety issue due to my parents frail conditions and the Idaho presses incompetence and lack of trained drivers who will not take 2 extra minutes to pull in a drive way and are able to throw to the porch from a car window. We cancelled a few weeks ago and thought they would stop but this week starting delivering the paper again. They will not get one dime more we cancelled. They harass and fail to do anything they have promised. So disgusted. I want them to cancel the paper, not call and beg/harass my elderly parents to give them another chance (they have never gotten it right in past year or two .. and if they are due an actual partial refund then give it back. .

  Business response

  03/01/2022

  Contacted the consumer to clarify the complaint.

  Confirmed that delivery was stopped as requested and that a refund was sent.  Removed phone number.

  Below is the email thread.

   

  From: *************************** <*****************>
  Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 9:53 AM
  To: ************************* <**********************************************************>
  Subject: Re: Complaint
  
  CAUTION,this email originated from outside the organization.
  Thank you. Im just very frustrated that for months we were trying to get delivery issues sorted out and were never able to get any responses from someone in authority who could help with delivery issues. The shame is that my father loves your print paper and for a good long stretch they had a wonderful carrier who actually cared and made sure they got their paper safely on the porch in winter. Its also a shame that as so much news shifts to online that your company is not able to employ workers who can follow simple delivery instructions for the few holdout who prefer print. At this point I filed the complaints to get final resolution but its sad that your customer service and delivery department could not communicate more effectively and that they blocked any attempts to reach out to administrators towards resolution. 
  *******
  Sent from my iPhone
  
  
  
  On Mar 1, 2022, at 9:37 AM, ************************* <**********************************************************> wrote:
  
  Thank you for the reply.  I found the Idaho Press account under *************************. 
  
  Delivery was stopped on 8/8/2021. 
  
  A refund of $12 was issued on 8/9/2021 to a **** ending in 9782.
  
  Are they still receiving delivery?  It is not on the carrier delivery list.  Occasionally, the carrier does deliver a complimentary copy of the Meridian Press, but there is no charge for that.
  
  I removed their phone number from the account.
  
  Is there anything else I can do to help remedy this matter?
  
  
  
  From: *************************** <*****************>
  Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 8:49 AM
  To: ************************* <**********************************************************>
  Subject: Re: Complaint
  
  CAUTION, this email originated from outside the organization.
  Yes Im sorry for the confusion. My parents are ****** and *********************** , ********************************************************
  They have been customers for approximately 4 1/2 yrs. They are elderly so I filed the compliant on their behalf. I am happy to answer any other questions as needed. 
  *******
  Sent from my iPhone
  
  
  
  
  On Mar 1, 2022, at 8:35 AM,************************* <**********************************************************>wrote:
  
  Hi *******. Trying to find your parents account.  At *******************., we dont show that as an active subscriber since 2018.  Is there a different address that we should be looking at?

  Customer response

  03/01/2022

   
  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.
  

  While my issue to terminate delivery is easily resolvable it should be noted that this business was non responsive for months and only after I filed this complaint did they respond. At this point the service they have provided is so unacceptable that I just want it in record that Im sure they have many unsatisfied customers and would never refer anyone to subscribe to their paper. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

*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. ↩