Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Commercial Readers Service's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Commercial Readers Service

  1214 Towanda Ave. Bloomington, IL 61701

  
• 

  Commercial Readers Service

  P.O. Box 959 Normal, IL 61761-0959

  

The 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:02/11/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  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.

  We are an assisted living & memory care facility. Our residents never read these magazines when they arrive. Since taking over, I have learned that this subscription service was entered into by a former employee, (who was never authorized to make any sort of purchases or enter into any type of contract), as a result of a phone call received from CRS back in 21 & /22. I attempted to cancel this upon taking on the coordinator position, back in November of 2024 and was rudely told by a gentleman that I was forwarded to, that I could not cancel this because the former employee entered into a contract when she agree to the CRS cold call back in late 2021 or early 2022. She may have agreed, but that doesn't mean that she was authorized to do so. In early February 2025 I attempted to cancel this again, with a call to the CRS toll free number. It was answered by a kind woman, who I believed was named ***** or ********, and she explained the same spill that I've read on other complaints. She even promised to send me a new list of magazines to select from, to try and make this subscription worth while. Seven days later and no communications. Enough is enough. Judging by the number of complaints that mirror my issue, I'm not alone in our disgust with this company. Without resolution, my next step is to submit this to our Legal Department and let them take control of this issue. I would rather not take this route, although it appears that may be required due to all of the other complaints posted on the BBB site and the generic responses from CRS on each of them.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/12/2025

  Good Afternoon,

  *********** 

  This account for ********* ****** ****** was set up by ****** ********** in Aug 2022, this account has ran fine up to this point and as far as our company was concerned the residents were enjoying the service.  Mr. ***** is correct that he spoke with our company , that was myself and I did email Mr. ***** all that I said I would the same day.  The email came back non deliverable, so I called the location to have him call me .  Once this complaint arrived I saw that I had missed 10 in his email.  As I explained to him we pre pay for the service to lock in the price for the service and prevent price increases.  I also explained this was all gone over in detail before the order was put through. The account will auto stop on the expiration dates as I explained.  I would b more then happy to discuss this with him.  I take the time with each one of these complaints when I reply.  We want our clients to be satisfied with the service until the end date and I was do my best to make that happen. I'm not about bad mouthing other companies just because I don't like what they are telling me,  we all have our processes.  To attack a companies standards and give opinions on our company character is really showing no grace or professionalism.  I have marked the accounts to not be renewed or any offerings of special prices and will auto stop on the expiration date that we discussed during our phone conversation. Again, I am more then happy to discuss this with Mr. *****, and I also resent the email today with the correct email. Any questions let me know.   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/14/2025

  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.

  I certainly appreciate the dialogue because prior to my taking this new role, there were 3-4 calls made to CRS with each being answered by different associates, along with varying answers. 

  ****** was very kind, clear and concise when explaining how the service operated and our options, which was quite refreshing.  

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/26/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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.

  10/30/2024 I got a call from Commercial Readers service asking about magazines purchases and explaining how low the price would be and how fast the magazines would come. I emailed on Dec 9th 2024 noticing and was told I couldn't have a substation from the company I work for and there had been no magazines delivered. I was told I cant cancel even doe I didn't get anything in the mail I explained the job is not allowing me to keep it and I need to cancel. I was told our company already pre paid the publishers for the full term of the services. When asked if I had the authority to make the purchase I'm sure I said umm I should be able to that is not a full yes! The bill is way more then I was told the rep talked fast. They called me right when I was in the middle of a party for my resident's I told them I would pay just for what we get but would like to cancel this. Spoke with ***** ********. Also in the bill it says the Publishers do not offer these Magazines for the full term of your services, Please select an Additional Publication from enclosed list. So why am I being charged for something I will not get and being forced and bullied when trying to cancel? If I signed up for something and I was told it can happen then why cant I get what I signed up for?" Was not told it would be 29.98 a month and not told I was signing up for 3 years. No thank you cancel it please guess I should of read the ****** reviews. And had company to block there number.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/06/2025

  Sorry for the delay on our response I have been out of the office since Dec 20,2024, just returned today.  I did speak to Ms. ****** on Dec 9, 2024, and I did explain to her how the order was set up.  She placed the order on behalf of ****** ** ***** ***** located in Largo FL.  I explained that the order was placed on Oct 31, 2024, and went to the publisher on Nov. 15,2024.  If she would have called in within that time we could have canceled the order.  Once it goes to publisher we are required to pre pay the whole 36 month service, as we would have told her when she signed up the business.  We never said would be a rush order, and the time frame was there for her to cancel , she just waited over a month to call. Ms. ****** explained she had received nothing from us so far as of that day.  I explained it takes 6-10 weeks for the publications to start and would get full 36 month service, she never mentioned that she had received the written guarantee or any questions she she had regarding the paper work.  To be very clear she will get the full 36 months of service on the publications listed, even if on her guarantee it show it does not run for 36 months , any that are short are added on when time comes.  Three of the publications are one year short but as promised when signed up the business will get full 36 months.  Ms. ****** stated that she could not get approved , then I did explain that we would have asked if she had authority and if she would have said even that she had to check we would have never put order through. We did disclose all information on verification my associate that is in charge of pulling the verification is out of the office but I will send her the recording of her placing the order in the morning, if she has any questions please contact me at ************.  The account was prepaid per her request.  Account number is ***********.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/06/2025

   I am rejecting this response because:
  The magazines are not wanted. No they didn’t say a speedy service but haven’t gotten anything and just over all don’t want them period. It’s a scam look at the other reviews people are all saying that something. Like I said if I asked for something and it’s not honored then I don’t want it 
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/13/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  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.

  As mentioned by many others, this "business" takes advantage of senior living/care facilities. They contact employees who are not authorized to approve contracts and claim those employees agreed to ridiculous subscriptions. When you call to cancel that subscription, they claim it can't be canceled because they preorder 48 months worth of products in advance. I contacted one of the magazine companies directly who stated their magazines are shipped directly from them to the facility each month. They have no knowledge of a 48 month preorder. That magazine company had no problem with stopping the monthly deliveries that commercial readers claimed could not be stopped.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/14/2024

  This account was renewed in Aug 2024 by **** ******* , act director of  ******** .  I would like to note this location has been a client of ours since 2018 with no problems or issues, until Mr. ****** sent me and email yesterday and then this complaint today. I have attached the signed signature card of the order being accepted and the business requested to be invoiced monthly.  We had dealt with ***** ***** since the beginning of the service with ********. When was renewed **** ******* informed us that ***** was no longer there.  We made sure when renewed that authority to purchase for business was asked. Also we have the signature card as well, not real sure what the disconnect is , but I have marked the account to not be renewed at the end of the service.

  As for the investigation into our business practice by Mr. ******, I am not real sure who he spoke with regarding the publications , but we do pre pay for the publications for the business or we would never be able to secure the rate each month from price increases.  I would be more then happy to talk to Mr. ****** , I can be reached at ************.  In closing the order was placed and verified twice with the business.  Account number for the business is ***********.  Any questions please let me know. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/15/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Neither the manipulative recording with an unauthorized employee nor the signature card state that the subscription cannot be cancelled as the representative with CRS who I spoke to claimed. The 4 magazines included in the subscription have all stated they would discontinue deliveries and end the subscription therefor you all are no longer providing a service to us. Based on the consistency of this exact complaint, I would expect you as a "business" to make changes and operate more ethically rather than taking advantage of people. I am making it clear now that we do not authorize recorded phone calls in this facility and the only authorized approver is the executive director at the facility. Since the terms of cancellation are never listed, the original subscriber is no longer at the facility, and you are no longer providing a service, we will not continue making payments for 48 months as you all are demanding through your scam.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/19/2024

  Per the owner we will close the account once we receive $124.90 which covers issues already received for *********** once that payment is made the account will be closed and left in good standing with our company.  Out of respect for the business relationship that ******** has had with our company since 2018 we will close and leave in good standing again once payment is received. Please remember that we have always delivered the product we said we would at the rate we promised. A lot of scams in this world but fortunately my company is NOT one of them.  Wishing all a great holiday season. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/20/2024

  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. We will verify products already delivered and ensure payment is made for those items.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/19/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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.

  We are a senior living community and Commercial Readers Service called and spoke to a staff member about signing up for magazine subscriptions. This staff member is not authorized to enter into a verbal agreement on behalf of the company and the person on the phone did not ask if she was authorized to make such agreements on behalf of the company. Commercial Readers Service preys on these types of employees in order to scam them into a "verbal contract." As a senior living community we thoroughly vet all vendors and only enter written contracts after they have been reviewed approved by the Director, CFO and CEO. As soon as I received the first invoice , I reached out to cancel services immediately. I spoke with ***** at CRS who confirmed there was no signed written contract. She insisted that a verbal contract from an unauthorized employee was binding and threatened to send the account to collections if we did not fulfill the 48 month agreement for 24.98 per month. This company is predatory. Read all the complaints. They are all very similar stories! How has the BB given them an A+ rating when they are clearly scamming businesses? Do a search on the internet for their company name associated with scam and will find a long list of complaints. This unauthorized subscription service needs to be cancelled immediately.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/22/2024

  This account was set up on Feb 12,2024 for ************ ******* ***********.  The order was placed by ******* ***** the activity director of location.  We set all of orders up the same way, 2 phone calls , one being the verification of order being placed which is what we are required by the publishers to have.  We mail everything in writing the same day, which arrived at the business 3-5 business days later. We received nothing back from the location and ******* did call in a few months later and changed publications. The order was sent to publishers on Feb 25, 2024 , since we hold our orders for 10 business days just in case the business needs to change something on the order.  The final questions on the verification tape is do you have authority to purchase for the business, ******* stated she did.  After reviewing the order being placed she seems very knowledgeable of what she was doing.

  Mr. **** contacted our company on July 19, 2024 and wanted agreement and we did play that for him, then wanted written agreement and we did explain that it was sent to business when order was placed.  The agreement does come in business name only attn. to person that placed the order. Once explained Mr. **** informed us that they would not pay anything until was reviewed by legal.  The account was also noted that we were contacted by ***** the Admin of location and she requested we email her a W9 and invoices for the account.  Which we did do.

  I am unsure what the disconnect is and really just came up within the last few weeks.  I am willing to cut the order from a 48 month service to a 24 month service.  Once account is done it will auto stop.  Nothing auto renews with my company.  If agreed will mail all confirmation to the location. I am going to attach the verification of order being place and will be found once listened to completely that ******* did tell us she had authority for the order. My email is ********************************** or can be reach at ************.  Again, I will also attached recording in another response.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/22/2024

   I am rejecting this response because: This company is clearly predatory and has been preying on senior living communities and small business for several years now. There are 2 pages of complains with the BBB. Their services are not wanted and are unauthorized by the proper personnel. There is a reason why this company does not have written contracts. Any respectable company has transparency with their clients. Recording a phone call is shady and misleading and this company needs to lose their business license and BBB accreditation. How can the BB allow this to continue over and over after a history of the exact same complaint. I have contacted the Illinois Attorney General regarding this company and their practices. I want this account closed immediately.
  
  
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/25/2024

  After speaking with the owner we have went in and cancelled this account .  We have as well marked the location to not be called or receive any mailings from our company.  As for Mr. **** view on our company, I feel I could explain all day our process,  and as well give example after example of customers that have been happy with the service, but I don't believe that it would make a difference.   I can only wish for them a happy and prosperous future.  Any questions please feel free to contact me.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/25/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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.

  Commercial Readers contacted our facility phone number by a solicitation call. They asked for our activity director and recorded her ordering magazine subscriptions for 48 months. This employee was NOT authorized to make purchases for our company and is no longer employed by our company. We did do not allow soliciting phone calls at our business for this reason so this was obtained illegally and we paid for 24 months because we had already received products and we were trying to do the right thing. However, I have called and tried to reason with this company and they do not listen to the fact they should have never called our campus to solicit and never accepted a random employees word for being the word of the company to pay for products for 48 months.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/26/2024

  I want them to stop the subscriptions, that we have already paid for over three years, that they obtained illegally by phone solicitation to my business.  They took the word of an employee that did not have the authorization to make such a large transaction. 
  Cancel the remaining portion of the 48 months, which in itself is excessive as well. These people know what they are doing when they call companies and ask for one of these employees and talk them into things that they have no authority to do.  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/27/2024

  Good Afternoon,

  After some research on this complaint for account number **********  ***** ******* ******* ** **** ***** *** *** ****** *** ******  I have been trying to reach out for the last several months to resolve account.  The account was ordered 11/24/2021 and was sent to publishers on 12/10/2021.  Our company did prepay the publishers for the full term of the 48 months service .  The order was set up to run auto each month by credit card that the company gave us. At anytime were there were no authority issues going on, the account for the publications was decline in Sept of 2023, and since that time we have had many issues getting payment 20 of the 48 payment have been made.  Truly not a good faith kind of deal except on our part.  I can understand the turnover of employee's but at no time was I really under the assumption this account would not pay until receiving this complaint.  I have held this account from going to an outside collection agency because I was told the invoices were in process, until I received a invoice back through the mail with the new address of where the activity director ******* new location of employment.  This is not a personal account we only deal with business.  The account is delinquent $359.73 over 9 months.  If business wants to pay for product already received, I will cancel the balance and will leave the account in good standing. Please reach out and let me know asap so I can get some conclusion for both companies by the end of the month.  I can be reach at ************.  I would reach out to client, but I already have left several messages. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/02/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I spoke to ****** the representative, I believe this company works around the rules. They verbally record people who do not have the authority to make these decisions, BY SOLICITING ON THE PHONE, asking for employees that they can talk into making this decision with high pressure sales.   There are multiple complaints about this on this thread.   They should be made to have a signature by administration. 
  ****** tried to argue that it was sent to our administration but it was sent to our bill pay rep over multiple locations after a credit card was denied after the unauthorized staff was fired.   
  The bill pay rep only saw it as a bill and did not question its authenticity as that was not her job.  
  it was only after an employee called me, the owner,  saying the rep was threatening to send it to collections against her personally. They scared the employee enough that she called me and as I investigated I found the above information to be true.  
  This should not be allowed, these practices should not be allowed. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2024

  Sorry for the delay on my response I have been out of the office.  I did speak with Ms. ******* and this account *********** is closed and left in good standing with our company.  We did discuss how the account was set up , and how was paid etc.  At no time during this account were we told the activity director did not have authority, until I spoke with Ms. *******.  I have never threatened anyone to the point I have scared them as Ms. ******* could tell by speaking with me.  I explained every detail of the account and the only conclusion we both could come up with is pay for what the company had received, which the company did and now account is closed.  I had thought that we had resolved the complaint.   If Ms. ******* would like to send me a list of all locations she is attached too, I will be more then happy to make sure the locations are removed from our call list.  Any questions please call *************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/25/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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.

  4/25/24 I tried to cancel service and was told that I needed to wait until 2027 (the end of the 48 month term) When I signed up for the service, I was told I could cancel at any time. I offered to pay for current use and send cancellation notice in writing, but they still said no.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/26/2024

  This order with our company was placed on May 15, 2023, we are required to tape verify every order that is placed with our company per the permission of the client representing the business. In the case Ms. ******* ****** placed the order for **** *** ******, 8 different publications for $24.98 per month. We disclose all details of the service and the business would have to agree with all terms before we can send the order to the publisher.  We also mailed all in writing as well to the business .  Nine payments have been made on the account and  we were surprised when we received this complaint .  We did speak with ********* in the business office on April 25th and explained all terms of service. We have sent the verification, of the order being placed to the clients email attached to this complaint.  Would be more then happy to answer any questions they may have about the service. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/11/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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.

  Our business has started getting invoices from Commercial Readers Service in Normal, Illinois saying we owed their company over $1500. We have never received an invoice before nor have we ever done business with Commercial Readers Service. They say we are subscribed to several magazines subscriptions through them. We didn't start receiving magazines until we received an invoice in March 2024. Each time we receive an invoice it is for a different amount, so they can't even tell us what we supposedly owe them.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/13/2024

  This account was set up under the name of **** **** ****** ******** , account number being ***********.  ******* ****** set up the magazine service on Oct 19, 2023 and was sent to publisher on Nov. 3, 2023.  8 different magazine titles for the resident at the rate of $24.98 per month.  Billing started on this account Dec 2023 being due Jan 01,2024 at this point the account is three months behind .  Total due to catch account up is $74.94   Jan, Feb and March 2024.  I did speak with ******** at the location on March 5, 2024 , she said we had not been vendor since 2012 , I did explain that this was a new account set up by ******* ****** , the administrator of the location. She also stated that she had gotten no invoices or magazines.  All publications come directly from the publisher and we have prepaid them already like we said we would .  I have filed complaints on all 8 titles and waiting to hear back from the publishers.

  This complaint threw me because I know Ms. ****** was no longer there at the location .  When I received complaint I reached out to location.  I asked again if Ms. ****** was there or still worked there she stated no , I explained why I was calling and she sent me to a voicemail, I did leave a message regarding complaint and would like to speak with someone I have yet to get a return call.  I would be more then happy to explain billing to whomever.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/22/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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.

  We are an assisted living and memory care facility that was solicited by Commercial Readers Services. The called asked for the Activities Director and not the Administrator, Business Office Manager, or purchasing. The Activity Director is not authorized to make this or any other subscription/contract purchases. There was not attempt by this company to contact the proper individual to obtain proper authorization. We are now being billed $743.52 under a 4 year contract. The assigned account number ***** ***** * *********** **** ****** ******. When I called Commercial Readers Service, I was told that it was not their fault and blamed my employee. When I asked for the contract to be canceled, they told me that the "Verbal Contract" is irrevocable and could not be canceled. Nothing has been signed by *********** **** ****** ****** nor has Commerical Readers Services attempted to reach out for proper authorization by management at the community. This very dishonest, misleading marketing, and should not be allowed. I would like assistance to cancel this so called "Verbal Contract" and remove *********** **** from their marketing efforts.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/26/2024

  This order was set up on Dec 14 , 2023 by **** ********** in the business name for *********** **** Assisted  Living *********** .  There are four publications coming to the resident's and the monthly cost is $15.49.  I have sent the recording to Mr. ***** for him to review.  We are very thorough when we set up accounts we did point blank ask Ms. ********** if she had purchasing authority for the business and she stated that she did.  We call back and verify all new orders for this reason  We disclose total  cost and Ms. ********** even cut the service from eight publications to 4 because she said they had some donations coming in but wanted some fresh ones as well.   We also mailed everything in writing and the account sat 10 business days before we ever put the order through.  If she did not have authority to place order she had plenty of time to cancel.  The best that I can do is cut the order from a 48 month service to a 24 month service and nothing auto renews with our company so the account would auto stop in 12/2025.  Any questions please call.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/04/2024

   I am rejecting this response because this company has a history of targeting companies such as ours. The internet has many complaints that are identical to mine. This company needs to be regulated and not allowed to solicit companies where any individual within the company may answer the phone. The way they pressure and present their sales are so misleading. In the recording the total dollar amount was not discussed which may have targeted the employee to stop the conversation. 

  Lastly, because of their misleading business practice and many complaints, why haven't the BBB required the company to have written contracts and wet signature instead of recorded verbal agreements? 

  Please do not allow this company to continue doing business in this misleading nature. I would hope that the BBB wishes that no other assisted living facility/memory care has to go through what I and so many have.

   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/13/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  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.

  Commercial Readers opened a magazine subscription account in the ******* ***** ** ******** business's name. When the administrator inquired about this bill, it was discovered to have been opened by a former employee who did not have authorization to do so. ******* *****  has paid the current bill and asked Commercial Readers to cancel the subscription as it was not authorized to be placed in the company's name and billing in the first place. Commercial Readers refuses to cancel this subscription and told ******* ***** that we must pay $24 each month for the next 48 months ( totaling in $1152.00) .

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/15/2024

  ******* ****** signed up for a magazine service with our company under the business name of ******* ***** on Oct 12, 2023, account number ************.  We did verify the order with Ms. ******, when we do that we ask point blank of they have authority.  She stated she did.  We mailed out everything in writing the same day to the business, we do let our orders sit for 10 days before we ever put them through just in case the business changes their mind.  We never heard anything from the business so we sent the order to publishers.  Under the circumstances of the the order, I will go in and cancel the remaining order and the account will be closed. I have left a message at the business and also have put them on my companies do not call list. Any further questions please call ************.

  Best Regards,

  ***** ** ********

  Commercial Readers Service  GM

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/15/2024

  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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/23/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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 entered into a verbal agreement with an employee who is not authorized to make such purchases. We are an assisted living facility with various staff members answering phones 24/7. All purchases require administrative approval, i.e. contracts reviewed & mutually signed, W-9's received (ironically received by Commercial Readers Service) in order to set up as a vendor which then requires further approval. This arrangement was brought to my attention just today 8/23/23 (Executive Director authorized to approved such transactions). I spoke to the person who contacted our facility originally, requesting cancellation of service. ***** was very curt and did not understand that a business practice of receiving a blind authorization from anyone on the other side of a business phone is simply ridiculous...would they take said "verbal approval" from a resident should they happen to answer the phone? It is a gross misrepresentation of ethical business practices as well as outside any enforceable "verbal contract" guidelines for the State of WI. In addition, per the Commercial Readers Service statement, of which we HAVE NOT signed and returned, "My agreement has the information listed correctly and I am satisfied with the manner in which my order was sold." When I referenced this document, ***** informed me unfortunately the "recorded conversation is the contract and this document is only a confirmation of services". Copy of said agreement is attached. We made one payment of $24.98 on July 7th, We agree to pay for services "apparently" already rendered for $74.94 even though - April (we rec'd 4 mag.) $24.98, June (we rec'd 3 mag.) $24.98 and July (3 mag.) $24.98. It was my understanding that we should have received 2 magazines a week at $5.76 per week for a total of 8 magazines a month equalling the $24.98. We are NOT satisfied and therefore want the service cancelled immediately.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/24/2023

  I have reviewed the account and reached out to Ms. ****** and we have agreed to cancel the account for the business **** ***** previously ***** ****** ***** *********** Once we receive the $74.94 the account will be considered paid in full and left in good standing with our company. I do want to explain we do not set up orders with just anyone that answers the phone.  We did ask ***** if she did have authority to purchase for the company, *****  said she did because that was the understanding that she was under, then later was told she did not have purchasing authority in a later conversations. When the account was set up it was under the business name of ***** *****n and ***** did explain that the first payment she made the information would no longer be good because a new company was taking  over, we explained normally we would get something in the mail or an email regarding the sale and what is happening to the vendor accounts the business has.  We received nothing of the sort.     I was not aware there was a problem until I received this complaint.  In addition our company would never insinuate that any client would get 2 magazines a week.  In the agreement that Ms.****** attached is clearly stated how the publications will be received beside the name of the publication.   I have noted nothing is to be renewed or cleared for this client.  Hope you have a great weekend.