Vent: Newspaper

[gridlockjoe]

The Houston Chronicle Comical really wanted my business. I actually think they wanted the circulation numbers more.

About a year ago, I subscribed on a Sunday-only plan at $1/week, got the paper every week, was a happy camper. Then out of the blue the paper called and told me I was being given the 7-day plan at the same $1/week. I got the paper every day without problems up until about two weeks ago. Then for four straight days I got no paper, even after calling for a redelivery.

Fast forward to last Wednesday, when I got no paper. I called the distributor and got a redelivery.

I went out of town for Thanksgiving. When I got back, I found no Thursday paper, no Friday paper, no Saturday paper, and no Sunday paper. Today? No paper.

I called the Comical this morning and got a credit for the missed days, a promise of redelivery of today's paper, and the phone number of someone who said he would investigate. I don't hold out much hope.

At this point, I don't care if William Randolph Hearst himself has to come back from the dead and get me my paper, I want my paper!

Comments

[jenwrites.livejournal.com]

Ugh. I hate that. We had a similar problem with our local paper (not the Globe, but the paper for our actual city). They gave us two weeks free, we got one paper, then nothing, then a bill. I called to ask why we were being billed when they weren't actually delivering the paper to us, and they were baffled. So they said they'd make sure we got a paper the very next day. I called a week later and said we still had no papers. They apologized and said we'd get one the very next day. After another week with no papers, I called to cancel. Serves me right for wanting to know about local news!

[gridlockjoe.livejournal.com]

Happily for me, Zombie!William Randolph Hearst showed up while I was at work. And I got today's paper this morning.

[lil-ms-drama.livejournal.com]

Bah. You're one of those people. The ones I wished death on every day. LOL.

Ok, here's what you do. Call circulation and ask for my friend Lisa Blackerby, or email her at lisa.blackerby@chron.com. She probably still works there as she enjoyed the job and did well at it. Be sure to get credit for the ones you missed and ask for your distributor's number directly. Be sure you contact the Chron every day it's missing and either get credit or ask for a replacement. The more the Chron has on file, the better. The distributor will NOT put it on file as it hurts him, but if you call him too, you might be able to get the old papers. Some hold them for up to 30 days.

Other than that, all you can do is cancel/threaten to cancel the papers. Oh, and when you go on vacation, call them and ask for either a credit or a vacation pack. The pack will hold your papers until your return and deliver them all on the day of your return.

The other thing is your special of bonus days may be over. They run them off and on. If you're paying for them though, and by now you might be, you're entitled to them all.

Good luck!

[gridlockjoe.livejournal.com]

I got the credit and newspapers are now appearing on a regular basis. I am a happy camper once again. And my distributor gave me his number. I don't think I'm getting bonus days -- I'm on a 7-day plan (for $1/week -- what a deal!) and have been for several months.

[lil-ms-drama.livejournal.com]

Be sure you keep on top of your bills with them. I can't count how many people thought they were on specials but when they looked at the bill they were getting charged $17 per month. That's the highest price available as of 2 years ago. It could very well be more now.

If it's changed, talk to Lisa and let her know I referred you to her. She'll take real good care of you.

[gridlockjoe.livejournal.com]

I paid $52 in one lump sum when I renewed. Haven't seen any bills from them since.

[lil-ms-drama.livejournal.com]

Sounds good! They've finally got some kinks worked out. Be sure that lasts all year, though. Things like that have a tendency to be changed without notice. Seriously, I'm speaking from 3 years of experience in working in Subscriber Services.

Oh, and since you are paying $52 for the year, the extra papers are considered bonus days and you're still on a Sunday only plan. Something else I know from experience.

[gridlockjoe.livejournal.com]

Interesting... Thanks for the tips!