The Charlotte Observer

Have cancelled this account twice, submitted payment, they still deliver paper and bill us, went to collection agency. Won' stop
*** problems with delivery started in October 2018. Complained several times about non delivery. Cancelled paper, Charlotte Observer kept calling and said they would correct mistakes and to please renew and give discount. Renewed, PAID bill, still started with delivery problems. Cancelled again, they said they did not show copy of our payment, I sent them copy of bank draft and never got a response from them.

Charlotte Observer KEPT delivering paper, told them over phone and by email to cancel. They said we owed a different amount and sent the bill to a collection agency. WE DO NOT OWE THIS BILL and the Observer continues to put a newspaper in our mailbox. We are senior citizens, have great credit, have take the newspaper for over forty years. Now, we have a complaint against us with a collection agency on a bill we do not owe and cannot get a email response from the observer when we question what is going on.

Continuing to deliver weekly newspaper insert (aka litter) despite previously opting out of this useless service.
Continuing to deliver weekly newspaper insert (aka litter) despite previously opting out of this useless service. Each week the Charlotte Observer litters the streets with useless papers that I never subscribed for. I have followed the opt out procedure on their website, which states the papers will cease to be delivered within two weeks. To date this paper continues to be delivered to my home. Very few people even botherr to pick the papers up on my neighborhood streets and the end up as eye sores all over the place.

Continuing to deliver weekly newspaper insert (aka litter) despite previously opting out of this useless service.
Continuing to deliver weekly newspaper insert (aka litter) despite previously opting out of this useless service. Each week the Charlotte Observer litters the streets with useless papers that I never subscribed for. I have followed the opt out procedure on their website, which states the papers will cease to be delivered within two weeks. To date this paper continues to be delivered to my home. Very few people even botherr to pick the papers up on my neighborhood streets and the end up as eye sores all over the place.

Charlotte Observer continues delivering a paper I cancelled months ago.I have called multiple times asking them to stop delivering it, but they won't.
I ordered the Sunday Charlotte Observer in December 2018 for the holiday coupons. In early 2019, January I believe, I called and cancelled the paper. The company has continued delivering it, despite multiple calls from me informing them I do not want their product and to please stop delivering it. Fortunately, they have not billed me, beyond the period of time I had ordered the paper. But considering this has simply become littering on my property for 7 months now, and the paper goes directly into the recycling bin, I have had enough. It is disconcerting that a business will continue delivering its product after being asked repeatedly to stop. Since they show no indication they will respect my request to stop with the deliveries, I am now feel the only way to make this company stop this behavior is by filing a complaint with the Revdex.com. Please make them stop.

Charlotte Observer continues delivering a paper I cancelled months ago.I have called multiple times asking them to stop delivering it, but they won't.
I ordered the Sunday Charlotte Observer in December 2018 for the holiday coupons. In early 2019, January I believe, I called and cancelled the paper. The company has continued delivering it, despite multiple calls from me informing them I do not want their product and to please stop delivering it. Fortunately, they have not billed me, beyond the period of time I had ordered the paper. But considering this has simply become littering on my property for 7 months now, and the paper goes directly into the recycling bin, I have had enough. It is disconcerting that a business will continue delivering its product after being asked repeatedly to stop. Since they show no indication they will respect my request to stop with the deliveries, I am now feel the only way to make this company stop this behavior is by filing a complaint with the Revdex.com. Please make them stop.

I am writing to register a complaint regarding the Observer policy of "automatically renewing" a subscription without full disclosure to the customer of the fine print in their bill or written/verbal permission to do so from the customer. After taking the Observer for over 40 years, we finally decided the increasing cost of a subscription was too high and decided to not renew our subscription when the notice was received in late 2018. I have discontinued other subscriptions to magazines, newspapers, museums, etc. in this same manner and the companies simply stopped service. The Observer chose to continue delivering papers even though we received e-mails stating the service would be discontinued. I spoke on the phone with an Observer representative and told them the reason we did not renew. Last week I received a letter from a collection agency, A.R.M.,stating that our account was delinquent and that we owed the paper $251.51. I do not know how they arrived at that sum or why I would be charged for unwanted papers delivered past the expiration date of the subscription. I did go back to my renewal notice and discovered in the fine print that the Observer says they have the authority to automatically renew a subscription. I take issue with this policy since it is being implemented without the written agreement of the customer.
I do not appreciate receiving correspondence from A.R.M. or the implication that I am responsible for
reimbursing the Observer for their failure to promptly discontinue service.
Product_Or_Service: newspaper subscription
Account_Number: account #XXXXXXX

I am writing to register a complaint regarding the Observer policy of "automatically renewing" a subscription without full disclosure to the customer of the fine print in their bill or written/verbal permission to do so from the customer. After taking the Observer for over 40 years, we finally decided the increasing cost of a subscription was too high and decided to not renew our subscription when the notice was received in late 2018. I have discontinued other subscriptions to magazines, newspapers, museums, etc. in this same manner and the companies simply stopped service. The Observer chose to continue delivering papers even though we received e-mails stating the service would be discontinued. I spoke on the phone with an Observer representative and told them the reason we did not renew. Last week I received a letter from a collection agency, A.R.M.,stating that our account was delinquent and that we owed the paper $251.51. I do not know how they arrived at that sum or why I would be charged for unwanted papers delivered past the expiration date of the subscription. I did go back to my renewal notice and discovered in the fine print that the Observer says they have the authority to automatically renew a subscription. I take issue with this policy since it is being implemented without the written agreement of the customer.
I do not appreciate receiving correspondence from A.R.M. or the implication that I am responsible for
reimbursing the Observer for their failure to promptly discontinue service.
Product_Or_Service: newspaper subscription
Account_Number: account #XXXXXXX

The Charlotte Observer has been deducting money from my checking account for over a year for a subscription that I have NEVER ordered.
I noticed late July that the Charlotte Observer was deducting money from my checking account. I never noticed it before. I went back through my checking account statements that I can view online (BB and T Bank) and it shows that monthly, the Observer was taking 18.45 since at least March of 2018. In April of 2019, there was an additional amount of 15.00 taken as well. I have never ordered the Charlotte Observer. I immediately called them on July 25th, 2019. I had to talk to several individuals as no one knew what I was saying. The customer service rep said they had an address of 1210 Orchard Lake Drive in Charlotte. I told them that is not my address. My address is *** The customer service kept saying that they could not find a subscription for me. I gave up talking to them and sent an email to the observer. After several emails, a person said to send the proof of the money being debited from my checking account along with my information. I did so. I did not hear anything back after a few days, so I emailed them again. The same customer service asked me 2 more separate times to send the proof from my checking account. Each time, I sent everything again. I keep asking for an update as this is fraud as I have never ordered the Charlotte Observer. I requested my money refunded as well as knowing where / who has ordered it. I have still not received a response. I just get the same email stating that it has been sent to the finance department and they will contact me when they get information. I called the Observer today (August 8th). The customer service rep continually cut me off from talking and did not understand what I was saying. It has been 15 days with no information from the Charlotte Observer. This is unacceptable.

The Charlotte Observer has been deducting money from my checking account for over a year for a subscription that I have NEVER ordered.
I noticed late July that the Charlotte Observer was deducting money from my checking account. I never noticed it before. I went back through my checking account statements that I can view online (BB and T Bank) and it shows that monthly, the Observer was taking 18.45 since at least March of 2018. In April of 2019, there was an additional amount of 15.00 taken as well. I have never ordered the Charlotte Observer. I immediately called them on July 25th, 2019. I had to talk to several individuals as no one knew what I was saying. The customer service rep said they had an address of 1210 Orchard Lake Drive in Charlotte. I told them that is not my address. My address is *** The customer service kept saying that they could not find a subscription for me. I gave up talking to them and sent an email to the observer. After several emails, a person said to send the proof of the money being debited from my checking account along with my information. I did so. I did not hear anything back after a few days, so I emailed them again. The same customer service asked me 2 more separate times to send the proof from my checking account. Each time, I sent everything again. I keep asking for an update as this is fraud as I have never ordered the Charlotte Observer. I requested my money refunded as well as knowing where / who has ordered it. I have still not received a response. I just get the same email stating that it has been sent to the finance department and they will contact me when they get information. I called the Observer today (August 8th). The customer service rep continually cut me off from talking and did not understand what I was saying. It has been 15 days with no information from the Charlotte Observer. This is unacceptable.

Continuing to deliver weekly newspaper insert (aka litter) despite previously opting out of this useless service.
Each week the Charlotte Observer litters the streets with useless papers that I never subscribed for. I have followed the opt out procedure on their website, which states the papers will cease to be delivered within two weeks. To date this paper continues to be delivered to my home. Very few people even botherr to pick the papers up on my neighborhood streets and the end up as eye sores all over the place.

Continuing to deliver weekly newspaper insert (aka litter) despite previously opting out of this useless service.
Each week the Charlotte Observer litters the streets with useless papers that I never subscribed for. I have followed the opt out procedure on their website, which states the papers will cease to be delivered within two weeks. To date this paper continues to be delivered to my home. Very few people even botherr to pick the papers up on my neighborhood streets and the end up as eye sores all over the place.

Cancelled services months ago, getting harassing phone calls from Charlotte Observer collections company named *** at XXX-XXX-XXXX
Cancelled services with the Charlotte Observer approximately 6-12 months ago for Sunday newspaper services. Collections company named *** called from XXX-XXX-XXXX said they will keep calling me. I cancelled services months ago. The Charlotte Observer does not have clean records. They also keep delivering the Sunday paper to my house. So I know that their records are inaccurate and the person over the phone that I spoke with at the Observer didn't cancel my services correctly. I was a happy customer for over 10 years. I don't read the Sunday paper anymore, I have gone digital. The threat by the collections company that they are going to keep calling me is unethical and I am on the national do not call list.

Cancelled services months ago, getting harassing phone calls from Charlotte Observer collections company named *** at XXX-XXX-XXXX
Cancelled services with the Charlotte Observer approximately 6-12 months ago for Sunday newspaper services. Collections company named *** called from XXX-XXX-XXXX said they will keep calling me. I cancelled services months ago. The Charlotte Observer does not have clean records. They also keep delivering the Sunday paper to my house. So I know that their records are inaccurate and the person over the phone that I spoke with at the Observer didn't cancel my services correctly. I was a happy customer for over 10 years. I don't read the Sunday paper anymore, I have gone digital. The threat by the collections company that they are going to keep calling me is unethical and I am on the national do not call list.

I subscribed to receive the Sunday papers only. I agreed to pay $25.68 per mth for this. The sales representative said nothing about my price going up
I subscribed to the Sunday only paper in April 2018 for $25.68/mth. The sales representative stated this would be the price unless I cancelled and it would not vary or increase.
A representative called me to update my card information. He stated my monthly bill will be $38.58. I said nope...that is not the price I signed up for. He looked into my account and stated he saw that it was a mistake and he has seen this happen. He could fix it for me at at lower rate but to call customer service to be refunded for the mis-charging. Going through my bank statements yesterday, I realized that I have been charged $38.52 each month for the last year. from 7/2018-till now. I was furious...so I called billing today. The rep stated there was no mistake. The prices go up.... I was not notified of this change and was on auto-pay. BIG MISTAKE!! I was charged twice in the month of January...Again..the rep stated..no mistake...I can explain it all. The price goes up after the first year...Mine increased after the first 3 months without notification. I feel robbed, duped.....I would NEVER authorize to pay $38.52 for 4 Newspapers each month. I was livid with this representative for stating this was normal when yesterdays rep stated it was a mistake. He has seen this happen before.

I called back and spoke with a different representative...told him to cancel my account...I had not received a Sunday paper since the first week in May...I had filled out that complaint online already in May. He wanted to give me free paper for a month...don't cancel....so now I have to call again...be ASSERTIVE and say CANCEL CANCEL CANCEL......I don't like being robbed or scammed by our local newspaper.

I subscribed to receive the Sunday papers only. I agreed to pay $25.68 per mth for this. The sales representative said nothing about my price going up
I subscribed to the Sunday only paper in April 2018 for $25.68/mth. The sales representative stated this would be the price unless I cancelled and it would not vary or increase.
A representative called me to update my card information. He stated my monthly bill will be $38.58. I said nope...that is not the price I signed up for. He looked into my account and stated he saw that it was a mistake and he has seen this happen. He could fix it for me at at lower rate but to call customer service to be refunded for the mis-charging. Going through my bank statements yesterday, I realized that I have been charged $38.52 each month for the last year. from 7/2018-till now. I was furious...so I called billing today. The rep stated there was no mistake. The prices go up.... I was not notified of this change and was on auto-pay. BIG MISTAKE!! I was charged twice in the month of January...Again..the rep stated..no mistake...I can explain it all. The price goes up after the first year...Mine increased after the first 3 months without notification. I feel robbed, duped.....I would NEVER authorize to pay $38.52 for 4 Newspapers each month. I was livid with this representative for stating this was normal when yesterdays rep stated it was a mistake. He has seen this happen before.

I called back and spoke with a different representative...told him to cancel my account...I had not received a Sunday paper since the first week in May...I had filled out that complaint online already in May. He wanted to give me free paper for a month...don't cancel....so now I have to call again...be ASSERTIVE and say CANCEL CANCEL CANCEL......I don't like being robbed or scammed by our local newspaper.

I did not renew my subscription and they contined to deliver anyway. I then got a collection notice for $48.21.
I called both the collection agency and the Charlotte Observer to resolve this issue and explain to both that I did not renew for a reason so therefore, I am not responsible for the charges. I was told it was my responsibility to cancel. When I questioned why I had to pay when I didnt renew, I got the answer that I was responsible anyway.

I did not renew my subscription and they contined to deliver anyway. I then got a collection notice for $48.21.
I called both the collection agency and the Charlotte Observer to resolve this issue and explain to both that I did not renew for a reason so therefore, I am not responsible for the charges. I was told it was my responsibility to cancel. When I questioned why I had to pay when I didnt renew, I got the answer that I was responsible anyway.

This review is about their business practices, not their news coverage. We have been Observer subscribers for years. Like most people, we started out with an introductory rate. After that the price went up, but it wasn't unreasonable. At some point we went to auto-pay, and therefore didn't realize quite how much it has risen and we were paying per month. It is now ridiculously high! Paying almost $25 per month over the cost of going out and buying the paper is ridiculous! Digital coverage for someone getting the print copy 7 days a week should be included in the cost of the subscription, not an additional charge. It is the SAME NEWS! For someone getting the paper delivered fewer days a week I understand a reasonable digital charge, but nothing about your rates are reasonable. Do you know they have no set subscription price after the introductory rates? Therefore, they just keep going up and up for long term subscribers. That is very unethical and bad business practices. There should be a SET SUBSCRIPTION PRICE for everyone after the introductory rates, and customers should be able to see that price on their website.

The newspaper industry is dying and people are dropping subscriptions all the time. This is one reason why. To treat long term subscribers badly and price gouge them is not the way to keep customers. We were willing to keep the subscription if you offered us a fair price. You did not. The price you are expecting people to pay is an insult. Add that to delivery issues where our recent vacation hold was not honored by the carrier and we came home to a box overflowing with papers (we're lucky were weren't robbed) showing we hadn't been home in more than a week. If you don't want your newspaper to die like so many others are, I suggest you stop price gouging and running off the customers who actually want to subscribe to your paper if you want to stay in business.

This review is about their business practices, not their news coverage. We have been Observer subscribers for years. Like most people, we started out with an introductory rate. After that the price went up, but it wasn't unreasonable. At some point we went to auto-pay, and therefore didn't realize quite how much it has risen and we were paying per month. It is now ridiculously high! Paying almost $25 per month over the cost of going out and buying the paper is ridiculous! Digital coverage for someone getting the print copy 7 days a week should be included in the cost of the subscription, not an additional charge. It is the SAME NEWS! For someone getting the paper delivered fewer days a week I understand a reasonable digital charge, but nothing about your rates are reasonable. Do you know they have no set subscription price after the introductory rates? Therefore, they just keep going up and up for long term subscribers. That is very unethical and bad business practices. There should be a SET SUBSCRIPTION PRICE for everyone after the introductory rates, and customers should be able to see that price on their website.

The newspaper industry is dying and people are dropping subscriptions all the time. This is one reason why. To treat long term subscribers badly and price gouge them is not the way to keep customers. We were willing to keep the subscription if you offered us a fair price. You did not. The price you are expecting people to pay is an insult. Add that to delivery issues where our recent vacation hold was not honored by the carrier and we came home to a box overflowing with papers (we're lucky were weren't robbed) showing we hadn't been home in more than a week. If you don't want your newspaper to die like so many others are, I suggest you stop price gouging and running off the customers who actually want to subscribe to your paper if you want to stay in business.

Paid in full for 1 year - 7 day/weekly subscription. I have to call in almost daily to complain I never received the paper.
I contact the local branch and call customer service (who indicates they will refund me). I only receive the paper sporadically when I should receive a paper every day. I get the same answer every time and promises that I will get the paper. We go around and around and I'm sick of going to my mailbox in anticipation of reading my paper, and it's empty. Customer service indicates when I renew it will be added on as a credit. (You don't get your money back - don't be fooled!!) So at this point my renewal date is over a month past my original date - so I should be getting papers FREE for a month or so. I won't hold my breath. Bottom line they have a major problem with delivery employees. Pathetic. And another thing - don't tell me to read the paper online. I get the paper for a reason - I'm not going to be stuck sitting at my computer trying to read articles and constantly X'ing out of all the ads that pop up. I'm not doing that. I want my newspaper - this is what I signed up for.