Why Do You Have To Pay For A Full Subscription Just To Get A Free Trial Copy?

I came upon an ad for Dr. Oz's Good Life magazine while watching a video. I looked at it and decided to sign up for a trial copy. Your ad said you could get a copy and then if you liked it, you would get 9 additional copies. If you did not like it, then you are instructed to write cancel on your bill. BUT, your system would not allow me to sign up for the trial without inputting credit card information. At the end, I got a confirmation page stating that my credit card was IMMEDIATELY charged the $15 and I don't even know if I am going to like or want it. I was not given the chance to see it first before I was forced to pay. This is not right and is misleading. I respectfully request that you refund my money immediately. I will gladly pay AFTER I receive my trial copy and IF I decide to get a subscription. Also, I detest being forced into auto shipments. You can cancel the auto renewal immediately as well. Then when I tried to copy/paste the confirmation page, says the request was not supported by my browser. I am clearly not happy with how this is starting out and hope that someone will contact me right away to address this problem. Thank you!

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Answer #1: Posted by Odin on June 14th, 2014 1:24 PM

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Odin

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Note that we're an independent help site *not* connected with Hearst magazines.

This is unfortunately a common practice, which extends beyond trial purchases. For example, a car rental will commonly result in a hold to your credit card that far exceeds the actual amount that may be due. The rationale here (which I don't defend) is to be sure that you can pay before setting up the trial.

I suspect Hearst will refund the charge upon request. Phone 800-888-2665.

Hope this is useful. Please don't forget to click the Accept This Answer button if you do accept it. My aim is to provide reliable helpful answers, not just a lot of them. See https://www.helpowl.com/profile/Odin.