Hundreds of people around the Cincinnati area are receiving a cryptic postcard from the USA Today Network, implying they will soon be charged for a USA Today newspaper they didn't order.
More than a dozen of them have emailed and called 9 On Your Side asking what this is about, and what they can do if they do not wish to pay for a newspaper they have no interest in.
The back of the postcard (which has your name and address on the front) reads:
"We'll be delivering Premium Editions like these to you throughout the year. Beginning August 1, 2018 you will be charged at the then current price for each edition, according to its delivery date."
That's hardly very clear, and is leaving many people with unanswered questions.
One Cincinnati area advertising executive and blogger has a lot to say about the postcard, and she is not very happy with what she learned.
Who is behind this offer?
USA Today Network is part of the Gannett newspaper chain, and has agreements with dozens of newspapers throughout the country.
While the postcard is cryptic and confusing, it implies you will be charged more for newspapers that come with USA Today Premium Editions included. It does not state how much more.
But the bottom of the postcard offers a clue: It tells you to visitaboutyoursubscription.cincinnati.com.
That is a link to the customer service department of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
So if you want more information about how much these extra editions will cost, and what you can do if you don't want them, your best bet is to contact the Cincinnati Enquirer's customer service department.
The Enquirer's Marketing and Community Relations department issued a statement saying: "Premium editions are something we’ve provided subscribers since 2016. They come as an additional section of their Sunday print editions and cover topics of high interest to our local communities , such as dining and travel. The purpose of the postcard was to alert subscribers that we will be adding more premium editions for subscribers. We have seen high engagement from our audiences."
Here at WCPO 9 On Your Side, we don't comment on Enquirer promotions, as they are a fellow media outlet in this fine city. So we will leave it up to them to talk to customers who have further questions.
As always, don't waste your money.
--------------------------------
Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
"Like" John Matarese on Facebook
Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)
Sign up for John's free newsletter byclicking here
For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com
Contact John at jmatarese@wcpo.com
