Is this legal?

[Chitowngirl]

I bought a gift from sharper image. As I was checking out I noticed a pop up box in the lower left hand corner. I almost didn't pay attention to it, but then I started to read it. I said that with my purchase I would get a free issue of wired magazine. In the back of my mind I remembered randomly getting wired magazine once in the past and not knowing why or where the subscription came from. I thought "oh, that's how" and kept reading. Then I saw it said if you did NOT want it to send in the attached firm and they would reimburse your $12!!! Then I got angry. If they are willing to reimburse your $12 then to me it means it's not free. It means they built the cost into every item they sell. Also I'm angry because they should make it very obvious that you have to opt in to something like this. Not make opting in the default and you have to put work into opting out. I just filled out the reimbursement form and paid to use my stamp to get my $12 back for a "free" subscription that I never wanted, but I am really angry that in the past I got a "free" subscription that I never wanted. I know it's only $12 and I need to let it go, but I seriously don't see how this should be legal.

[wellyes]

I've seen that a lot. It does not mean your cost was higher.

When I reserved a campsite this summer ($12/night) I got a "free" Lucky magazine subscription which I opted out of. I got a check for I think $10. The camping reservation goes to the state, not any company. So I think the $10 must have come from the promotions department of the magazine.

[MSWR0319]

I just used a code from Sephora that gave me a "free" magazine. Then I printed off the form to opt out and got $10 back. I just viewed it as a $10 coupon because they didn't know I was going to use that code so they didn't raise the price on the item I was buying.

[MMMommy]

I agree with PPs. It does not mean you "paid" for that magazine in the price unknowingly. Namely, I do not think your cost was any higher because of the magazine.

[Chitowngirl]

Ok, thanks for talking me off the ledge....

I still think it's a little shady. I mean, it's a technology magazine - I can't opt out online!!!

[elbenn]

You aren't paying for it. The magazine wants more subscribers for their advertising numbers so they are willing to give the magazine away to buyers that they think are a good match for their magazine.

[ckso]

I agree with PPs. It does not mean you "paid" for that magazine in the price unknowingly. Namely, I do not think your cost was any higher because of the magazine.

Totally agree. I would see it as "cool, I just got $12 off".

[Gena]

Ok, thanks for talking me off the ledge....

I still think it's a little shady. I mean, it's a technology magazine - I can't opt out online!!!

They want to make it inconvenient for you to opt out. Because if it's inconvenient, fewer people will actually bother. It's not about giving you back your $12. Like PP said, the more subscribers they have, the more they can charge for advertising space - and advertising income is huge for magazines.

[AnnieW625]

You click the X at the top of the screen to opt out I would think. I have gotten Lucky, and Martha Stewart this way and I wasn't auto billed for the renewal either.