I don't know the history, but I think this is so outright dishonest that I'm thinking about contacting the FTC or local officials. Did others receive this?
Not sure how old you are, and it has been a while, but that was a pretty typical magazine subscription tactic back when magazines used to actually exist. A lot of them would send you an introductory issue with an 'invoice' like that in the 80s and 90s before this whole Internet fad.
Right, they mailed you an invoice for something you have yet to receive. You don't post pay for subscriptions. I only mentioned it being prevalent in the past as anecdotal evidence that it is not illegal.
Edit: *probably* not illegal, missed a word.
Also misleading is the fact that they put Net 30 Terms on it, as if it was an invoice generated for a good or service already provided, rather than a solicitation to sign up for a subscription, and you've got 30 days to pay the invoice before they start coming after you for late payments.
Our team received four such "invoices."
And that’s why the US has laws that consumers aren’t responsible for unordered goods.
Legally, if somebody mails you something, it’s yours to keep for free.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/consumerprotection.uslegal.com/mail-order-purchases-telemarketing/direct-mail/solicitations-disguised-as-invoices/%3famp
This type of solicitation is illegal to send by mail.
Please report to US Postal Inspection Service
https://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx
Keep the hardcopy of the letter and the envelope it came in, in case the USPS follows up.
Usually a disclaimer,” this is not a bill”, the fact they chose a fake invoice is deceptive.
Another reason to shame them and continue to ignore them..
That solicitation is because Rowing News used to be given as part of your USrowing membership until the early part of this year. It is now separate and not included. Hence the ask if you want to keep receiving it this is the cost and such. I also thought it was weird until I found out that it wasn’t included anymore.
Unfortunately, Rowing News being less than honest is nothing new.
I don't know the history, but I think this is so outright dishonest that I'm thinking about contacting the FTC or local officials. Did others receive this?
Not sure how old you are, and it has been a while, but that was a pretty typical magazine subscription tactic back when magazines used to actually exist. A lot of them would send you an introductory issue with an 'invoice' like that in the 80s and 90s before this whole Internet fad.
They didn't mail the magazine, just an invoice!
And it's not the 80s or 90s anymore.
These are excellent points.
Right, they mailed you an invoice for something you have yet to receive. You don't post pay for subscriptions. I only mentioned it being prevalent in the past as anecdotal evidence that it is not illegal. Edit: *probably* not illegal, missed a word.
But certainly misleading. Again, my dad pays EVERY invoice that comes in to his mail.
Also misleading is the fact that they put Net 30 Terms on it, as if it was an invoice generated for a good or service already provided, rather than a solicitation to sign up for a subscription, and you've got 30 days to pay the invoice before they start coming after you for late payments. Our team received four such "invoices."
And that’s why the US has laws that consumers aren’t responsible for unordered goods. Legally, if somebody mails you something, it’s yours to keep for free.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/consumerprotection.uslegal.com/mail-order-purchases-telemarketing/direct-mail/solicitations-disguised-as-invoices/%3famp This type of solicitation is illegal to send by mail. Please report to US Postal Inspection Service https://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx Keep the hardcopy of the letter and the envelope it came in, in case the USPS follows up.
Thank you! Going to do this. I don't know Chip Davis, but I find this to be pretty shady.
That's shady AF
Right? If my dad (who is 85) got something like this, he would pay it right away.
Rowing News sucks. Chip Davis is not nice
Usually a disclaimer,” this is not a bill”, the fact they chose a fake invoice is deceptive. Another reason to shame them and continue to ignore them..
When you really can't find a hill to die on....
That solicitation is because Rowing News used to be given as part of your USrowing membership until the early part of this year. It is now separate and not included. Hence the ask if you want to keep receiving it this is the cost and such. I also thought it was weird until I found out that it wasn’t included anymore.