National Home Gardening Club Cooking Club of America Scams, Frauds, Bait & Switch, Ripoff, Internet, Internet

National Home Gardening Club is apparently part of a "club" warehouse.  The same address is given for Cooking Club of America both located in Minnetonka, MN.  I've read another negative report for this company but I had joined this club along with the cooking club in April 2012 via postal mail.  I did get some small items to test, but what they do not tell the future members is that a 2-year membership is required, and you'd be sent books to buy through that club.

I sent in a payment for one year since I joined the clubs in the same month and I was short on cash.  Well after, receiving my first membership package and the book, I realized I got into a book club, not a gardening or cooking club.  They give you 14 days to "try out" the first book, then you are billed $10.00 unless you return the book, and sent another book the next month.  I was very upset and explicitly told them to refund my $12 membership fee (for each club), immediately and never send me anything again. 

Just today (May 15) I received in the mail a "Dues Rebate Certificate" from each club for $12.00, along with more little items.  The four page letter makes it sound as if they initiated the returned fees because I was selected by them to become a lifetime member.  The letter states that they are returning every penny of my membership fees that I paid into the club this year.  However, those certificates are "non-negotiable" and must be redeemed for a "Lifetime Membership" in both clubs.  In other words they ignored what I requested, and are trying to force me to remain in their club.  I believe they are using bait and switch or flat out fraudulant tactics.  They did not honor my request, which is completely unprofessional, and have, as of this date, refused to refund my money. 

I am warning all those who may think they are getting into a nice little club that will send you free stuff, you are going to be disappointed.  The stuff they sent me was dinky, cheap stuff you could get at a dollar store.  The items I received were not the elaborate and expensive looking things they advertised.  I would highly recommend that you avoid both of these clubs.