Doubleday Book Club - doubledaybookclub.com MISLEADING BUSINESS PRACTICES - BEWARE Rantoul, Illinois

I signed up for Doubleday Book Club 2 years ago.  As with most "book clubs" there was a certain number of books to fulfill the commitment.   Since I did not fulfill my commitment, I received a letter and a total of what I would be billed if I did not purchase 4 books by a certain date.  No mention of HOW MUCH the books MUST cost in order to fulfill the commitment, just what they "average" their per book cost to be.  No problem, I made a commitment and need to fulfill it.  Last month, I purchased the number of books needed to fulfill my commitment and went on my way. 

I just received a bill for $18.54 for each book-for a total of $74.16.  When I called, I was told that the books had to be a minimum of $9.99 each in order to count towards the commitment.  I explained that that information is not presented on the letter I received NOR the website.  I was told that it was in my contract when I signed up 2 YEARS AGO!  I can only question, if the company isn't trying to "hide" something and get extra orders, why wouldn't this information be clearly presented on their correspondence/website?  Nevertheless, I said OK, then if it is $9.99, why am I not being billed $9.99 each, but $18.54 each?  I was then told that the selections can be on items up to $40 each.  Well, the vast majority of the items on the site are priced under $18.54 so now I feel I am being ripped-off on the items. 

You can get some great deals through these clubs so I am not suggesting not using them, but buyer beware as far as fulfilling the commitment. 

In retrospect, before placing my order last month, I should have called them to verify how much the items had to cost in order to count.  I just feel that by not making the information easily accessible they are misleading their customers and it doesn't make me comfortable in purchasing from a company that is so non-transparent.