Rodale Publishing Rodale Inc. Rodale Books and Men's Health Send Unsolicited Books, history of poor business practices Emmaus Pennsylvania

I recently received the Men's Health Total Fitness Guide 2009. Apparently, when I subscribed to Men's Health magazine I "Agreed" to preview the books. The offer details on their website indicate I would receive an advance announcement 2 weeks prior to their delivery, allowing me time to refuse the books. I did not receive this notice. The offer further goes on to indicate that if I wish to return the books that I will "owe nothing", which is not true since Rodale offers no opportunity to have the postage paid on the return.

Further investigation yields a class action lawsuit filed in PA alleging similar business practices dating back years.

According to the suit: "Rodale used a ''negative option marketing scheme,'' treating customers as if they've ordered the books unless they've taken steps to return them or taken steps to stop the books from coming, according to one of the attorneys involved in the case.

The case alleges that Rodale violated the federal Postal Reorganization Act, which provides conditions for sending unsolicited merchandise to consumers."

Further investigation yields many instances of similar business practices.

-Class Action Lawsuit in PA related to same business practices

-Similar reports on Ripoff Report
-BBB report indicating non-accreditation and a C- rating

Farm
Nixa, Missouri
U.S.A.