Health & Fitness
Door-to-door Magazine Salespeople Again Spark Complaints To BBB
The BBB is getting complaints about Midwest Circulation, a company represented by door-to-door salespeople who have been active throughout Missouri.
Door-to-door salespeople can be a sign of spring, but not one that most people welcome. The Better Business Bureau often gets complaints about such salespeople, and many are about people trying to sell magazines.
The salespeople may claim to be selling periodicals on behalf of charities. Or they may have a sob story about trying to raise money to go to school. Sometimes that may be true, but often it’s not.
The most recent rash of complaints about magazine salespeople concerns a company called Midwest Circulation of Cameron, Mo. The company has an F rating with the BBB.
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More than 160 complaints have been filed with the BBB against the company by consumers from the St. Louis area and around the state. Today’s BBB press release details the problems consumers have reported with salespeople linked to the company.
Consumers say they were told that they would get a call to confirm the purchase before their checks were cashed, but the company didn’t call and checks were cashed, in some cases triggering bank fees.
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The BBB advises consumers to be wary of door-to-door salespeople. More tips:
- Check a company’s BBB Business Review by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.
- Remember that you are under no obligation to interact with a salesperson who comes to your home. If you feel at all threatened, contact police immediately.
- Do not invite a stranger into your home unless you have made prior arrangements to meet with him or her.
- Many communities require a special soliciting permit for companies selling door-to-door. Before buying anything, ask to see a copy of a permit, as well as any personal identification. Write down permit information in the event there is a problem later.
- Be skeptical of sad stories, pleas to help a student or organization or by solicitors claiming they are raising money for charities.
- If you do decide to buy, pay with a credit card in case you need to challenge the purchase later.
For more BBB news, go to the BBB website or follow the BBB on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.