Do you recommend doing free magazine trials as a way to get free magazines?
No, I only recommend that you do free magazine samples because a free magazine trial means that you are automatically billed when the free trial period ends. It’s difficult to remember to cancel those free trials at the right time, so I just don’t recommend them. How can you tell the difference? Look for that keyword “trial” and stay away from the offer if you see that word.
Some readers are confused when they get renewal request for their free magazine samples. This is by design of the magazine publisher. They format that request to look like a bill (but it isn’t) to hopefully sway you into paying for a subscription renewal. If you ever have a question about a renewal notice you receive, then the best thing to do is call the magazine’s customer service center. The keywords to look for on those magazine renewal notices that tell you it’s not a bill are “renewal request” and “rate adjustment”. Don’t be fooled by the due date they put on the renewal request, it still doesn’t make it a bill.
Do you have any more questions about the differences between free magazine trials and free magazine samples? Ask away by leaving a comment!
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Kellg222@msn.com
Amee, you probably signed up for a trial period, not a free sample . . . the free sample magazines I’ve signed up for don’t ask for billing info, only your mailing address. No surprise charges here! If I don’t renew, they just quit coming, because they have no card info to bill!
Please call them or you will get a surprise charge on your credit card like I did for 58.00 for Entertainment Weekly and 37.00 for Sports Illustrated…..call them and cancel!
Momma2adiva – Don't worry – those free magazines from Mercury are free samples (not free trials). I've gotten several free magazine samples from them – and never a bill (only renewal notices which can be ignored).-HeatherFreebies 4 Mom
So does that go for offers through Mercury magazines and sites like that? I got the Weight Watchers magazine but i have not seen any bill!
Gayathri – If there is any question in your mind about whether you signed-up for a free sample or a free trial – then you need to call the magazine to find out. Those bills you're referring to are likely renewal requests, and not bills. But again, if you can't tell then call the magazine.-HeatherFreebies 4 Mom
so what do we do next? I had some free magazines(american baby) for few months, now i am receiving their bills. Can i just discard it? or should i reply to them to cancel my subscription?