The Columbus Dispatch Customer Service Issues

I am disappointed that the morning paper does not include scores from high school sports games that end late at night. It seems unfair that Ohio State's late-night games receive coverage the next day while local high school games do not. Additionally, receiving the paper late around 11:00 a.m. once a month is frustrating because it defeats the purpose of having a morning paper. I hope these issues can be addressed to provide more timely and comprehensive coverage for readers like me.

Hello, I am Pat Howard, the Office Manager at The Village at Westerville Retirement Center. We have 96 residents in their own apartments, most with Dispatch accounts. Lately, the papers have not been delivered to the apartments, making our residents very upset. It seems there has been a change in the delivery person who now leaves a third of the papers on the lobby desk. This is not acceptable. The facility should receive 5 papers at the lobby desk, with the remainder delivered to the residents. Despite paying for this service, we are not receiving it. The lack of proper delivery is frustrating for the residents and their families. We have attempted to contact the company without success, and the poor customer service is causing disappointment. This issue needs immediate attention to prevent losing customers. It is crucial for the delivery person to understand their job is to deliver the papers to the paying resident. We have exhausted other means of communication and hope for a resolution through this platform.

I subscribed a couple of months ago for a 2-month introductory offer of $0.99 per month. I didn't have access to sports, which was my main reason for subscribing. Today, I was charged $7.99, and I need this charge removed immediately. I am frustrated because I called customer service twice and was on hold for 55 minutes each time. The promised call back never happened. Please issue a refund and ensure I am not charged again. My details are: Name: D. M. Feeney Address: [redacted] Northbrook Drive, Davenport, IA [redacted] Phone: [redacted] Email: [redacted] I have a tip: I subscribe to 4 newspapers, and this has been one of the worst customer experiences I've had, despite the small amount involved. I suggest looking into The Minneapolis Star Tribune for improvements in navigation, articles, and billing.

I am a long-time subscriber to The Dispatch, Hazel Dargatz. Despite my efforts to reach someone regarding a persistent problem, I have been unsuccessful for weeks. I have called your newsroom for the past two days, with no one contacting me as promised. My issue cannot be resolved through the digital phone access options, and calls to the number in the paper go unanswered at all times. I recently switched carriers, and my new carrier has been leaving my paper at the foot of my driveway instead of on my front porch, where I can easily access it. I am 81 years old, disabled, and rely on a walker due to a heart condition, making it difficult for me to retrieve the paper from the driveway. The Dispatch had assured me that my paper would be placed on my porch with the new carrier, but that has not been the case. I appreciate any assistance in resolving this matter so I can continue enjoying The Dispatch. Thank you for your help.

On February 27, [redacted], I mailed a letter to the Dispatch enclosing payment for 13 weeks of paper delivery from 2/29 to 5/23/20, totaling $58.37 plus a $5 carrier tip. Despite receiving three calls in the last three days stating our subscription ends on 5/9/20, there are still two weeks remaining in our current 13-week subscription. I plan to settle the upcoming 13-week subscription next week for the period 5/30/20-8/22/20. I kindly request a reminder call two weeks before our subscription expires, ensuring the correct subscription period is noted, or else I prefer to be removed from the call list. Due to previous delivery issues and shortened subscription periods, I diligently keep records to prevent any recurrence. Additionally, our Saturday paper for 4/18/20 was not delivered, and I was informed of an extension when I called 1-[redacted]. Please confirm this adjustment, or I will deduct the cost of the paper from my upcoming payment for the period 5/30/20-8/22/20. Thank you, M.W.

I recently switched my subscription from daily delivery to Sunday delivery with the daily E-edition. However, I have noticed discrepancies in the billing cycle. I initially signed up for a year's subscription but was charged after only nine months. I did not subscribe to any special editions and had them canceled. When I renewed my subscription in September [redacted], I was billed in July [redacted], nine months in advance. This year, I received a renewal notice in April, three months ahead. I contacted customer service, and my subscription was extended, but I did not receive confirmation of the new end date. I believe my renewal date should be in September [redacted] instead of the earlier dates I have been billed for. Could you please verify the renewal date on your records and update me accordingly? Thank you.

Minnesota is facing a situation that needs attention. I urge the appropriate authorities, government officials, and local and national news stations to pay heed. I have discovered hacking apps on my new phone and will send evidence via email. Additionally, I believe Minnesota is responsible for the Equifax breach, affecting [redacted] million Americans, and I can prove it. Not only that, I have evidence of crimes such as murders, rapes, and drug trafficking happening in various cities like Fridley, Coon Rapids, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.

We are experiencing ongoing issues with our newspaper delivery. We have not received our papers on several dates, including August 3, 7, and 13. I have reported these problems by calling 1-[redacted], but the automated system only extends my subscription without resolving the delivery problems. Despite the carrier's note insisting on delivery, the papers are not reaching us and are haphazardly thrown in the driveway when they do arrive. The lack of proper delivery service is frustrating, especially considering the cost of our subscription. Our neighbors are encountering similar issues, and we all have newspaper boxes that are being ignored. We hope for a solution to this recurring problem since it affects our daily routine. A more personalized approach such as a phone call with a human representative would be greatly appreciated.

I am submitting my second complaint today. I have been waiting for over 30 minutes for a phone call, and I cannot wait any longer. My time is valuable, and it seems that my delivery issues are not a priority to your company. I attempted to use the get-human service, but it was confusing and not elderly-friendly. As a senior subscriber, I find the system difficult to navigate. Today, three households in my neighborhood, including mine, did not receive the paper. This recurring problem is becoming unacceptable. We pay for a subscription and expect better service. I have provided my contact information, so why is your human and service department unreachable? It seems like they are permanently absent. The solution is simple: ensure the newspapers are delivered promptly.

I recently received a call notifying me that my subscription had expired. Prior to leaving for a month-long vacation, I was informed that the subscription would be extended to September 22. I've been attempting to contact customer service for the past two days as instructed, but have only reached automated services which have not been helpful. I urgently need to speak with a real person to confirm that the additional 30 days were added due to our absence when the newspapers were not delivered. Kindly provide me with the correct customer service number or adjust the end date of my subscription to September 22. If I do not receive a response, I may have to seek assistance from the BBB. Thank you.

I recently sent the bill for a gift to Wm Brown, who is in an assisted living facility and has dementia. I've paid the bill and included the receipt with my payment, as I've done before. This issue keeps happening, and last time I had to contact the parent company to resolve it. The stress of dealing with my own cancer and caring for someone with vascular dementia and behavioral disturbances is already overwhelming. Wm Brown often doesn't receive the paper, and when I try to report it, I can't leave a message because it's after noon. I will find my contact for the parent company and forward this complaint. This situation is unreasonable. If I don't receive a response, I will contact the BBB. Thank you. Nadine Block www.nadineblock.com

As a faithful Dispatch reader for 23 years at [redacted] Andrea Lane, Pickerington, I have always requested porch delivery due to health concerns. Lately, within the past 6 months, I have been extremely disappointed with the delivery service. Despite multiple voicemails left, there has been no improvement. On two occasions, I did not receive the paper at all. Since the move to Indianapolis, the service has deteriorated. The pricey paper is now a disappointment, and even visitors have commented on its poor quality. All I ask is for the paper to be placed on my porch. The lack of response and constant blaming of issues on Covid is frustrating. I hope this message reaches the right ears and that service improves promptly for myself and other customers in the Pine Ridge division. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

I recently received a renewal notice via email last week regarding my account #[redacted]2 for Mark Young at [redacted] Hessler Circle, Hilliard, [redacted]. I noticed a $9.00 paper statement fee on the bill, even though I opted out of receiving paper statements. I kindly request that this fee be removed from my renewal bill. In my account with Dispatch, I have specified that I do not wish to receive premium editions of the newspaper. Being retired with a fixed income, my wife and I are unable to afford any additional fees for premium editions. I would appreciate confirmation that my subscription for the full year does not include premium edition fees. Having been loyal subscribers to the Dispatch for the past 27 years, we eagerly await a prompt response so I can settle my bill without the paper statement fee and ensure our subscription remains as requested. Thank you in advance for your timely assistance. Sincerely, M & B Young

I have attempted to cancel this subscription multiple times. The newspaper was intended for my late husband. Please cease the subscription promptly as this is my second try. I reside at [redacted] Clover Valley Road, Johnstown, Ohio. I had initially purchased a one-year subscription and had requested cancellation after the year was up. Despite this, I am still receiving the paper. Can you assist me in canceling my subscription, please?

I am disappointed with the Dispatch. Lately, I have not been receiving the grocery ads from Kroger and Meijers in my Sunday paper. Additionally, the Dispatch's content has become too liberal for my liking. I have also noticed that I am missing the free "BAG" and the Madison County Newspaper on Sundays which used to come with the paper. An employee informed me that I cannot receive the free "BAG" because I already subscribe to the Sunday Dispatch, which doesn't seem fair. I believe I am paying too much for a newspaper that no longer meets my expectations. If this issue is not resolved, I will have to cancel my subscription. Please contact me at [redacted] or via email with a solution before my next billing date. Thank you - Laura Mills

I have lost patience with the left-leaning Columbus Dispatch and want to cancel my subscription from six months ago. I no longer wish to see this paper in my driveway due to the lies and biased reporting. After being a subscriber for twenty years, I believe the new owners have destroyed the paper's credibility. Please ensure my subscription is canceled for both print and electronic versions. I also request any owed refund to be sent by check, and please disable the auto-pay. Thank you, a former loyal subscriber, who has lost faith in this newspaper. ED. E. [redacted] Renick Road Orient, Ohio [redacted]

I didn't receive my Tuesday paper, so I called customer service. They said it would come with the Wednesday paper, but that one didn't arrive either. After speaking with a representative, I was promised both papers today. It's now 2:50pm, and I'm still waiting. I found the representative to be unhelpful, as they made me wait even longer after already being on hold for 15 minutes. When questioned, they mentioned having some issues. I'm also having problems with my regular delivery person. Despite being a long-time subscriber, the delivery service appears to be declining rapidly. I've previously requested to speak with the route manager, but haven't received a response. Can this situation be resolved promptly?

Three out of four of last Sunday's deliveries were thrown into our drainage ditch. To provide context, we have a 40-foot wide concrete apron on our drive. If the carrier slows down to 25 mph from 45 mph, they will likely hit the drive. After being unable to deliver a dry paper, your friendly customer service representative informed us that a dry paper could not be provided today, so we are going out to purchase one. If your carrier cannot hit the 40 feet of concrete in the future, I hope you will promptly dismiss him or her.

On December 2, I noticed a charge from COLUMBUS DIGITAL SUBSCRIPT for $7.99 on my credit card that I didn't authorize. I have disputed this with Chase Bank, and they have refunded the money. Because it seems to be a recurring charge, I want to cancel the subscription to prevent any future charges. However, the phone number provided on the website doesn't work, and the recorded message is not useful at all.

I have been experiencing ongoing issues with the home delivery service recently. The newspaper either does not arrive at my doorstep, or I have to search around outside for it as it is not where I expect it to be. Yesterday, I did not receive the paper at all, which led me to buy a copy from CVS. This has been a recurring problem and is particularly challenging for me as I am recovering from hip surgery. It seems like the carrier might be having children deliver the paper while she remains in her car. I would greatly appreciate any assistance from Dispatch to address this matter. I pay for my newspaper subscription annually, so the payment is not the concern here. My only request is to have the paper reliably delivered to my porch without the need for me to search for it. Thank you in advance. - Robert E., [redacted] Rockwood Court, Columbus, OH [redacted].