I am totally disillusioned with the “Press” (aka Stuff) delivery/distribution system. In March when we were to be away for three weeks I asked through their automated system for deliveries to be suspended for that time. They sent an email acknowledging this request with the dates clearly stated. Luckily we had a friend minding the cottage and she emailed me to say the Press was still being delivered despite my instructions. I was able to forward her the relevant email and some days later, after she made several phone calls and sent emails the deliveries were stopped.
In May I received an email telling me that our annual subscription was to be increased by $104 (over 20%). I pointed out that friends had told me when they cancelled their subscription they were later phoned and offered a cheaper price, and I asked if I could have the cheaper rate without needing to cancel first. The reply was that any phone call from telemarketing for a reduced price is just random and there’s no guarantee. However they did agree to reduce the price by $52, for which I was grateful.
In July our delivery was missed several times over two weeks. When I phoned the call centre to complain a staff member assured me that we were supposed to receive papers only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I told her very clearly that we have been subscribers for over thirty years and have al;ways had the paper Monday to Saturday. She said she would make that adjustment! I later spoke face to face with a helpful woman in the local Press office who told me the person I’d spoken to would have been “offshore”, and that my records definitely showed a Monday to Saturday subscription.
When we missed another delivery I emailed someone in the “escalation” department who told me the problem arose because I’d changed the days I was subscribed for. I quickly pointed out that any change had been their mistake (to which I received no reply).
As we were to be away for two days in August I again requested a hold through the automated system and received an email acknowledgement. I also stated this request in an email to the “escalation” department.
When we returned home I was disappointed and angry to find the “Press” had continued to be delivered on the two days we requested it not be.
Unexpected Presses
The papers usually land on our front steps or verandah, and as our front garden is narrow, they are very obvious to any passerby. An unretrieved paper sends a message of a vulnerable property to any would-be burglar.
Luckily for us a kind neighbour who knew we were away saw the papers and removed them. I will complain to the “Press, but I absolutely despair of ever having their holiday system work correctly. The “Press”is the only daily paper available in Christchurch. We both enjoy reading a hard copy, and doing the puzzles, but after our experience I’m not surprised so many friends no longer subscribe.
Have any of my readers experienced similar problems?
I still like reading daily “Press”
but find their service just a mess.
Ruth's Reflections 