I want to warn about the dangers posed by some shopping clubs and RedSave in particular, to the unwary. The user may arrive at such a shopping club site thinking that it is a simple internet retailer, e.g. from an internet search for Christmas gifts.
It is possible to order goods and pay for them without realizing that two contracts have been entered into, i.e. one for the purchase and one for indefinite club membership, for which monthly fees are required. The first month's membership is free, and may not arouse any suspicion.
A number of users have not received the goods purchased. They have then been surprised by the additional charge for membership, once two months have passed. The thought of cancelling the "free" membership may not have occurred to the user, but it is vital to do so, to avoid the charge for a possibly unwanted service.
It is possible to re-claim the purchase price for non-delivered goods from the credit- or debit card provider. It is much more difficult to reclaim the membership fee, because a service, however intangible, has aledgedly been provided (i.e. club membership)
Such sites operate within a legal framework and their lengthy terms and conditions are written in such a way that no criminal offence is committed by them. Some may consider that the presentation of the site and terms are potentially misleading.
Were the goods "lost in the post" or were they never posted? The UK postal service, though sometimes subject to delays, is very reliable. Draw your own conclusions.
I admit to being unwary, and have consequentially suffered actual financial loss. I would like to save others from similar unpleasant surprises.
If you feel uneasy about using such a site, avoid it. If you do want to use it, check out and understand all of the terms and conditions. Otherwise, play safe, stay with well-known, trusted retailers with a good reputation.
Straightman
Anytown
United Kingdom
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