Q: Should a subscriber to a periodical whose subscription has expired be billed for an extension of service that was not requested? Should they pay for it if they renew later?
– Patricia O’Sullivan, Denver
A: The law is pretty clear that if you receive something you did not order — as often happens in the mail — you are not liable for its cost.
The rub, however, is that many periodicals — even The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News — often continue delivery for a short time after your subscription commitment has ended.
Because subscribers may not renew quickly — from forgetfulness or procrastination — the theory is that the added “grace period” helps them to eventually renew. Plus, it’s easier than shutting down the account and creating a new one from scratch.
Be warned: Some renewal notices say delivery will continue unless you notify the publisher of your desire to stop. Though not a binding contract — passive agreements like that are difficult to enforce — you might still see a bill. Resist paying it.
Also, some publications back-bill a renewal to the date a subscription ended — after all, you did receive the product — but you should make it clear you did not request it. Whether you’ll succeed is up to the publisher, but I think it would rather have the subscriber than not.
