Autocar subscriptions

[Twin Turbo]

OK, I know this is a bit sad, but I'm gonna rant anyway.

I've had Autocar on subscription for a number of years now and have been fairly pleased that I always received my copy on the day of publication (Weds). However, about six weeks ago, they decided to shift the publication day to Tuesday (I guess this is so that it hits the shelves a day before Auto Express).

Only once in all that time has it arrived on the Tuesday, normally it lands on the mat on a Wednesday.

I know it's petty, but what's the bleedin' point of having a subscription (other than a small saving) if I can pop down to the local shops and pick up a copy there?

Hopefully this weeks copy will arrive tomorrow (I can't remember my subs no) , then I can give them a call and give some abuse to some poor unsuspecting person.

Am I alone or is anyone else suffering the same fate?

[pbrettle]

Got my subscrption this morning - everything fine. Usually arrives on a Tuesday. To be honest I think that it is probably another paragon of british sucess - The Post Office / Consignia (cant remember what to call it now).

They are the crap ones and not really Autocar.

Cheers,

Paul

[PetrolTed]

Always got mine on a Wednesday and continue to do so.

I guess the fact that you're saving on the shop price is still strongly in its favour.

[Twin Turbo]

Hmm, well postie managed to get my other mail here today.

It just annoyed me as I noticed today's edition in the shops at lunchtime.

I'll give Autocar a bell tomorrow and give them a chance to explain.

[JonRB]

Getting it before the shops is a bonus, for sure, but for me the main attraction is the saving on the cover price and the convenience of having it delivered to my door.

[billb]

ha ha good timing - see the mail I received this morning and then get your free mags!!!!:


Bill, I really do agree with you, but it's impossible to get it to you a day earlier due to the time frames we are dealing with now. We had a binding problem this week which is why your issue isn't with you today. I really do apologise.

As you are having to pay again for this weeks copy please let me extend your subscrption by two issues. Can you please email me your postcode and I'll arrange it straight away.

Thanks

Claire
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill
Sent: 09 July 2002 09:43
To: Claire Austin
Subject: RE: A man with a point...


its tuesday today and i dont have my mag so I'm off down the newsagents to read it again....If subscribers got the mag the day before it came out in the shops there'd be a bigger incentive for everyone to suscribe...

ah well at least its good when it finally comes.

Regards,

Bill
-----Original Message-----
From: Claire Austin [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: 09 July 2002 09:48
To: Bill
Subject: FW: A man with a point...




Dear Bill

Thank you for your email. I completely understand your frustration about receiving the magazine late. Especially as it is so time sensitive.



When we swapped publishing dates to the Tuesday, the first few weeks we were delivering on time. However, for the past three weeks there have been delays binding the magazine. I'm afraid this is totally out of our control. This holds up the delivery of the magazines to our mailing house which in turn, means you don't get your magazine on time.

I must stress that our Production team are doing their best to resolve these recent issues and I am confident that normal service will resume.

However, I do understand your situation and respect your decision, although I hope we can change your mind!

Regards

Claire Austin
Subscrptions Marketing Executive
----------
From: billb
Sent: Wednesday, July 3, 2002 3:27 pm
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Autocar - Submit your Question

Name: Bill
Question: I currently have a subscrption with autocar but will not be renewing it as I get the magazine at least a day after it comes out in the shops ( wed/thurs ). The whole point of subscribing is to get the info first - I end up reading it in the shop before reading the subscribed one so whats the point.....





>> Edited by billb on Tuesday 9th July 14:18

[trefor]

Well by cancelling your subscrption I guess you get the chance to get a free goodie by re-subscribing. Have you noticed how they entice you to subscribe with a free model car or whatever, but existing subscribers get nothing. Marketing people eh? (Oh, I'm one ... oops).

My AutoCar has and still does always arrive on a Wednesday (and about once every 2 months it arrives on a Thursday). Top Gear is the worst culprit - I always see it in the store before it lands on my mat at home. I only stay subscribed because of the cost saving now.

T/.

[billb]

was worth the wait - loads of piccies of the new ferrari enzo or the "ferrari enzo ferrari" to give it its rather silly whole name. looks better than the original piccies and has the best playstation steering wheel ever!