Free mug for new subscribers....

[NickLoTurco10]

I don't like to complain in general, especially not on here as it's such a great magazine and the community is quite special. Even so, I can't help having a bad taste left in my mouth over this offer. I've subscribed for coming up 5 years and never received a free gift. I know it sounds a bit childish but I can't be the only one who feels a bit let down. It's the old 'for brand new customers only' thing, well what about the long term customers who have made it possible for the magazine to get to 100 issues in the first place? I must add that I'm not seething, just a tad let down.

[Bub&Bob]

I don't want the mug but im happy to take the cash value

Seriously though, its a bit of a kick in the teeth for long term subsribers and even more anoying that I received the email in the first place - surely it was obvious that it might p*ss off existing subscribers so why send it to us in the first place?

[bsg]

HA! this is _exactly_ why I have just logged on - got the same email seconds ago and I was wondering if my Sub had been cancelled...

[DreamcastRIP]

... what about the long term customers who have made it possible for the magazine to get to 100 issues in the first place?

Existing subscribers obviously receive a price discount on every issue of Retro Gamer so surely that's the reward?

[NickLoTurco10]

You almost make a fair point Dreamcast, but no. If the reward for new subscribers is getting the discount, why are they getting a free mug too? I didn't get a free gift when I subscribed, neither did I expect any. Maybe they're just that desperate to get new readers.

[necronom]

I've just got the email, so I thought there might be a comment here.

It does seem a bit strange sending it to people who are already subscribers. They got my email address because I'm a subscriber.

[Blumf]

Yup, came onto the forum to air a complaint about the 'Claim your free gift today' email. I honestly thought, before opening the email, that as a long term subscriber I was about to get some sort of 'loyalty' gift. Never asked for one or expected one, but thought hey that's nice. Until I opened the email and realised it was for new subscribers.

I think someone in the office has sent the email to the wrong list, but still can't help feeling a bit disappointed. (Guess I will still have to buy one of them there mugs)

[Uridium]

You know, I thought the same. But then, to be honest, every mag does this when they're trying to get new subscribers.

Whilst I'd love a Retro Gamer mug for being a subscriber for years now, I don't think they'd be able to put the business justification forward for the expense of sending out a mug to every existing subscriber! I'd rather they continue to spend any money they have free on the magazine's look and content.

[NickLoTurco10]

Yeah, sending out the e-mail to subscribers does seem silly. Can I cancel my sub and then open up a new one for a free mug?!! I understand why they would do this, but it's naturally going to censored off the core readers. Maybe what they could have done is said they'd also give current subscribers something too, like a poster or calendar, just to avoid a backlash. I'm not trying to start a backlash by the way, but it's clear from the response I'm not on my own in thinking this.

[SirClive]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed02CLoWgIQ

[NickLoTurco10]

The initial e-mail title did just say 'claim your free gift', as someone said before. If it said, 'subscribe and get a free gift' I wouldn't have gotten my hopes up and therefore may not have even said anything.

[Jet Pilot]

I too find the standard business practice of treating potential customers with higher regard than loyal customers to be pretty disingenuous.

It's like dealing with the cable company. New customers get all sorts of special deals and existing loyal customers get rude agents and annual price hikes.

I find this to be aggravating because without the existing loyal customers there would be no business and therefore nothing to offer new customers.

Now, please don't take this as a dig at the Retro Gamer editorial staff. The magazine is excellent and the staff is the best in the business. I have never seen any other magazine with a staff that enjoys regularly interacting with their readers in the forums or takes reader comments to heart like the Retro Gamer staff does. They are truly a step above the rest. I'm sure this was a scheme set up by the Imagine Publishing marketing department (I wonder if Darran received an e-mail asking him to subscribe as well ).

[Subs Manager]

Hi All

Firstly let me please apologise for the confusion caused by the email which was aimed at potential new susbcribers. I am very sorry that it was sent out to everyone today, it was not my intention to upset or in any way mislead you at all.

From issue 99 we had implemented a subscription price increase for new subscribers meaning that any UK subscribers already receiving their magazines are benefiting from a greater discount than new subscribers coming on board with this offer. Our intention is to always put our loyal customers first which is why we have not put up the subscription prices for existing subscribers.

My role here at Imagine Publishing is to try and increase the subscriber numbers on Retro Gamer to ensure the magazine reaches as many fans as possible and always offer them the best value for money and service that I can and if I get things wrong I do take on board your feedback to make sure we try and improve things for the future. This is why we are working with some of you on postal service, delivery timings etc.

My contact details are below should you wish to get in touch further on this topic but please be reassured that this will not happen again and I do hope my apology helps

Kind regards

Lucy

[NickLoTurco10]

Thanks Lucy, like I said I don't complain regularly. Typical of the company that we get such a quick response, can't be many more who value their customers like Retro Gamer. I almost feel bad for raising the issue! Oh and nice to hear that current subscribers are in fact getting a better discount.....makes up for everything.

[Bub&Bob]

From issue 99 we had implemented a subscription price increase for new subscribers meaning that any UK subscribers already receiving their magazines are benefiting from a greater discount than new subscribers coming on board with this offer

Indeed - new subscribers have to pay £22.50 for 6 issues and I pay £21.00 - wow, what a great discount that is. I only need to wait for RG 138 and I can buy the mug myself with that saving.

Hope you will still have the mug in stock in March 2015.

I accept that someone dropped a b*llock with the sending out of emails and I don't even want a mug but I don't think that saying "existing subs are benefiting from a greater discount" which in reality for me is £1.50 every 6 months is something to get excited about.

Anyway sarcastic rant over, back to more important things in life!!