How To Get a Good Price on Magazine Subscriptions

Signing up for magazine subscriptions can initially seem like an inexpensive splurge. Offers like "$10 for six issues" sounds like a good deal, but that is not the entire story. The renewal rate can be double or triple the original offer price.

There are ways to get your favorite magazines and save money. Here's how:

Be Careful Where You Place Your Order

Avoid purchasing your subscription from telemarketers, through junk mail, promotional give-a-ways, or resellers listing cheap subscriptions online. Many times such subscriptions can result in hidden charges and subscription cancellation problems. Purchasing your subscription directly from the magazine publisher will help offset problems that may arise.

Ask About Special Discounts

To insure you get the best price, speak with the magazine publishing company's customer representative and ask direct pricing questions about current promotions and special savings. Often there are unadvertised first-time discounts for new subscribers and discounts for students and teachers. Other memberships you may belong to such as credit card holder discounts, travel points and organizations such as the AARP could add additional savings.

Understand the Pricing Structure

Verify the terms of the subscription with a customer service representative. An eye-catching subscription amount at first glance may sound great only to find out later the price is per issue rather than annually.

Know All the Terms

Verify how often the magazine is to arrive and the terms for canceling the subscription. An automatic renewal before your subscription runs out is money wasted. Offers with costly cancellation fees should be avoided.

Choose Direct Billing

Agree to direct billing and not automatic credit card charges. Through direct billing you control when (or if) you will be making payments or renewals. Initially it may seem tempting to go with a convenient automatic credit card charge, however far too often renewals are billed early and rates are increased without notice.

There is another advantage to receiving a direct bill. It's more difficult to cancel a subscription if it is being automatically billed to a credit card. If the subscription is billed directly, all we have to do is not write the check to cancel.

Get What You Pay For

Once you subscribe to the magazine, pay attention to how many issues you receive and the date your subscription ends. If you miss an issue contact the company and ask that it be sent. Not getting what you pay for is never a good deal.

Trade Magazines With Friends

Trading magazines with friends and family is a great way to save. Instead of each of you subscribing to the same magazine, try subscribing to different types then trade them after you've read them. It is a great way to expand on your reading entertainment without the extra cost of your own subscription.

Check Your Local Library

Most libraries have a magazine section. If you read an article that you wish to keep, ask to make a copy of it. Not only will you cut down on magazine clutter around the house, but you'll save while expanding your reading pleasure.