Contrary to my initial inclination, I decided to re-subscribe to MRR mag. Since the local bookstore closed, I couldn't get it locally anymore.

Much to my surprise, the mag comes WITHOUT any sort of packaging...Just like it was junk mail...(Which it is....)

Here's a few pictures of the shape the last issue was in when I got it out of the mailbox....

You'd think that Kalmbach Publishing could take $0.25 out of the 42 bucks the subscription costs and put the mag into a plastic envelope...

I SWEAR I'll never subscribe to their rag ever AGAIN...!!!

I am surprised they don't ship in a bag - many of their issues on the newsstand are "bundled" with "bonus" materials in a bag. Maybe it has something to do with the mailing rate. I know in Canada there is a difference in rate for sealed items versus those that can be mailed "open".

Have you told them how you feel about it?


Andrew

I've never had that happen, though I've only been subscribing for three years. I would contact them and see if they'll mail you another one.

Railroad Model Craftsman comes the same way, and I've noticed that my Navy Exchange flyers rarely come in a plastic bag any more. That seems to be based on where the mailing is coming from.
I have some things to do this afternoon, so I will try to get to the post office, to see if this is a "postal thing", or just a "money saver". ( it might end up being a "Homeland Security" thing- - - :o )
I tolerate the RMC situation, because I still find the magazine worth the effort. I haven't subscribed to MR since 2007.
Content, and the receipt of only a partial year, lead to that cancellation.
Oh, The first RMC, without a plastic "protector" arrived in far worse shape that that MR. I've seen only mild "folding / mutilation" problems since then.

MasonJar Wrote:I am surprised they don't ship in a bag - many of their issues on the newsstand are "bundled" with "bonus" materials in a bag. Maybe it has something to do with the mailing rate. I know in Canada there is a difference in rate for sealed items versus those that can be mailed "open".

Have you told them how you feel about it?


Andrew

I tried, but their contact format "boxes" you into one of several categories...There is not one for "complaints"....

I am sure they will send you a new copy, try calling: 800-533-6644 for customer service. It isn't their fault, it's how the USPS handles things. My issues always seem to arrive in good shape. Most magazines don't wrap their issues anymore unless they're sending out promotional material with it. The only one I get that is always wrapped is "Wood Magazine", but then they usually start attaching requests for renewal about a month after you just renewed, and that really gets to me. I got a three-year deal to renew, and here they are sending notices after a month or two later.

If you don't renew your MRR for a few months, they will send you a deal to try to get you back. I think I wound up paying about $50 for two years which wasn't too bad a deal....

Steamtrains Wrote:

MasonJar Wrote:I am surprised they don't ship in a bag - many of their issues on the newsstand are "bundled" with "bonus" materials in a bag. Maybe it has something to do with the mailing rate. I know in Canada there is a difference in rate for sealed items versus those that can be mailed "open".

Have you told them how you feel about it?


Andrew

I tried, but their contact format "boxes" you into one of several categories...There is not one for "complaints"....

You can find the corporate headquarters of the publisher listed in the internet. Send them an actual letter, and send a copy to the MRR subscription address.

Looks to me like you have an incompetant and non caring mailperson. My issues do not arrive that way. I also get Trains and it arrives in good shape; same publisher.
Dwight77

I agree MR should be in a clear bag..

I dropped my subscription because I decided to look before I buy the magazine since 50% of last years magazines was of little interest to me.

Of course that is subject to change.

Steamtrains Wrote:

MasonJar Wrote:I am surprised they don't ship in a bag - many of their issues on the newsstand are "bundled" with "bonus" materials in a bag. Maybe it has something to do with the mailing rate. I know in Canada there is a difference in rate for sealed items versus those that can be mailed "open".

Have you told them how you feel about it?


Andrew

I tried, but their contact format "boxes" you into one of several categories...There is not one for "complaints"....

Smile,
Stein

I subscribe to MR and TRAINS and both arrive in my Post Office box in good condition. Some months they are in a plastic bag with a cover sheet for the mailing details which also helps to protect the front cover and other months the issues come in an envelope. At one time the issues were being sent via Europe which was a surprise to say the least.

I am a bit surprised to read that magazines are being sent without even a plastic bag for protection.

How are they providing the mailing address, postage and return to sender details?

My advice is email them again and include the photos of the condition in which the issue arrived.

Any time you have a problem with a service a business provides, you should at least inform them and provide them with the opportunity to make good the situation if they wish to.

Mark

Mr Fixit Wrote:How are they providing the mailing address, postage and return to sender details?

Mailing label sticker on front or back of the magazine. A printed code (the "indica") shows where the postal service sends the bill for postage.

Stuff shipped from the US to other countries has to be in an envelope or wrapper.
More info: http://www.magazinepublisher.com/mailing.html

Smile,
Stein

As someone who works in the magazine industry I can relate, although I'm oftenm the one who hears the complaints! We only polybag our mag when we get the advertising to pay for it, otherwise it is costly, around an extra $2000 to $3000 per issue (our print run is only 20,000).

The post office is probably more to blame than MRR. Your name / address might appear at the start of mail section, I.e if your copy is at the beginning or end (or top or bottom) of a stacked section of mags, it will receive more abuse. Still, MRR should gladly mail you a new copy.

I'm no fan of online mags, but have you ever thought of subscribing to MRR digitally if they offer this?

I understand your frustration -- I have had mail arrive in poor condition as well. As others have said, contact MRR about the situation, but I also encourage you to contact your postal carrier's office about it as well. They are the one's guilty of mauling your mail, and they are the ones who can prevent it from happening again, but only if someone notifies them there is a problem.
Just my two cents!

Chuck

I did check with the post office, and it is the magazine publishers who have chosen not to protect their product.
I've only had one real "issue" with the unprotected mailing, and that was back when it first started. Since then nothing major.