Introduction
I am sharing my experience with Ground News to warn others about their business practices, which I found to be unfair and misleading.
Deceptive Subscription Practices
I subscribed to Ground News under the impression that I could easily cancel and receive a refund if I wasn't satisfied. Within the 14-day cooling-off period, I decided to cancel my subscription and requested a refund, as is my right under UK consumer law.
However, Ground News refused to issue the refund. This denial goes against the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, which allows consumers to cancel online purchases within 14 days for a full refund.
Poor Customer Service and Communication
When I contacted Ground News customer support to address this issue, they initially claimed to have no record of my prior communications. Due to technical issues, I was temporarily unable to access my email account to provide proof.
After regaining access, I forwarded all previous correspondence to them. Instead of acknowledging their oversight, they responded in a dismissive manner, suggesting skepticism about my inability to access my emails.
Their tone was unprofessional and lacked the courtesy expected from a customer service team. This added to my frustration and disappointment with the company.
Lack of Transparency
Ground News's subscription model, in my experience, lacks transparency. Important information about cancellation policies and refunds is not clearly communicated upfront, making it easy for consumers to be caught in a subscription they no longer want.
This practice feels like a subscription trap designed to leech money from consumers without providing adequate means to cancel or obtain refunds.
Upcoming Legal Protections
It's concerning that businesses like Ground News operate in ways that necessitate new laws to protect consumers. Thankfully, upcoming changes in UK consumer protection laws aim to address these deceptive subscription practices.
Guess I'll just have to keep warning people about their subscription trap until we get it into law next April.
Conclusion
I urge anyone considering a subscription with Ground News to proceed with caution. Read all terms and conditions thoroughly and be aware of their refund and cancellation policies.
Consumers deserve transparent and fair treatment, and I hope sharing my story contributes to greater awareness about these important issues.