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HandyMan Club of America / Scout.com

HandyMan Club of America / Scout.com review: frustrating and unauthorized membership! 270

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Author of the review
12:00 am EST
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This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

My husband recently received unsolicited mail from the Handyman Club of America. We did not sign up for anything from this company. We just received an official notification saying they were going to take us to a collection agency for past due membership. The letter has no contact information for the company, nor could we find any way to contact them on their website. This is extremely frustrating and should be illegal!

270 comments
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tbuckman
buda, US
Dec 31, 2011 5:39 pm EST

I have been a life time member since the middle 90's and they used to send me things to test like sand
-paper or they would send a drill bit guide but nothing anymore I just get the magazine. It is just like they suckered you in then forgot you.

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chrysler
US
Feb 07, 2012 2:39 am EST

I joined when I received a flier, it sounded pretty good. So I joined and I received my product, shortly after I received more fliers to pay for 1, 2 or 3 years . if I wanted to. This was just weeks after I just joined, why not wait till I was a member for awhile. I called them and ask why and how long it take to receive testing tools. You wouldn't believe the answer! 6 months to a year, so after my membership runs out. I might of maybe received something to test.. So why should I wait so long? I just called and cancelled my membership, after reading so many negatives...Think this is a bunch of hog wash, , ,

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laura stansfield
mansfield, US
Feb 08, 2012 6:34 pm EST

After I paid for the third book I got, I sent notice with lit that I wanted It cancelled, I keep getting bills from them from after I cancelled, and as I had got nothing from them I dont owe them.Thinking about a lawyer

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peewee wright
Big Lake, US
Mar 10, 2012 8:52 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

i got this bill from handyman for 24.00 dollors. i sent them a letter saying dont send me any more bills for there dues. thay wrote me back and said tay were going to send me to a collection agency.

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collectionareyoukidding?
Lancaster, US
Mar 14, 2012 6:46 pm EDT

Me too! Ditto...I'm a female factory worker...why would I get a handyman magazine? Now I'm in collections? Is this a scam? Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau, needs to validate their claims before threatening someones credit!

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michael paulson
Harrison, US
Mar 15, 2012 10:58 am EDT

well payed my membership was instructed to go to "freegift.handymanclub.com " what a joke gives you a run around, hey guys if your not going to give a free gift ...then dont say you are...you got my money and you can bet i wont be renewing it when its up...

Michael a Paulson
maint mechanic 30 + years

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Eugenie Adams
Bradenton, US
Apr 23, 2012 3:16 am EDT

I canceled my membership in Feb., 2012, from Handyman Club. I never received or accepted any books from them but they are billing me for a book titled TOOLS & TECHNIQUES. Shortly after joining a friend of mine told me how crooked these people are and I canceled membership immediately

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Dale Wayman
Littleton, US
May 07, 2012 3:35 am EDT

I am receiving billings for a membership I never authorized or joined.

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wyatt earp
winnterport, US
May 14, 2012 12:33 am EDT

Yea right, , , , , I had did a one year subscription for " THE FAMILY HANDYMAN" magazine .. my daughter was doing this fund raiser thing, so in support I did. but now I get this HANDYMAN CLUB OF AMERICA past due $24.00 pay now bill or we will send you to collections ... I used a [protected], which turns out to be the History Channel club **** AND **** HANDYMAN CLUB ! which at her first attempt to use the JEDI MIND TRICK and played dumb- finally came clean and said they were connected... and she canceled it my unwanted memebership... that was 11:15-14 MAy 2012 --- so now we'll see if ...

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Rubertha Gooden
Talladega, US
Jun 06, 2012 9:22 pm EDT

Tell me how can a company like this, try to make you pay for something you never got. That is not right, I'm trying to make this right, help me get it right, please. I can not pay for something I did not get.

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Jgallay
Three Rivers, US
Jun 15, 2012 9:19 am EDT

I have a paper it says visit freegift.handymanclub.com, for a free bucket organizer.
I see no icon for this, or any thing else.
member #[protected].
Thanks

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Linda abramson
US
Jun 23, 2012 10:37 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I couldn't agree more. One day my husband got a bill for a "lifetime membership" at ONLY $24.00. I scribbled across the bill -- DID NOT ORDER -- DO NOT WANT -- CANCEL THIS "MEMBERSHIP". Next month I got another duplicate.

Now that I know what their game is, I will try the two numbers -- the one given by the gentleman above and one I found on one of several Handmany Club of America websites.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Linda Abramson

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b.grenko
Prospect, US
Jun 28, 2012 4:57 am EDT

I became a life member about a two years ago. I hardly get any of the benifits they promised. I called about doing product testing, they said ":we will get that right out to you." to this date I have not tested a product. I also get bills for stuff all the time that I did not order. Is there a way I could get a refund on my Membership fee? Also, The tools you get when you become a life member, are junk. The router broke as soon as I turned it on.

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Schultz 30700351
Rockford, US
Jul 27, 2012 11:51 am EDT

I am a life member but I am not reconized as such on the site.
Schultz [protected]

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Viola C. Butler
Pueblo West, US
Dec 13, 2012 12:58 pm EST

I became a member on May 9, 2012 and paid a membership fee for 2 years. After receiving a tiny something, which was not even really useful, I received more than one reminders to pay my dues! Never ever received any more of the advertised "try for free and keep it" tools.
Is this so called Handyman club even legal?

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Handyman Club Of America SCAM
02131, US
Jan 20, 2013 11:30 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I sent in a postcard they had in a pacakage of discount coupons I recieved. I sent in the post card to inquire about thier club. I NEVER officially signed up for membership. Now they keep sending me a invoice for dues and they did send a magazine. I will not pay the membership fee. This is a big SCAM.

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meadowssylva
Sylva, US
Mar 07, 2013 8:22 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am life member you do not send me any thing to test and keep for free you send me letter try to get money for master life member seems all you want is everyones money for nothing in return

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Maurice L. Outlaw
Brooklyn, US
Aug 13, 2013 3:53 pm EDT

Hello, I am Life Member: Maurice L. Outlaw # [protected]. I have been a life member since 04/2009. I have lately nitice that there were some items that were to be sent to me that weren't. A deluxe 101-Piece Quickchange Driver and Drill Bit Set. And Professionally-Quality 18-Volt Cordless Drill. Now my membership is fully paid up, and would greatly appreciate what is do me. Also I haven't been sent any products for testing. So if that is a mistake on my part, I would like to correct it now, by asking to be put on the list for product testing. Thank you very much, your cooperation in the matter is greatly apprecited.

Faithfully yours,

Maurice L. Outlaw

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Zack Sakha
Greenwood, US
Aug 18, 2013 6:38 pm EDT

Membership #[protected]
I have been with our Military in Afghanistan in the last seven years. Please do not cancel my membership. I will be home in 2014 when my contract runs out in 2014
I appreciate your kindness.
God bless America

Zack Sakha

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Randall Dawson
US
Sep 13, 2013 7:37 am EDT

To cancel call [protected]. They answered and cancelled quickly with no hassle. http://www.handymanclub.com/member-benefits/faq/view/detail/article/4000/cat/1727

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bm1450cc
Port Jervis, US
Nov 16, 2013 9:19 am EST

after my membership payment I went to freegiftsite to find out I will not get them. what kind of hoax is this?

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Rene Cruz
Bridgewater, US
May 26, 2014 7:19 am EDT

After I finally got them to cancel, I also received two credits to be used on their stuff which is totally useless.

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funfarmer
Dallas, US
Aug 16, 2014 7:24 am EDT

I joined the club in march and paid my dues. To this day I have not recieved any thing from them. They took my money and run. Should be put out of business.

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roberta591
homer glen, US
Nov 10, 2014 4:41 pm EST

Handyman Club of America sent me 2 bills that say I'm past due. One item I never received and the other item I'm waiting for a return label I have requested 3 times. I was told to keep any materials and I would not receive any more materials about a month ago. I have not received the label. I have called I would be happy to return the one item. Now I'm getting billed for something I never received. I need to communicate to this company I wish to not receive ANY materials for this club. If they ever send me a label I will be more then happy to return any items they claim I did not pay for.

Please inform John Wilson that I assumed the matter was settled about a month ago. If you send me the return labels you keep saying you send you can gladly have whatever dvds you say I owe provided I have received them. This has consumed many hours of my time trying to resolve this issue.I Your business practices leave a lot to be desired. I do not know what the problem with your company is but I am willing to resolve this by whatever means provided I don't have to pay for anything I didn't receive.

Robert Adams
Customer no. [protected]

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jwellswoodworking
Franklin, US
Nov 22, 2014 6:22 pm EST

I received a bill for a book I did not receive. The bill was received on November 22 2014 and requested payment 11/19/14.

I think I would have purchased this book if I had received it.

Your prompt response to this request is requested.

Thank you,
Jim Wells

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George Breckenridge
Amarillo, US
Dec 12, 2014 10:10 am EST

I read with interest many of the comments on this website, and am sorry to say that I had similar problems with this company several years ago. After much mail and phone calls, I finally just chose to ignore them. Here we are several years later, and I have tried them again, with limited success. The calendar mess was the same as everyone else, as was the book and "test tools" situation. In all fairness I must say that the magazine is much better now, so I signed up for a lifetime membership and to become a tool tester. I get the magazine but that's it. I have found the best to deal with this situation is to ignore it all until you get a phone call or a letter from a collection agency. When you explain it the bill collectors, they will back off if you word your response correctly. They don't like legal issues.
Thanks George

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Randy93
Adrian, US
Dec 25, 2014 4:39 am EST

well...looking back...I should have checked this company out better...I too...signed up year to year...and was fine...when and only when in signed up for lifetime did I really notice a change...hook...line and sinker...snagged a sucker...I too, never received notice...of change of policy...I signed up for 12 monthly mags. ...company changed that to quarterly mags...concerned and not receiving lifetime gifts...I believe they are in finiacial trouble...DO NOT SIGN UP WITH THIS COMPANY...PERIOD...NO WAY TO CONTACT ...OTHER THAN SOME DAMN NUMBER...HAVE TO GO ONLINE...TO EMAIL...COMPLAINT...WHAT!...THIS IS A COMPANY IN SERIOUS TROUBLE...STAY AWAY FROM...I PAID LIFE MEMBERSHIP...AND OUT...350.00$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ DON T BE SUCKED IN...

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Patricia L.Z
Saint Clairsville, US
Dec 31, 2014 11:46 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Being charged for something I didn't receive. Now being harassed from Chase Receivables Collection Agency.

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maxamillion1972
Portland, US
Jan 04, 2015 9:13 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

ya i am a supposed life time member AND THEY BILLED ME TWICE so i pay $48 and get 4 months worth of magazines, not trials of anything, i bought the first book . called to cancel NO MORE BOOKS !, lol they canceled my entire LIFETIME membership ! this place is a scam big time, i called and asked what was up, they say i canceled and that oh they will get right on sending me the magazine again... wow that was like 9 months ago... TOTAL SCAM...

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jwellswoodworking
Franklin, US
Jan 08, 2015 2:23 pm EST

I just received another invoice foe a book I never received. this is the third one. I have not heard from them and there is no way to reach them. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM FOR ANY REASON.

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w r
Johnstown, US
Jan 19, 2015 11:54 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been a life member of handyman for 2 years had no choice sent me a letter saying it was only 24.00 I read all fine print and terms so I did it 2 weeks later sent me a bill for 350.00 if I didn't pay it it was gonna go to a collection agency so I paid it never got the free tools I was promised now I haven't received a magazine in 3 months very disappointing never again don't sign up for them

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thomas Chesney
West Monroe, US
Feb 24, 2015 9:12 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Good Morning: I have not received my magazine for some time. Since I am a life time member and have paid for it I would like to receive the magazine. Is there a problem with the magazine?

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Irene Peterson
Warrenton, US
Mar 02, 2015 9:47 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have not received a shipment on my router bits since befor December and my subscription to the magazine has stopped. I am a life member. I would like to finish the router bit series.

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D M in Biloxi
Biloxi, US
Mar 08, 2015 10:08 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DM in Biloxi, MS
I am a Master Life Member and have been a member since 1998. Haven't really had any bad experiences with HCOA until recently when they merged or taken over by Scout. Website is now so confusing to get around and then it seems the magazine has stopped coming, though the quality of the mag improved with the takeover. Last issue received was Fall 2014. Anyone received one since then?

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Robert Birchfield
Rutland, US
Apr 01, 2015 9:55 pm EDT

I don't know why I'm not getting my handyman magazine delivered to my home any more. I have not moved in all most 20 yr. Club MBR# [protected] DY

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Robert Quick
Mcadenville, US
Apr 15, 2015 3:25 pm EDT

I am a LIFE MEMBER OF THE HANDYMAN CLUB OF AMERICA SINCE JANUARY 1 2007.I have received a few magazines. but have not received the tool I was told I would received to test. My membership number is [protected]. I'm now at retirement age and would like to received tools I was suppose to have already received.

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capnkelly
Lanett, US
Apr 21, 2015 5:31 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My magazines stopped a few months ago. I contacted "Scout" and the replied that mags were no longer printed or mailed...all you get is the electronic "magazine". I call BS on this as I was promised a magazine as a "life member". What do I do when we move to the country where there is no internet? Handyman...you cheated all of your members.

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Earl Edmond
Scott City, US
May 06, 2015 8:15 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am a Life Member and my number is [protected]#DY. I have not received a magazine for over two years. I paid my Life Membership and now I am not getting my magazines. If they want to cancel my membership give me back my life membership fees.

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Paul Hurne
Ithaca, US
May 15, 2015 2:36 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am also a life time member and have not received my magazine. I sure would like to know what is going on with the so called membership program. I became a life time member, and tried to contact the organization with know success. I also paid good money for the program 06/2011 and as yet to hear from anyone. I'm beginning to believe that they are nothing more then a rip off club.:-(

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ralph corrigan
US
Sep 15, 2015 7:40 pm EDT

My magazines have not been coming for several years. I paid for a lifetime subscription& I think they canceled me. What for?

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    Oct 29, 2024
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HandyMan Club of America / Scout.com is ranked 179 among 198 companies in the Magazines and Newspapers category