It seems the latest issue of Stationery News has been sent to newsagents, again. This time marked as a firm sale – meaning they are unable to return it.
This appears to be a mistake by Gotch. The challenge is the Gotch communication lines are clogged and emails are delayed in getting a response.
I’ve had at least ten calls plus emails. Here is one that sums up the situation:
This morning on the Gotch distribution they supplied a magazine, more a pamphlet, called “Stationary News” as a firm sale item with a cost of $55 and a retail of $60.50 ! When I rang Gotch , after a 40 minute wait, the helpful customer service office said that he had received a few calls in regard to it and he had lodged a query but they had been unable to work out why or how this had been allocated. He also stated that the more contact that they had from Newsagents the sooner something would be done about it.
Yep, received 1 today hadn’t even realised it was firm sale (thank for the heads up Mark). Was just going to return it and cancel supply like I did about 2 years ago, now I’ll email Gotch and make sure it’s cancelled and I’m credited.
$55 + GST how the hell do they justify it and does anyone actually want one at that price?
You can bet it won’t be credited until next month too.
Mine had a $0 retail price. What is going on ?
Received a reply from Gotch and apparently you can blame the ANF for charging you $55 + GST for Stationary News, Gotch say its an issue they are aware of and it should be returnable by the end of the week.
The next question is why the ANF would think its appropriate to do this. I’ve looked through it and can’t see any article concerning newsagent, however Officeworks, Staples, Office Choice, Kikki.K and Aust Post all get a mention. I’ll be on the phone today seeing if my ANF rep can explain why I’m being charged $55 to read how great my competition is.
I early returned it without realising it was firm sale also. However it was accepted by Gotch? Who knows..
I like the magazine and I will subscribe but that is because stationery sales through b2b is a part of business I want to grow. It does talk about newsagencies but like every magazine, different months have different topics I like knowing what my competitors are up to and this magazine helps.
It should be up to an individual business to organise a subscription to any title and it shouldnt be forced down our throats by GG or any other supplier. This process can not be legal?