Before you agree to any prenotification negative option plan:
• Read the terms and conditions of the plan carefully so you understand the obligations of membership before you join. For example, how many products are you expected to purchase within a specific period of time?
• Compare costs. The introductory merchandise may be substantially discounted, but you may be required to buy additional merchandise at the club's regular prices and pay shipping and handling on those purchases. Do the math to compare the club's prices and the shipping charges against those of other sellers.
• Keep copies of plan documentation that explain the terms and conditions of the plan and the rejection forms you return to the seller. It's also a good idea to write down the date that you mailed the rejection forms.
• Check out the seller. Contact your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have any complaints on file. A record of complaints may indicate questionable practices, but a lack of complaints doesn't necessarily mean that the seller is without problems. Unscrupulous businesses or business people often change names and locations to hide complaint histories.
For additional information about negative option plans, download the Federal Trade Commission's "Consumer Alert: Prenotification Negative Option Plans" available at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro09.shtm.
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