National Geographic – Fail!
National Geographic
As a travel writer, I received today an invite to subscribe to National Geographic magazine – which is lovely but expensive – for only £9.25, with a free gift of a rather nice camera bag. (Disclaimer: I’ve filmed for NatGeo in the past and am doing so again shortly!).
Unfortunately, no matter what I tried, the online form refused to accept my details – I kept getting a pop up saying I had to use “only Alphanumeric characters”, with every compulsory box still highlighted (so no clues there then!).
Apart from the unhelpfulness of the message (surely someone tested this form?), I actually wanted the subscription, so I persevered, trying a different computer, but to no avail.
So I rang them.
Quick answer, great person on the other end – but when I tried to explain the reason I was ringing, rather than ordering online, she was not interested.
Now, if I was paying for this service (and I am, in a way) I’d know that having a person take my details rather than via a computer form is much more expensive, so I’d have a system to feedback any problems.
So, NatGeo, love your work, love working for you – but do have a look at your system for taking my hard earned money off me, please!
