I have been subscribing to Hindustan Times (English newspaper) for over 2 years in Mumbai, almost since the time they launched it in Mumbai. I opted for their Annual Scheme (Rs. 199/year) when their Executive visited my office to promote the newspaper when they launched in Mumbai in 2009 or so.
I admit that I opted for HT over Times of India (which I had been buying for decades) simply because HT’s offer was too tempting. Besides, I could always continue to read TOI in office.
In my 2+ years of subscription, I realized that I made a mistake choosing HT over TOI, though I continue to read TOI as well. I have been having trouble with my vendor right from the beginning (delivers the paper well after 8.30 or 9 a.m. and is also very irregular) and have taken it up with their Area Manager which didn’t help one bit.
Also, HT has a very poor Customer Service, as it is next to impossible to reach their Executives (just try speaking to them over their No. - 022-67764242). Late last year when I renewed my subscription, I have been following up with them for the Coupons I need to provide to the newspaper vendor every month.
As I wasn’t able to reach them over phone I sent an email and thankfully they responded to it (though very unprofessionally drafted one) stating that my Subscription Coupons were sent to me by XYZ courier on so-and-so date but were returned undelivered, so they are being sent to me again.
They didn’t mention why they were undelivered as I have people at home at all times and there was no intimation by either HT or their courier agency on the supposed delivery.
Moreover, the problem of getting the newspaper delivered well after 8.30 a.m. is annoying, as most working people in Mumbai would leave home by then. While my parents just flip through the papers, I end up reading it on most days only when I return from work late in the evening.
I would advise people not to fall for lucrative schemes from Hindustan Times to save some money. It is not possible to change one’s vendor as they are exclusive to a locality / territory and you’ll have to suffer in silence if the vendor is highly irregular in delivery of the paper.
Sadly, their Area Manager admitted that there are several complaints against their vendor in my locality, but is helpless in changing him. It is a pity a large and reputed media house like HT Media Ltd. has such bad business practices and takes its customers for a ride.
I hope they put their house in order, else I have decided not to renew my subscription after the current term.