The Good Cook cookbook club

[Searcher]

Linda, do you happen to know their web site adress? I must be blind but I can never find it and a search turned up nothing. I'm such a computer idiot. Thanks.

[Linda in MO]

Here you go Searcher... http://www.thegoodcook.com/goodcookcgi/home

[heidibowman]

Linda in MO - Do you know if existing members use the websight to make purchases instead of sending in the little card? Couldn't seem to find a way past the first page where you join the club. Thanks!

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by heidibowman:
Linda in MO - Do you know if existing members use the websight to make purchases instead of sending in the little card? Couldn't seem to find a way past the first page where you join the club. Thanks!

I don't think their site is for existing members. I wish you could do all transactions through their site instead of having to send the little cards in every few weeks!

[DmOrtega]

Linda in Mo --- I call the 800 number instead of mailing the cards. It works great.

[heidibowman]

Actually, I emailed them the same question and they said you couldn't use the websight to place orders. But, you can use their email address to place orders, decline the pick of the month, and make credit card payments. customerservice@thegoodcook.com

[kima]

I am considering joining this program but wanted to hear form those of you who have used it. Any problems? Any hidden costs or requirements. I would love to hear everyone's experiences but if any Canadians have tried this I'd love your opinion! Thanks everyone.

[maizeyoats]

The complaints that I have with them is that they are so slow in sending that first order. I ordered the 4 books for a $1 and a 5th at half price and, of course, it was a good deal except by the time they sent me the books I forgot I ordered them and bought some of them in other places. My other complaint is that I think they charge too much for shipping. I got 3 very small books and the shipping was $10.50

[Linda in MO]

Does anyone know the 1-800 # for the Good Cook cookbook club? I wanted to re-join, but I can't find my flyer. I went to their site, but the deal isn't quite as good. What I got in the mail said I could get a 5th book for 1/2 off and then only have to buy 1 more. The 5th book for 1/2 off isn't offered on their site.
Thanks!

[DmOrtega]

Just happen to have this months catalog right in front of me.

1-800-644-2662

[Linda in MO]

WOW! I can't believe how fast you guys are!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif By the time I put my son's sandals on, there was a reply. Thanks DmOrtega!

By the way, if anyone has joined recently, what cookbooks did you pick out?

[Melman]

I've been in the Good Cook bookclub for a little over a year. I was VERY pleased with my original selections: "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman, the "CL 5-Ingredient, 15-Minute Cookbook", the "Yellow FarmHouse Cookbook," and that huge gigantic book by one of those Culinary Institutes. I got really lucky with that one...it normally counts as two books and is marked like that. The ad I used didn't have it labeled like that. I think I spent a total of about $30 including shipping and handling on ALL those books.

Now, am I pleased with the club??? Hmmm...I have mixed feelings. I wish they had the on-line service like BMG Music has (I get notices via email and can reply through their website). I wish they had a better selection. There have been several books mentioned in this bulletin board that they don't carry. I guess overall, I've been pleased enough to stay in the club and have even ordered a few books since joining. Mostly I enjoy their catalogs to see what new books have been printed.

One thing that I don't like. You know how most of those companies (books, CD's, whatever) will offer a freebie if you sign up someone?? For instance, BMG offers x-number of CD's if someone joins and references your membership. The GoodCook offers this...but it's ONLY when they put the flyer in the catalogs. It also sounds like you're limited to picking a book out of that particular catalog. I think I'd have an easier time trying to sell how wonderful they are *IF* they were indeed wonderful.

[Beth]

When I joined before, I was pleased with the books I ordered, but I did think the shipping charges were high for book rate shipping. That's the main reason I didn't use them for more book purchases. They charge enough to be sending them priority mail but it takes so long to get them.

I was a member before everything exploded onto the web, but am glad to know you can do some things through customer service on line. I had a hard time getting my reply cards received and processed by mail, so after sending back a couple of unwanted books, I resorted to calling the 800# also.

Also, at least back then, they would order just about any book that was in print and available. I think the "one more book" I bought that time was one I special ordered.

[Sara Emily]

kima, I have been a member with them for about five years and my BIGGEST COMPLAINT is the following: In the advertisement, they may say something like if you buy 1 book at their regular price, you get the next one or two for half price. When they send the bill with the shipment, they often charge FULL price for two or even all three of the books! The last time I ordered from them (a couple of months ago), there was an offer saying that if you purchased one full price book from their special little booklet, they would send you another little appealing looking cookbook for only $4.00 AND that there would be NO S&H charges on the small one. When the order came, they charged FULL PRICE for BOTH books and S&H on both!

This kind of stuff happens ALL THE TIME with them!!! You have to keep meticulous records of everything you order and about how much it is SUPPOSED to cost! When I detail the problem to them, they always apologize and correct it, but it is a LOT of work to redo it all so many, many times! For that reason, don't use a charge card with them, or the process becomes even MORE complicated! (The one time I DID charge an order, they double billed my credit card company, with bills one month apart from each other - hoping I wouldn't catch it???) You can get some good buys on occasion, so I've reluctantly stayed. Just don't be trusting with them on the financial end of things!

Since the shipments come so much later after the order was placed, I've got to wonder how many customers forget and never pick up on these types of errors!

[funnybone]

I find with all those clubs, you are best to cancel after you fullfill your oblgations. Then they keep calling you to come back and give even better offers - lol http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif.

I don't subscribe to it, but have considered doing so. I fill out the card all the time, then don't mail it out.

For those of you who are members, do you find that it takes forever for new books to be offered, just as is the case with the music clubs?? I cancelled BMG recently (and they have been calling to get me back http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif) only because I was running out of newer music choices to buy.

[Laura B]

I join this club once a year or so. I get the great deal up front (even with the exorbitant shipping, you are getting 4 to 5 cookbooks for about 30 bucks - the cost of one nice cookbook). I buy my one or two required books, then quit. I have never had a problem with the service. Sorry to hear that so many others have. I guess I never stay a member long enough to start having problems. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[maizeyoats]

Funnybone,
You are absolutely right. I immediately fulfilled my obligation and then I quit and they do keep trying to lure me back.
Their shipping and billing leave a lot to be desired but if you just join get all your books and quit it is still a good deal. They sure don't seem to mind since they never give up trying to get you to join again.