Trains.com

Kalmbach store - why so difficult?

2677 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,771 posts
Kalmbach store - why so difficult?
Posted by wjstix on Thursday, August 10, 2017 3:51 PM

What I'm trying to do isn't that complicated. I want to renew my Classic Trains subscription, and in the same purchase / payment, order the Classic Trains "Great Trains: Freight" upcoming special issue. Apparently there's no way to do that. I can get the special issue in my cart, but there's no way to add a subscription to the cart. I can renew my subscription, but since the special issue I want isn't one of the three advertised as add-ons, I can't add it. Seems to me it should all be part of one system, not completely separate ones?? 

Another oddity - it appears I can pay for something from Kalmbach using PayPal, but only if I use a credit card. I can't use PayPal credit, or money from my PayPal balance. 

Stix
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 11, 2017 4:25 AM

I was recently offered a one year four issue subscription to Classic Trains at a Nice Price I couldn't resist so I took Kalmbach up on the offer.  The subscription was to start with Summer 2017.  When I received my e-mail billing notice it indicated I would receive the Fall 2017 issue instead.  I e-mailed Kalmbach Customer Service explaining I want my sub to start with the Summer edition and they replied within 48 hours that my subscription had been adjusted to reflect this request.

Try an e-mail to CS.  This should do the trick.  Reminder: They are now located in Tampa, FL.  Better wait for Hurricane Irma to pass over and give them time to restore service before contacting.

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • 124 posts
Posted by southernpacificgs4 on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 8:03 PM

I would order a book from the shop but I was not able to "log in" as a returning customer, I tried more than once but in vain.

I change my password, via "forgot your password" but even with the new password I was not able to sign in as a returning customer.

What I am doing wrong? 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 12, 2017 4:31 AM

I'm afraid I can't answer your question.  A couple of months ago I subscribed to Classic Trains and requested that my subscription start with the Summer 2017 issue.  Last week I received the Fall 2017 issue and still no sign of summer  CT has showed yet.

I sent an e-mail to Kalmbach Customer Service, now located in Tampa, Florida, and received a reply yesterday with their aplogy that I didn't receive the summer issue and that they were sending me a replacement copy.

I've also called them before on my Ma Bell crank any always get a friendly human voice (!) and courteous service when I contact them by phone.  They should be able to locate and solve the problem you're having with your account while you've got them on the phone.  Give them a call...you'll be glad you did!

Hope this helps.

 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,771 posts
Posted by wjstix on Thursday, October 12, 2017 12:51 PM

The thing is, basically all I was trying to do was buy two things from Kalmbach's online store, and the website said I had to do buy each item as a completely separate transaction. Kinda like going to the local hobby shop to buy two bottles of paint, only to find they have to ring them up as two separate purchases!

Stix
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 13, 2017 5:46 PM

It's called 666 in the Holy Bible.  Welcome to the Last Days where nothing seems to work anymore without total confusion.  The Good News: It'll get better after the New World Order is in place and man has no freedom of choice anymore.

Read Orwell's Animal Farm even if it doesn't include trains in the story.  It's scary before or after Halloween!

 

SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter