When purchasing magazine subscriptions online expect to save a significant amount off the cover price, but expect to the price offered to be the exact same on all the major sites. Pricing on magazine subscriptions have a fixed minimum price and the vast majority of legitimate retailers will charge exactly that minimum price. Choose the website to purchase from based on features such as additional features (such as available gift cards and renewal reminders) and based on which site you are confident you can trust. Be aware that some sites will automatically charge you for a renewal if they don't hear from you when it's time for renewal. If that's not what you'd like, read the companies policies clearly.

Delivery times

Most publishers use mail processing centers which print address labels for several issues at a time. Labels for new orders are generally not printed until the next run of labels. Additionally, most magazines are printed well in advance of shipping, and each printing is pre-allocated only to the amount of subscribers at the actual time of printing. As a result of this, the magazine industry has a standard "lead time" for subscriptions of 4 to 8 weeks for weekly magazines and 8 to 12 weeks for monthly magazines and quarterly subscriptions although these times do vary by different publication.

If you haven't received the first issue of your subscription within the expected period times, you can often check the magazine's web site for your order status.

Ordering for the holidays

Magazines are a popular late holiday gift because the receiver doesn't expect an issue in-hand at gift giving time. Many magazine subscription websites send a card with gift subscriptions, so there is something to fill the stocking.

The most popular magazine gift ideas for men are men's magazines and fitness magazines. For women, vacation magazines are the most popular gift and for children, puzzles and animal related magazines top the gift list.

Andrew writes for Magazines Direct. If you are in the market for magazines including gentleman's magazines and bodybuilding magazines please consider MagsDirect.com.

Copyright 2006 MagsDirect.com

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