My wife told me that she had noticed a strange charge on our credit card statement of $29.99. The statement mentioned the following information: Merchant Name ROADRUNNER CLUB RENEW 800-901-9207 CA Merchant Phone Number Not Available Merchant Description Catalog Merchants - Direct Marketing Transaction Date May 18, 2009 Post Date May 18, 2009 Transaction Amount $29.99 Neither my wife nor I had ever heard of that company. Even more strangely, we just got a new credit card from our credit card issuer because the previous one had supposedly been corrupted. Even my subscription services such as the Financial Times and Netflix contacted me because they could not process the payment for renewal because of my new credit card information and asked me to update my informations. She called the telephone number mentioned right after the merchant name and heard an automatic message regarding credit card charges. She then spoke with a very slippery man who immediately asked her to give him her credit card number, which she refused. He then tried to locate our 'account' with our name, telephone number and e-mail address with no avail and kept insisting that it would be far easier if we would give him our credit card number, stating quite sarcastically that he already had it anyway. As the man was unable to process our request for refund and cancellation of all unwanted services, we had to process this claim through our credit card issuer which will reverse the charge and issue a new credit card to us. I also filed a complaint with the California attorney general and the DC attorney general.

I am a VIP club member with Road Runner Sports. As I run a lot and buy a lot of running shoes, this membership has been worth it for me. However, I just became aware of a practice this company does that I think is wrong. I established my VIP membership several years ago and the yearly renewal was $44.99. Now you can get a membership for $1.99 for the first year and a $24.99 yearly renewal. When I called to complain, they told me that if a customer notices and calls, they can get the cheaper renewal. But you have to notice it first and complain. You can bet if the VIP renewal was increased, they would across the board raise everyone's renewal rate. I think they should charge everyone the going rate, not punish long time VIP member with a higher rate. I would urge everyone to pay attention when your credit card is charged with a renewal and check for lower rates. This company is cheap and does not stand up for its loyal customers.

I purchased a VIP plan at Road Runner Sports which entitles you to a free pair of shoes up to $100 after purchasing 5. I have purchased 5 pair by the end of 2008. Their policy is to wait 60 days until they mail the coupon for the free pair in case you return the shoes. I qualify for the free pair as verified by the store manager and corporate headquarters, however they are reneging on the deal stating they no longer have the "family plan." I sent numerous e-mails, faxed corporate headquarters, and left numerous messages to no avail. Their e-mails state they will only offer me 15% off, and their next offer was $40 off. They never sent me the free coupon or inform me they no longer have the plan. They cannot negate a contract that offers a free pair of shoes. I even made these purchases before they stopped the plan.