I asked to have subscription cancelled and the responded quickly. They do a wonderful job with books for children on a variety of topics as well as ways for parents to help.
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See what reviewers are saying
I just found that I have been being billed for a subscription since April 2023. This is December 2023. I called to ask what this was about; they could not answer what purchase was made because t... See more
Quality both in paper grade and message. Relationships are all important in life and need to be taught in a way that penetrates our youth. I can find books on topics that are helpful but PD&IC draws i... See more
This company is very shady. I ordered books paid for them and then a year later I’m told they are charging me for my subscription! Lo and behold they charged me last year … I missed seeing chargers my... See more
Company details
Written by the company
Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream is a children’s book publishing company based out of San Diego, CA. We’re a small team of writers, designers, illustrators and book lovers who are committed to providing children’s books that are high quality and entertaining. We strive to make meaningful and educational stories that help children grow into the best versions of themselves. Our books are printed here in the USA and each book is carefully made with love and the intent to instill lifelong values within our readers. Our Authors are from across the globe and bring unique passion and expertise to stories they create. By bringing our books into the world, we hope to reignite a love for reading and writing, one child at a time.
Contact info
12555 High Bluff Dr, STE 250, 92130, San Diego, United States
- (888) 801-0002
- help@puppysmiles.org
- puppydogsandicecream.com
3.2
Average
180 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
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Unfair and unethical hiring process
I should have checked this company’s TrustPilot reviews before I decided to apply to an advert for a freelance writer role they’d advertised (on Craigslist - another red flag). I was told via email that I had gotten through to the second round and that I was to complete a writing assignment. The assignment: to write between 8 and 16 4-line stanzas to a specified brief. An unpaid writing test. I completed the test, which took me several hours (I’m a fast writer but any writer would spend several hours working on a writing test like this). It took them three weeks to get back to me, at which point I received an impersonal rejection email, with no personalised feedback. This was disappointing, considering I’d put a lot of time and effort in the (unpaid!) writing test. I requested feedback, to which I received an automated response. The company is very active on Instagram so I sent them a DM there, to which they advised I raise a customer service ticket. Huh? I reiterated my request for personalised feedback and got a dismissive (and frankly rude) message from Robert, the ‘operations manager’ who said that due to the ‘large number of applicants’ they were unable to give detailed feedback. Large number of applicants? Perhaps next time shortlist a few for the writing test. If there are that many applicants you can’t give detailed feedback, how did you properly read all of the test responses? He also said he would ‘encourage me to re-apply should [they] have future openings’. Needless to say, I shan’t be re-applying. Frankly, I probably dodged a bullet if this is the way in which PDIC conduct business. Assignments like this should always be paid. Writers should always be paid for their work. PDIC, do better. And judging by these dire reviews from customers, I’d recommend you work on your customer service, too.
16 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
I'm sorry to hear that you felt our response to your request for feedback was rude. I assure that it was not meant to be. We had 1600+ candidates we were reviewing and truly did not have time to provide individual feedback. Thank your for your suggestion regarding shortlisting, though this would give fewer applicants the opportunity to be seen and potentially hired. I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors in the field of writing.
Robert F.
PDIC Operations Manager
I ordered 3 books for my grandkids
I ordered 3 books for my grandkids. $39.95. That was all i ordered. I was charged a n additional 33.00 at same time and they sent more books which i didnt agree to. Now they just charged my card 97.00 for a digital library I never authorized. Its pending and my credit card company is dusputing it.They have no phone service. Only emails. They say i can return items within 30 days but i need order number which isn't on any of my emails from them. Anyone ordering from them beware.
11 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
RoseAnn,
Please see our reply to your complaint on the Better Business Bureau website for details on all of your concerns above.
I placed an order on February 5th
I placed an order on February 5th.
It is now February 13th and according to their website, the order has yet to be printed or shipped. I am very disappointed with the customer service from this company and would never do business with them again.
13 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Jim,
Thank you for providing additional information so that I could identify your order. I see that the order delivered on 2/21/23. I understand being anxious to receive your order and apologize for any frustration while you waited. Because many of our books are printed only after an order is received, we try to let customers know that there will be a 2-3 week time frame for delivery.
PDIC Customer Support.
DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM
I purchased books for my children, when I first check out, there were some other 3 books bundle added to my cart, I thought my kids might like those so I placed my order with those additional books. It took for few weeks to get those books which were not hard copy. For the price, it is not worthy it. After 30 days, without any communications my credit card was charged $104.76. They send out 2-3 emails a day and just can not send out an email to let me know that digital library charge will happen if no cancellation. We did not use the digital library at all and was not aware there will be a charge for it. Now I have to get a new credit card and I am not going to use this company again!
13 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
I would love to help with your concerns. In order to do so, I will need some additional information to identify your account. I have requested the information through this site but haven't heard back yet. Please contact us through our help center at www.puppydogsandicecream.com.
PDIC Customer Support
If I could give them a zero I would
If I could give them a zero I would. I originally ordered a set of 4 books that were supposed to be 29 dollars I believe. When I hit the finale button it added other books to a total of 69 dollars. I tried to cancel the order completely but could not. When I received the books I decided I could give them to children in my family and just never do business with this company again. A month later they automatically took out 97 dollars from my account without my permission and I'm trying to get my money back now! I sent the books I had purchased back today at my own expense and am waiting for my refund of 69 dollars and 97 dollars. They are a fraudulent company and need to change their practices or get out of business.
7 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Bonnie,
I've taken a look at your order and will be happy to help. When placing an order, customers are are offered both the additional discounted book bundle and the free trial of our digital content. They are given the option to opt-out of both items at that time. These items also show on the final checkout screen if they have not been opted out of, so there is another opportunity to remove them at that time.
We truly do not want anyone to end up with something that they don't want. You should have received an email letting you know about the 30-day free trial and how to login to try it out or cancel it if not interested. If not cancelled within 30 days, then the full subscription cost is charged. Again, we don't want you to pay for something you don't want, so I have refunded you the full subscription amount and made sure that it is cancelled.
In regards to the returned items, simply contact us with the tracking number so that we may confirm the return and we will process the refund for those as well. You can contact us via email or chat from our website www.puppydogsandicecream.com.
If I could give this a zero
If I could give this a zero, I would! I made a one time purchase… never agreed to a subscription! I was charged $97 the following month. The phone number gives information and no way to speak to a human. The chat online was ridiculous!
8 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Erin,
I apologize for any confusion regarding this order. Certain items include a 30-day free trial of our digital content with your purchase. After the order was placed, you should have received an email with instructions for accessing the content as well as how to cancel the trial if you are not interested. If the the 30-day period lapses without a cancellation, you would be billed the yearly subscription charge. I certainly don't want you to pay for something that you didn't want and won't use. I see that you contacted us yesterday and one of our Customer Support Team members refunded all charges associated with the subscription and confirmed that it is cancelled as well. You should see the refund within 3-5 business days. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Have a great day and thank you for your business!
PDIC Customer Support Team
"Free" trial added to initial order
A "free" digital library trial was added to my first book order in December unbeknownst to me. My bank account was charged for $100.88 in January for access to this digital library. I called the company when I noticed my bank account has been charged, no answer and was referred to a virtual customer service chat which was not helpful at all. I wrote I was NOT interested in any such subscription and requested it be cancelled. In reviewing the customer feedback, multiple people have had a similar experience with this company. This is concerning. I have received no direct follow up or email as promised. I am requesting this subscription be cancelled and my $100.88 be refunded. Thank you for your help. I would suggest that customer services representatives be available to talk with your customers to get prompt resolution regarding voiced concerns.
4 January 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Ellen,
I was able to find your order, but could find no record of you reaching out to us on this matter. There is a chat icon on our website in the lower right-hand portion of the screen that can be used to communicate with our team via either chat or email. We do not currently have phone support for customer service, but hope to soon.
In regards to the subscription, certain items include a 30-day free trial of our digital content with your purchase. After the order was placed, you should have received an email with instructions for accessing the content as well as how to cancel the trial if you are not interested. If the the 30-day period lapses without a cancellation, you would be billed the yearly subscription charge. I certainly don't want you to pay for something that you didn't want and won't use. I have refunded all charges associated with the subscription and confirmed that it is cancelled as well. You should see the refund within 3-5 business days. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Have a great day and thank you for your business!
PDIC Customer Support Team
SOS I placed an order today January…
SOS I placed an order today January 25th 2023 I believe I included the apartment number but I don't see it in the mailing bill please include my apartment number otherwise I will not receive it as I live in a huge complex my apartment number is 28-D How can I speak to you? What's up phone # thank you Esperanza Igarashi
25 January 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Esperanza,
Thank you for placing an order with us. I have checked the order and found that the apartment number was included on the address. I hope that sets your mind at ease. I hope you and your family enjoy the books!
Customer Support Team
Unauthorized charges of $97 to paypal
Unauthorized charges of $97 to paypal. Sent email to cancel everything from this company
6 January 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Robyn,
I apologize for any confusion regarding this order. Certain items include a 30-day free trial of our digital content with your purchase. After the order was placed, you should have received an email with instructions for accessing the content as well as how to cancel the trial if you are not interested. If the the 30-day period lapses without a cancellation, you would be billed the yearly subscription charge. I certainly don't want you to pay for something that you didn't want and won't use. I see that you contacted us on 1/14 and one of our Customer Support Team members refunded all charges associated with the subscription and confirmed that it is cancelled as well. You should see the refund within 3-5 business days. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Have a great day and thank you for your business!
PDIC Customer Support Team
This company is a complete scam
This company is a complete scam. I thank the good Lord, I payed with paypal. They immediately refunded my account. My order for 3 feelings books, $29.99. My charge was $70.05, including many things I never agreed to. I sent a email and tried to cancel, then called PayPal. They were very familiar with this company.
8 January 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
April,
I see that you reached out to us on 1/9. It appears that you may have inadvertently click on one of the additional discounted bundles being offered. I see that my Customer Support agent refunded the $70.05 in full at that time. Please let us know if there is anything further that we can do to be of assistance.
PDIC Operations Manager
Ordered books for Christmas then just…
Ordered books for Christmas then just had an unauthorized charge for $104 dollars. I recommend not doing business with this company.
9 January 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
I apologize for any confusion regarding this order. Certain items include a 30-day free trial of our digital content with your purchase. After the order was placed, you should have received an email with instructions for accessing the content as well as how to cancel the trial if you are not interested. If the the 30-day period lapses without a cancellation, you would be billed the yearly subscription charge. I certainly don't want you to pay for something that you didn't want and won't use. I have looked into this and see that the charge was declined, so there are no charges for me to refund at this time. The subscription has been cancelled as well. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Have a great day and thank you for your business!
PDIC Customer Support Team
Do NOT buy from this company
Do NOT buy from this company, I ordered three "books" for my nieces Christmas presents ..these are not books, they are 6"x6" pamphlets and I paid over $10.00 for EACH!
Outrageous and don't buy from this company, they are scamming crooks!
I was asked to provide additional information the only thing I could add is when I called customer service there was only an insistence that these were Books and absolutely no understanding that a book is hard covered with a binding, and not stapled pages.
29 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Judy,
I wasn't able to find any orders under the email that you provided, but did find orders under the name Judith Darlak. I am assuming that these are the orders you are referring too. I see that my Customer Service Manager refunded all of the charges for your orders. I'm sorry to hear that you weren't satisfied with your purchase, but it appears that the situation has been resolved.
PDIC Customer Support
Do not order from this companyDO NOT ORDER. IF YOU DO BEWARE OF EXTRA PAGES THAT HAVE AUTOMATED CHARGES MONTHLY
Do not order from this company. Although the books are nice, they have hidden charges and subscriptions that you are charged for without notifying you. The charges are in excess of $100, without refunding you any of your banking charges incurred.
28 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Trish,
I apologize, I've attempted to locate your order information, but unfortunately, we have multiple customers who share your name. Please reach out to us via Chat or Email from our website www.puppydogsandicecream.com so that we can assist you with this. Simply click on the help center icon in the lower righthand side of the page to be connected with our Customer Support staff.
As all the other reviews said
As all the other reviews said. They have charged my card several times but was caught the first time. So they didn't get the money. But a headache as I had to get another new card!! 3 ND one this year from another scam!! I don't think I'll do business anymore except directly and cash only. I'm done with these technical scammers!!!🤬😡
26 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Janet,
I've attempted to locate your order information, but unfortunately, we have multiple customers who share your name. Please reach out to us via Chat or Email from our website www.puppydogsandicecream.com so that we can assist you with this. Simply click on the help center icon in the lower righthand side of the page to be connected with our Customer Support staff.
I wouldn’t give them any stars!!
I wouldn’t give them any stars!!! Like others have said, they are charging my card multiple times. Thankfully my bank saw this as fraud but it’s still a damn headache. This company should be shut down! Don’t give them any of your information.
27 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Jacqueline,
I apologize for any confusion regarding this order. Certain items include a 30-day free trial of our digital content with your purchase. After the order was placed, you should have received an email with instructions for accessing the content as well as how to cancel the trial if you are not interested. If the the 30-day period lapses without a cancellation, you would be billed the yearly subscription charge. I certainly don't want you to pay for something that you didn't want and won't use. I see that you contacted us on 12/27/22 and one of our Customer Support Team members cancelled the subscription. No charges were ever completed, so there was no need for a refund in this case. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Have a great day and thank you for your business!
PDIC Customer Support Team
I was charged $103.79 for something I…
I was charged $103.79 for something I DID NOT order!! I want my money back! This is terrible!
20 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Pam,
I apologize for any confusion regarding this order. Certain items include a 30-day free trial of our digital content with your purchase. After the order was placed, you should have received an email with instructions for accessing the content as well as how to cancel the trial if you are not interested. If the the 30-day period lapses without a cancellation, you would be billed the yearly subscription charge. I certainly don't want you to pay for something that you didn't want and won't use. I see that you contacted us on 12/21/22 and one of our Customer Support Team members refunded all charges associated with the subscription and confirmed that it is cancelled as well. You should have received the refund within 3-5 business days. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Have a great day and thank you for your business!
PDIC Customer Support Team
This company is a total SCAM
This company is a total SCAM! I, too, was charged $97 for an automatic pay I did not authorize! The three children books I’ve received were okay. I would have been much better off to order at a local bookstore, and much cheaper. It’s so unfortunate that we can’t trust anyone. Not even companies who “innocently” sell religious children books. Luckily, my bank account was able to block the charge in time. PayPal, however, claims the autopay was authorized by me?!?! Seriously! I’m so mad!! Mostly, mad at myself for being duped once again by these con artists.
16 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Patty,
We would love to assist you with your concerns, but more information is needed in order to identify your order and help you with cancelling your subscription and providing a refund.
SCAM
SCAM. My credit card was charged an extra $104.96 without my permission. Beware and report any fraudulent activity to the authorities. This company needs to be accountable for all the unauthorized activity they seem to be doing. What a shame, now that I know, because I was going to give these books as a Christmas gift, but now I'm not sure. ugh!
14 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Lavona,
We would love to assist you with your concerns, but more information is needed in order to identify your order and help you with cancelling your subscription and providing a refund.
I ordered the Christmas books…
I ordered the Christmas books advertised on Facebook. I got them on November 12 2022. About a week or two later I looked at my card account and had a charge of 102.00 dollars charged to my account. I contacted my account to see what l could do. They checked and said it was an authorized account which it wasn’t. So now lm out of 102.00.
12 November 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Rose,
I apologize for any confusion regarding this order. Certain items include a 30-day free trial of our digital content with your purchase. After the order was placed, you should have received an email with instructions for accessing the content as well as how to cancel the trial if you are not interested. If the the 30-day period lapses without a cancellation, you would be billed the yearly subscription charge. I certainly don't want you to pay for something that you didn't want and won't use. I have refunded all charges associated with the subscription and confirmed that it is cancelled as well. You should see the refund within 3-5 business days. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Have a great day and thank you for your business!
PDIC Customer Support Team
I to have been taken for 97.00 dollars
I to have been taken for 97.00 dollars. I did not authorize this. Fraud.
9 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
Valued customer,
We would love to assist you with your concerns, but more information is needed in order to identify your order and help you with cancelling your subscription and providing a refund.
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