Subscription Terms and Conditions

D.C. THOMSON & COMPANY LIMITED – SUBSCRIPTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Introduction

1.1 We are DC Thomson & Company Limited (“we“, “us“, “our“). We own some of the country’s best-loved and trusted media brands, from news, sport and business to entertainment, comics and puzzles, a leading genealogy platform and tech services business.

1.2 Many of our brands offer subscription products to printed, digital and/or app publications (each a “Subscription“). If you choose to buy a Subscription from any of our brands, you will enter into a contract with us. These subscription terms and conditions (the “Terms“) tell you how we will provide the Subscription to you, what to do if there is a problem, and other important information.

1.3 We offer different types of Subscription (for example, print subscriptions and digital subscriptions). Sometimes, certain terms will only apply to certain types of Subscription. Where that is the case, we have set out those details below.

2. What Subscriptions do these Terms apply to?

2.1 These Terms apply to:

2.1.1 Subscriptions purchased directly through our websites including www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk, www.puzzler.com, www.thecourier.co.uk and www.pressandjournal.co.uk and any other websites, including websites for any of our brands and third party websites, together referred to as the “Sites“;

2.1.2 Subscriptions purchased through our apps hosted on the Apple App Store, Amazon’s Appstore or Google Play Store (each an “App“);

2.1.3 Subscriptions purchased by telephone; and

2.1.4 Subscriptions purchased by post.

2.2 These Terms do not apply to, (i) subscriptions offered to businesses, (ii) subscriptions offered in Australia, (iii) Findmypast subscriptions, (iv) pre-pay bundles or single issues which require a one-off payment and are not purchased via a recurring payment method, or (v) the purchase of Home News Delivery Subscriptions. The terms and conditions for Home News Delivery Subscriptions will be supplied at the point of purchase by our customer services team.

2.3 Any restrictions on delivery locations are as stated on the relevant Subscription page or website for the chosen product, or in these Terms. The Subscription pages can be found on the Sites, Apps or as notified to you by telephone or by post, in accordance with Section 2.1 What Subscriptions do these Terms apply to. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to purchase printed subscriptions for some titles if you live outside the UK. If you choose to purchase a printed subscription, the relevant Subscription page will advise if there are any restrictions on delivery location. Delivery costs will be notified to you on the relevant Subscription page and will depend on the delivery location.

3 Other relevant terms and conditions

3.1 These Terms should be read alongside our other terms and conditions which will also apply to your Subscription:

3.1.1 Website terms and conditions – these detail the rules that apply when you visit any of our websites, and the standards we expect from you when interacting on any forum. These can be found at the footer of the relevant website.

3.1.2 DC Thomson Shop website terms and conditions – these detail the rules that apply when you visit the DC Thomson Shop website

3.1.3 Any special offer or promotional terms. From time to time, we may offer special conditions or temporary promotions which may either be published on our sites and other digital platforms, in our publications, or in other formats such as marketing emails. These promotions may be subject to additional terms and conditions, which will be made available to you when choosing your Subscription.

3.1.4 End User Licence Agreement – these detail the rules that apply to your use of any content or software that we make available to you; and

3.1.5 The relevant app store user terms and conditions which apply to Subscriptions purchased through an app store (including in-app purchases);

3.2 Our Privacy policy sets out how we hold and process your personal information.

4. Key Pre-Contract Information

4.1 We will provide you with “Key Pre-Contract Information” which will include the price, duration, renewal terms and minimum price payable before you enter into a Subscription with us.

4.1.1 If you order through our website or App, we will provide this information to you before you confirm that you wish to enter into a Subscription with us. If you choose to provide your email address during the order process on our website or App, we will also provide this information to you by email after your order is accepted.

4.1.2 If you order by telephone, we will provide this information to you orally before you confirm that you wish to enter into a Subscription with us. We will also provide it to you by email or by post after your order has been accepted.

4.1.3 If you order by post, we will provide this information to you by post to your home address after your order has been accepted by us.

5 These Terms only apply to consumers

5.1 These Terms only apply to Subscriptions for consumers. If you wish to purchase a Subscription for or on behalf of a business or for purposes relating to your trade, business, craft or profession, please contact corporatemembership@dcthomson.co.uk and we will provide you with more information about the terms that will apply to your purchase.

6 Proceeding with an order

6.1 It is important that you read and understand these Terms as by purchasing a Subscription you agree to be bound by them. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not purchase any Subscription.

6.2 We may change these Terms from time to time. It is your responsibility to check the terms and conditions each time you purchase a Subscription from us.

7 Purchasing a Subscription

7.1 You must be 16 or older and have the power and capacity to enter into a contract with us.

7.2 A binding contract for a Subscription will only come into force once we accept your order in accordance with these Terms.

7.3 The order process (and how we accept your order) depends on how you place your order:

7.3.1 Purchases made through our website

To purchase a Subscription through one of our Sites you must select the Subscription which you wish to purchase and provide the registration information which will include your full name, email address and any other data (“Registration Data“) that may be required for the Subscription of your choosing. All Registration Data will be used and held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

By submitting the Registration Data and payment for the Subscription and clicking to confirm your purchase, you are making us an offer to buy the Subscription. When we have verified your Registration Data and your payment and your offer has been accepted by us, we will send you written confirmation (by email or by post, depending on the selected Subscription product(s)) that the contract has been formed between us and will provide you with access to your Subscription product.

7.3.2 Purchases made through our Apps

To purchase a Subscription through one of our Apps you must follow the in-App checkout process. You will be asked to follow the Subscription purchase process, including, in some cases providing the registration information which will include your full name, email address and any other data (“Registration Data“) that may be required for the Subscription of your choosing. All Registration Data will be used and held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

By submitting the Registration Data and payment for the Subscription and clicking the “Confirm Purchase” button, you are making us an offer to buy the Subscription. When we have verified your Registration Data and your payment and your offer has been accepted by us, we will send you a Confirmation Email confirming the contract has been formed between us and will provide you with access to your Subscription product. If you choose to purchase a subscription through an App and do not confirm your Registration Data, your Confirmation Email will be sent by the relevant app store instead and you should refer to the app store terms and conditions when managing your Subscription.

7.3.3 Purchases made by telephone

To purchase a Subscription by telephone please call our customer services team via the contact information set out on the relevant Subscription page. You are responsible for any call costs that you incur. You will be asked what Subscription you would like to order and to provide your name, address, email address and payment details (“Registration Data“). All Registration Data will be used and held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

When we have verified your Registration Data and your payment and your offer has been accepted by us, we will orally confirm acceptance of your order. We will send you confirmation of your Subscription by post, or if you have provided us with your email address, we will send you a confirmatory email and shall thereafter deliver the Subscription in accordance with Section 16 Delivery of Subscriptions.

7.3.4 By post

To purchase a Subscription by post, please send the appropriate coupon or your written request including your name and address together with a cheque or payment details for the appropriate amount (“Registration Data“), to the address printed on the relevant coupon. All Registration Data will be used and held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

When we have verified your Registration Data and your payment and your offer has been accepted by us, a contract shall be concluded between us. We will send you confirmation of your Subscription by post, or if you have provided us with your email address, we will send you a confirmatory email and shall thereafter deliver the Subscription in accordance with Section 16 Delivery of Subscriptions.

7.4 We reserve the right to refuse an offer by you at our discretion. For example, we may need to do this if a product is unexpectedly out of stock, because we can’t verify your age (where the product is age-restricted), because you are located outside our delivery areas for that product, or because the product was mispriced by us. When this happens, we let you know as soon as possible and refund any sums you have paid.

8 How long will my Subscription last?

8.1 Your subscription will start (i) immediately on acceptance of your order in the case of digital Subscriptions, and (ii) on the date set out within your confirmation (via post or email) in the case of non-digital Subscriptions. The minimum length of your Subscription will depend on which Subscription and pricing model you have chosen. The minimum length of your Subscription will be provided in the Key Pre-Contract Information.

8.2 All Subscriptions paid for by a recurring payment method (such as Direct Debit or recurring card payment) are continuous, meaning at the end of the minimum term set out in the Key Pre-Contract Information, your Subscription will automatically renew for a further period as set out in your confirmation of the initial Subscription (the “Subscription Term”). The payment method originally used for payment will be charged based on your chosen Subscription package, on the day the Subscription automatically renews.

8.3 If you do not wish your Subscription to renew, you may cancel your Subscription at any time. The cancellation will take effect on the expiry of your then current Subscription Term. Once your Subscription has expired, we will not send any further physical Subscription and you will lose access to any digital content provided through your Subscription.

9 How many issues will I receive?

9.1 If your Subscription is for any of our magazine or newspaper titles, the number of issues you will receive as part of your Subscription will be set out in the Key Pre-Contract Information. This may or may not be the same as the total number of issues of that publication available, depending when you receive your first Subscription, in accordance with S16 Delivery of Subscriptions.

10 What do I need to be able to access digital content?

10.1 To be able to fully access and enjoy our digital content (whether on our websites, or via our apps) you will need to ensure your devices meet the minimum operating requirements as set out on the relevant Subscription page. These minimum requirements may change from time to time, and it is your responsibility to comply with these requirements as they change.

11 My Subscription comes with a free gift. What does this mean?

12 Sometimes as part of limited time promotions or offers, we may advertise a free gift with the purchase of a particular Subscription. Any free gifts offered are subject to availability, may be subject to further promotion terms (see above at Section 3.1.4 Other Relevant Terms and Conditions), and can be withdrawn by us without notice. We will make every effort to supply the gift illustrated but we reserve the right to provide an alternative gift if we cannot supply the original for any reason. Will my subscription include newsstand cover gifts?

Unless otherwise stated, newsstand cover gifts are not included in a subscription for printed magazines or newspapers. Where gifts are included with subscription copies, these may vary to allow for more efficient postage.

13 What will my Subscription cost?

13.1 The cost of your Subscription will be provided in the Key Pre-Contract Information. All prices are inclusive of VAT where applicable at the current rates and delivery charges. By proceeding with your order, you agree to pay the fees at the rates notified to you at the time you purchase one of our Subscriptions. If you ask to change your Subscription and we agree to that change, then you agree to pay the new price set out in your change confirmation email.

13.2 All prices are correct at the time they are given. Prices are liable to change at any time, but changes will only take effect after we have notified you in accordance with clause 13.3.

13.3 We reserve the right to change your Subscription price or benefits at any time. In the event that your Subscription price is changing, we will provide you with notice in writing and will give you the opportunity to cancel your Subscription before the next payment is taken.

13.4 For Subscriptions paid for by Direct Debit, you will be automatically protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee. Details of the Direct Debit Guarantee are available during the checkout process. We will also send you a copy of this along with the details of the date of the first Direct Debit from your account. Direct Debits will be taken from your account by the regular instalments as advised in the Key Contract Information until you notify us that you wish to cancel.

13.5 For Subscriptions paid for by recurring card payment, your payment will be taken automatically based on the Subscription period you have selected (e.g. monthly, quarterly or annually). Payments will be charged in advance and will continue automatically until you cancel your subscription. Upon successful payment, you will receive a confirmation detailing the amount charged and the date of your next scheduled payment.

13.6 Our websites may also allow you to purchase “one-off” items, products or services. The price of these additional products and/or services are not included in the price for the Subscriptions, and the Terms of supply of products will apply to such purchases.

14 Other methods of payment

14.1 E-coupons. We may offer e-coupons from time to time, in which case you will be asked to provide the reference code of your e-coupon. If you are unable to provide us with the reference code or the code you provide to us has already been activated, we are not obliged to accept your coupon. E-coupons are and remain our property and are personal to you. They may not be transferred or reproduced or distributed. If we believe you are using an e-coupon unlawfully, we will refuse to honour it and you may be committing an offence. We reserve the right to cancel an e-coupon at any time before it has been used. E-coupons cannot be exchanged for cash, gift vouchers or other items. We may restrict you from using e-coupons on certain products or apply minimum spend restrictions. Where an e-coupon has been used for an order of more than one product, the value of the e-coupon is applied proportionately to the value of the whole order and if a product is returned you will receive the proportionate refund. Additional restrictions may apply – please refer to the terms on e-coupons.

15 What happens if I fail to make a payment?

15.1 If you fail to make a payment when it falls due, we may:

15.1.1 suspend your access to any digital content, or pause your physical deliveries;

15.1.2 terminate your Subscription; or

15.1.3 take any action which is necessary to recover our losses, including sending your details to third party debt collectors.

16 Delivery of Subscriptions

16.1 Delivery times will depend on the type of Subscription purchased, and your location. The estimated delivery date will be included wherever possible in the Key Pre-Contract Information, but generally:

16.1.2 in relation to print Subscriptions, the first delivery of any print Subscription may take up to six (6) weeks to be delivered, depending on when the next edition is due to be published and will be posted by us on or around the Subscription start date as intimated on the confirmation letter or email in accordance with Section 7 Purchasing a Subscription, with the next and subsequent issues being delivered at the normal frequency for that publication.

16.1.3 in relation to digital Subscriptions, deliveries of any digital Subscription will normally be made within 48 hours of acceptance of your order, however sometimes delivery can take up to 7 days for certain products.

16.2 If a free gift is included in a Subscription which you have purchased, then this will usually be dispatched separately. We will aim to deliver the free gift within twenty-eight (28) days of acceptance of your order.

17 We will make every reasonable effort to deliver your order by the estimated delivery date. If we anticipate a delay, we will inform you as soon as possible and provide a new estimated delivery date. If delivery does not take place within 30 days of your order (unless we have agreed otherwise), you have the right to cancel your order and receive a full refund. This does not affect your legal rights if the delay is due to our fault.

18 I’ve changed my mind about my Subscription, what do I do?

18.1 If you buy certain products through our website, apps, by telephone or mail order then you have a right to change your mind and receive a refund for what you have paid.

18.2 There are some exceptions to your right to change your mind, for example digital products. Please see Section 21.2 Non-returnable items for a list of non-returnable items. Cancellation rights do not apply to these non-returnable items (unless there is a fault with them, or they are not as described).

19 Special rules for digital Subscriptions and content

Where a Subscription contains aspects or content which will be delivered digitally, we will not deliver such content for 14 days after the contract has been accepted by us. If you wish to access your Subscription before that, then you can choose to waive your Cancellation Period for the digital items, meaning the digital products can be supplied straight away. If you choose to waive the Cancellation Period, then you cannot change your mind about your Subscription after it has been placed.

20 Changing your mind

20.1 The deadline for changing your mind. If you change your mind about a Subscription, you must let us know no later than 14 days after:

20.1.1 if it is a print subscription and a Returnable Item, the day we first deliver the first issue of your current Subscription, or

20.1.2 if it is a digital subscription and a Returnable Item, the day we confirm we have accepted your order. However, you cannot change your mind about your Subscription for digital content or streaming once we have started providing it or you have waived your Cancellation Period,

(the “Cancellation Period“).

20.2 How to tell us you wish to cancel. To exercise your right to cancel you must provide us with your name, address, your order date, details of the Subscription you want cancel (by providing your confirmation email or proof of purchase) and inform us that you wish to cancel the item. You can cancel your Subscription by contacting us by email or by telephone, using the details contained in Section 31 Contacting Us or you can use the online form at https://www.dcthomson.co.uk/cancellation-form/.

20.3 What we will do if you cancel. If you cancel your Subscription in accordance with Section 20.1 Changing your mind we will:

20.3.1 refund you the price you paid for the Subscription. We may reduce the amount refunded to reflect any reduction in the value of any product if this has been caused by your handling them in a way which would not be permitted in a shop. If we refund you the price paid before we are able to inspect the goods and later discover you have handled them in an unacceptable way, you must pay us a proportionate amount of the value of the goods;

20.3.2 refund any delivery costs you have paid. The maximum refund for delivery will be the least expensive delivery method we offer;

20.3.3 make any refunds due to you as soon as possible and in any event within the deadlines indicated below:

20.3.3.1 if you have not received the product: 14 days after you inform us of your decision to cancel the contract; or

20.3.3.2 if you have received the product and we have not offered to collect it from you: 14 days after the day on which we receive the product back from you or, if earlier, the day on which you provide us with evidence that you have sent the product back to us. For information about how to return a Product to us, please see Section 21 Returns.

20.4 If a Subscription product has been delivered to you before you decide to cancel your contract. You must return it to us promptly in accordance with our Section 22 Returns. and in any event no later than 14 days on which you let us know you wished to cancel the contract.

20.5 After the Cancellation Period. You cannot change your mind about a Subscription after the Cancellation Period has ended, or if you have waived your right to the Cancellation Period in respect of digital products in accordance with Section 19 Digital Content. If you wish to return the Subscription products because they are faulty or not as described, please contact us. If the product is already on its way to you, you will have to return the products (and bear any cost of doing so) in accordance with our Section 21 Returns.

21 Returnable and Non-Returnable Items

21. 1 Returnable Items. A returnable item is one which can be returned to us. The item must:

21.1.1 be unused and in their original condition (including all labels, packaging or labels intact);

21.1.2 have proof of purchase such as a receipt or a delivery note; and

21.1.3 not be a non-returnable item (described below).

21.2 Non-Returnable items. A non-returnable item is one which cannot be returned to us (unless there is a fault with them, or they are not as described). Non-returnable products include:

21.2.1 physical products that have been altered, amended and / or show signs of wear or damage or are otherwise not in their original condition;

21.2.2 physical products that are bespoke, made to your specifications; and/or

21.2.3 digital products, after you have accessed, downloaded or been given access to these.

21.3 Orders that contain Returnable Items and Non-Returnable Items. Any rights you may have apply to products on an individual basis. Where your order contains separate products or Subscriptions, some of which are returnable and some of which are non-returnable, you may be able to partially cancel a contract in accordance with this Section 18 Special rules for digital Subscriptions and content in relation to one product, but not in relation to another.

22 Returns

22.1 To return a physical printed publication (if applicable, see above), you should contact us first in accordance with Section 20.1 Changing your mind. Thereafter you should package the parcel securely, making sure you include a note of your name and address inside the parcel, enclosing any returns slip (if applicable), and then return it to us to the following address:

DC Thomson Shop

DC Thomson & Co Ltd

2 Albert Square

Dundee

DD1 1DD

22.2 You must take reasonable care of the publication while it is in your possession. If you fail to comply with this obligation, we may have a right to deduct the cost of any deterioration from you, up to the price of the Subscription, from the refund to which you are otherwise entitled.

22.3 You are responsible for returning the product(s) securely and safely back to us. We recommend that you use a tracked service when sending products back to us. You are responsible for meeting the cost of any postage or packaging in returning the items to us. You should take out enough postal/carriage insurance to cover the value of the contents. Please save your proof of posting/despatch and tracking information until your refund has been processed.

22.4 If you have received a free gift with this Subscription, this must also be returned along with the publication.

22.5 Once your return is received and inspected, we will inform you that we have received your returned item. We will also tell you whether we are approving or rejecting your request for a refund.

22.6 Ordinarily, where products are returned within the valid returns period intact and in their original condition, an exchange or refund will be approved and processed within 7 days of receipt of the returned product or proof of return, by the original payment method you used for the purchase. It can take up to 14 days for the funds to show in your account.

23 Refunds

23.1 If you have not received physical goods, and you cancel a contract for a Subscription within the Cancellation Period we will process any refund due to you as soon as possible and, in any case, within fourteen days after the day you have given notice of your cancellation.

23.2 If you have already received physical goods, we will process your refund within 14 days of receipt of the returned product or proof of return, as long as those goods are returned to us within the valid returns period intact and in their original condition (in accordance with Section 21 Returns).

23.3 Refunds will be made by the original payment method you used for the purchase, unless otherwise agreed.

24 Cancelling your Subscription

After the Cancellation Period has expired, you can cancel your Subscription at any time, with such cancellation to take effect at the end of the then current subscription period, as set out in the Key Pre-Contract Information. You can also find information on how to cancel your Subscription in Section 20.2 How to tell us you wish to cancel.

25 Your rights if there is something wrong with your products

We honour our legal duty to provide you with products that are as described to you on our website and that meet all the requirements imposed by law. If any publication is damaged or faulty when delivered to you, we may offer an exchange or refund, as appropriate, in accordance with your legal rights. If you believe a publication was delivered damaged or faulty, please contact us using the details in Section 31 Contacting Us.

26 Our rights to withdraw Subscriptions and publications

26.1 We reserve the right to withdraw any Subscriptions offered on the Site or in a publication at any time. We may, for example, cease to publish a publication at any time.

26.2 We shall not be liable to anyone for withdrawing any Subscription from the Site or a publication or for refusing to accept an order.

26.3 Where you have paid us any advance payments and we have withdrawn Subscriptions or a publication, we will offer you an alternative Subscription or a full refund for any advance payments relating to unfulfilled Subscriptions.

27 Our liability to you

27.1 We are responsible for losses you suffer caused by us breaking the Terms unless the loss is:

27.1.1 Caused by a delay outside our control. Please see Section 28 Events outside our control for more information.

27.1.2 Unexpected. It was not obvious that the loss would happen and nothing you said to us before we accepted your order meant we should have expected it (so, in the law, the loss was unforeseeable).

27.1.3 Avoidable. Something you could have avoided by taking reasonable action. For example, damage to your own digital content or device, which was caused by digital content we supplied and which you could have avoided by following our advice to apply a free update or by correctly following the installation instructions or having the minimum system requirements advised by us.

27.1.4 A business loss. Any loss that relates to your use of a Subscription or product for the purposes of your trade, business, craft or profession, including loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption or loss of business opportunity.

27.2 We are not liable or responsible to you for losses or damage incurred by you which arise as a result of you providing to us incorrect details, choices, or specifications.

28 Events outside our control

If the supply of a Subscription product is delayed by an event outside our control (for example delays caused by our suppliers), then we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know and we will take steps to minimise the effect of the delay. Provided we do this we will not be liable for delays caused by the event, but if there is a risk of substantial delay of 2 months beyond the original delivery date, we may contact you to discuss what options are available to you, including the provision of an alternative product.

29 Complaints process

If you are unhappy with your product or the service you have received or have any questions, please contact us using the details in Section 31 Contacting Us.

30 General

30.1 We may change these Terms. We may revise these Terms from time to time in order to respond to changes in relevant laws and regulatory requirements or to follow best practice. We will post the revised terms on our website. These current version of the Terms (dated at the bottom of this page) supersede any previous versions.

30.2 Nobody else has any rights under these Terms. These Terms are between you and us. Nobody else can enforce hem and neither of us will need to ask anybody else to sign-off on ending or changing them.

30.3 We can transfer our contract with you, so that a different organisation is responsible for supplying your product. You will be notified if we do this and we’ll ensure that the transfer won’t affect your rights under the contract.

30.4 You can only transfer your contract with us to someone else if we agree to this in writing. We may not agree if this would affect the supply or payment of your Subscription, but we will tell you of our decision in writing.

30.5 If a court invalidates some of these Terms, the rest of it will still apply. If a court or other authority decides that some of these Terms are unlawful, the rest will continue to apply.

30.6 These Terms shall be governed by Scots law. Wherever you live you can bring claims against us in the Scottish courts. If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can also bring claims against us in the courts of the country you live in. We can claim against you in the courts of the country you live in.

30.7 Even if we delay in enforcing these Terms, we can still enforce them later. We might not immediately chase you for not doing something ( i.e., failure to make payment) or for doing something you’re not allowed to, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do it later.

31 Contacting us

Please submit any questions you have about these terms and conditions or any problems concerning the Site using the details on our Contact Us page.

Last updated: 15 April 2025