Dell Official Variety Puzzles Magazine is a monthly subscription of crosswords, sudoku, and word games
Dell Official Variety Puzzles Magazine delivers a mix of puzzle types in each monthly issue — crosswords, sudoku, word searches, cryptograms, and similar games. The magazine comes to your mailbox on a regular schedule, and you pay a subscription fee rather than buying individual issues at a newsstand. It's aimed at people who solve puzzles regularly and want a steady supply without having to hunt for copies each month.
The subscription works like most magazine subscriptions: you pay upfront for a set number of issues, the publisher mails them to your address, and your subscription renews unless you cancel. The cost, length of subscription options, and exact puzzle mix can vary depending on where you order and any current promotions running.
Key Takeaways
- Dell Official Variety Puzzles Magazine arrives monthly and includes multiple puzzle types in each issue.
- You can order directly from Dell Magazines or through third-party subscription retailers, each with different pricing and renewal terms.
- Subscription length options typically range from three months to a year, with longer commitments usually costing less per issue.
- Your subscription will renew automatically unless you cancel before the renewal date, so track when your current term ends.
- Digital and print options may be available depending on the retailer, giving you a choice between receiving physical magazines or accessing them online.
Where to order and what pricing looks like
You can order Dell Official Variety Puzzles Magazine directly from Dell Magazines' website or through third-party subscription services like Amazon, Magazines.com, or other magazine retailers. Each source may offer different subscription lengths — typically three months, six months, or one year — and prices vary between them. Direct orders from Dell Magazines often include promotional rates for first-time subscribers, while third-party retailers sometimes bundle magazine subscriptions or offer discounts if you stack multiple subscriptions.
Pricing per issue generally drops the longer your commitment. A three-month subscription costs more per issue than a one-year subscription, though the total upfront cost is lower. Some retailers offer renewal rates that differ from the introductory rate, so check what you'll pay when your subscription comes up for renewal before you commit.
Print versus digital subscriptions
Most Dell magazine subscriptions are print-only, meaning you receive physical magazines in your mailbox each month. However, some retailers offer digital access as an add-on or alternative, letting you read the magazine on a tablet, phone, or computer instead of waiting for mail delivery. Digital access is typically faster — you can read the current issue as soon as it's published — but print subscribers get the tactile experience of solving puzzles on paper, which many puzzle enthusiasts prefer.
Check what format each retailer offers before you order. If you want both print and digital, some subscriptions bundle them together, though this usually costs more than print alone. If you're ordering through a third-party retailer, confirm whether they offer digital access or if you're getting print only.
How subscription renewal and cancellation work
Your subscription renews automatically on the date your current term ends, and your payment method will be charged the renewal rate. The renewal rate may differ from what you paid initially, especially if you received an introductory discount. Most retailers send a reminder email before the renewal date, but it's your responsibility to cancel if you don't want to renew.
To cancel, log into your account on the retailer's website or contact their customer service. Cancellations typically take effect at the end of your current subscription term, not immediately. If you cancel mid-term, you usually won't receive a refund for the unused portion, though policies vary by retailer — check the terms before you order. Keep your order confirmation and note the renewal date so you don't forget to cancel if you decide not to continue.
Delivery timing and what to expect
Print magazines typically arrive within two to four weeks of the publication date, depending on your location and the postal service. You may receive your first issue later than subsequent ones if you order mid-month, since the current issue may already be in distribution. Delivery times can vary seasonally — expect slower arrivals during heavy mail periods like the holidays.
If an issue doesn't arrive within a reasonable timeframe, contact the retailer's customer service with your subscription number and the issue date. They can investigate whether the magazine was lost in transit or resend it. Digital subscriptions are available immediately upon publication, with no delivery wait.
Comparing Dell Variety Puzzles to other puzzle magazines
Dell Official Variety Puzzles Magazine competes with similar publications like Penny Press, Kappa, and Crossword Puzzle Magazine. The main differences are the puzzle mix in each issue, the difficulty level, and the price. Dell Variety Puzzles tends to include a broader range of puzzle types in one magazine, while some competitors focus on a single type like crosswords only. Difficulty levels vary too — some issues skew easier, others harder, depending on the publisher's target audience.
If you're unsure whether Dell Variety Puzzles is right for you, buy a single issue at a newsstand or bookstore first to see the puzzle selection and difficulty. That way you know what you're paying for before committing to a subscription. You can also read sample pages on the retailer's website to get a sense of the content.
Managing your subscription and staying organized
Keep your order confirmation email and note the renewal date somewhere you'll see it — your calendar, a reminder app, or a spreadsheet of all your subscriptions. This prevents surprise charges if you forget to cancel. If you move, update your address with the retailer as soon as possible so issues don't get lost in the mail.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily instead of canceling, some retailers offer a hold option for a few months. Contact customer service to ask whether this is available and how long you can hold. When you're ready to resume, they can restart your subscription without losing your account history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I'm not happy with the magazine?
Most magazine subscriptions don't offer refunds once you've received an issue, though some retailers have a short window (usually 30 days) to cancel and receive a refund for undelivered issues. Check the retailer's return policy before you order. If an issue arrives damaged, contact customer service and they can send a replacement.
What happens if I move during my subscription?
Log into your account and update your address as soon as you know you're moving. The publisher will reroute future issues to your new address. If an issue is already in transit, it may arrive at your old address — contact the retailer with your new address and they can help track it down or resend it.
Can I gift a subscription to someone else?
Yes, most retailers allow you to purchase a subscription as a gift. You'll provide the recipient's name and address instead of your own, and the magazine will be mailed to them. Some retailers offer gift messaging or special gift packaging. Check the retailer's website for gift subscription options and pricing.
Is there a way to get a cheaper rate if I've been a subscriber for a while?
Renewal rates are often higher than introductory rates, but you can contact customer service and ask about loyalty discounts or current promotions. Some retailers offer discounts to long-term subscribers or run seasonal sales. It's worth asking before your renewal date, especially if you've been subscribed for several years.
Can I switch from print to digital or vice versa mid-subscription?
This depends on the retailer. Some allow you to change formats at renewal, while others require you to cancel and start a new subscription. Contact customer service to ask what options are available for your account. If switching requires canceling, ask whether they'll credit any unused portion toward a new subscription.