3 Things You Need to Know About Subscription Services

By Michel Mora · Dec 19, 2018 2 min read

Subscription Services

What your recurring subscriptions are really costing you

Subscriptions have crept into nearly every part of daily life — and most people have no idea how much they add up to. Here are three things you need to know about subscription services before they quietly drain your budget.

1 You're Paying More Than You Think

You’re paying more than you think. The price of convenience is high. Unfortunately, most American consumers don’t know how much they’re actually overpaying. A recent study established that 84 percent of consumers underestimated how much they spend on subscription services and of that 84 percent, more than a quarter were off by $100-199. In many cases, they were off by almost double.

2 Subscription Services Are on the Rise

Subscription services are on the rise. The subscription service industry is more than just your monthly magazine subscription. Now it’s your mobile phone service, WiFi, TV/movie services, music streaming, Amazon Prime, beauty subscription boxes, home security, pet subscription boxes, meal services, cloud services, and even cars. And there’s no ceiling in sight. Companies that offer subscription services are profitable and thriving.

3 Subscription Services Can Be Deceptive

Subscription services can be deceptive. According to a CNBC investigation, online subscription companies use confusing, sneaky business practices to profit from their customers. For example, some companies opt customers into recurring charges without their knowledge and furthermore, make it very difficult for them to opt out. Prominent, successful companies like Apple and eHarmony have settled suits relating to accusations that they renewed customers’ subscriptions without consent. Now a popular lingerie company, Adore Me, is being accused of having a misleading membership model and making it virtually impossible to cancel their VIP monthly service. According to the investigation, former employees of the company shared their tactics: try to negotiate a deal with the customer and keep them on hold as long as possible. For customers who felt blindsided by the recurring charges, the additional frustration of trying, unsuccessfully, to get their money back is overwhelming. According to James Kohm, assistant director of enforcement at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, subscription service companies are being closely watched. In fact, according to Kohm, “it’s an area that’s rife with problems right now.”

If you’re drowning in an ocean of monthly bills and recurring subscription charges, Billshark can help. We’ll cancel your subscriptions or, if you just want a better rate, we can negotiate a lower price. Let our Sharks do the talking for you.

Billshark · Bill Negotiation Experts
Helping consumers and small businesses stop overpaying on recurring bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do consumers underestimate their subscription spending?

A recent study found that 84 percent of consumers underestimated how much they spend on subscription services. Of that 84 percent, more than a quarter were off by $100-199, and in many cases they were off by almost double. The price of convenience is high, and most American consumers simply don't realize how much they're actually overpaying every month.

What counts as a subscription service today?

The subscription service industry is far more than your monthly magazine. Today it includes your mobile phone service, WiFi, TV and movie services, music streaming, Amazon Prime, beauty subscription boxes, home security, pet subscription boxes, meal services, cloud services, and even cars. The industry is profitable and thriving, with no ceiling in sight.

How can subscription services be deceptive?

According to a CNBC investigation, online subscription companies use confusing, sneaky business practices to profit from customers. Some opt customers into recurring charges without their knowledge and make it very difficult to opt out. Companies like Apple and eHarmony have settled suits over renewing subscriptions without consent, and Adore Me has been accused of a misleading membership model that's nearly impossible to cancel.

Are subscription companies being watched by regulators?

Yes. According to James Kohm, assistant director of enforcement at the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, subscription service companies are being closely watched. In Kohm's words, "it's an area that's rife with problems right now." The CNBC investigation also revealed former employees describing tactics like negotiating with customers and keeping them on hold as long as possible.

How can Billshark help with my subscriptions?

If you're drowning in an ocean of monthly bills and recurring subscription charges, Billshark can help. We'll cancel your subscriptions for you, or if you just want a better rate, we can negotiate a lower price. Let our Sharks do the talking for you so you stop overpaying for services you may not even use.

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Article summary.

Article: 3 Things You Need to Know About Subscription Services.

Topic: Subscription services quietly drain budgets.

Section: Table of Contents.

Section: 1 You're Paying More Than You Think.

Section: 2 Subscription Services Are on the Rise.

Section: 3 Subscription Services Can Be Deceptive.

Section: Frequently Asked Questions.

Easy notes.

This page covers 3 things you need to know.
Read one short part at a time.
Start with the main point.
Take one clear step next.
Use the short list first.
Use the short headings in order.

Article details.

Subscriptions have crept into nearly every part of daily life — and most people have no.

You’re paying more than you think . The price of convenience is high. Unfortunately, most American.

Subscription services are on the rise. The subscription service industry is more than just your monthly.

Subscription services can be deceptive. According to a CNBC investigation, online subscription companies use confusing, sneaky.

If you’re drowning in an ocean of monthly bills and recurring subscription charges, Billshark can help.

A recent study found that 84 percent of consumers underestimated how much they spend on subscription.

The subscription service industry is far more than your monthly magazine. Today it includes your mobile.

According to a CNBC investigation, online subscription companies use confusing, sneaky business practices to profit.

Yes. According to James Kohm, assistant director of enforcement at the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

If you're drowning in an ocean of monthly bills and recurring subscription charges, Billshark can help.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

This Billshark blog page focuses on subscription services quietly drain budgets: 84% of consumers underestimate spending.

Readers can use Billshark articles to compare service costs, understand billing trends, and discover practical ways.

Each blog page is part of Billshark's larger money-saving library, which includes provider comparisons, cancellation guides.

These articles are designed to help readers make better decisions about subscriptions, telecom services, recurring monthly.

Quick takeaways.

Section: How much do consumers underestimate their subscription spending?.
Section: What counts as a subscription service today?.
Section: How can subscription services be deceptive?.
Section: Are subscription companies being watched by regulators?.
Section: How can Billshark help with my subscriptions?.
Section: 36 Subscription Statistics You Should Know [Updated 2022].
Section: You're Paying More Than You Think.
Section: Drive Without Debt: Car Subscription Services Explained.
Section: Streaming Churn: Why SVOD Providers Are Losing Users.
Detail: Subscriptions have crept into nearly every part of daily life —.
Detail: You’re paying more than you think .
Detail: Subscription services are on the rise.
Detail: Subscription services can be deceptive.
Detail: If you’re drowning in an ocean of monthly bills and recurring subscription charges, Billshark can help.
Detail: A recent study found that 84 percent of consumers underestimated how much they spend on subscription.
Detail: The subscription service industry is far more than your monthly magazine.
Detail: According to a CNBC investigation.
Detail: Yes.
Detail: If you're drowning in an ocean of monthly bills and recurring subscription charges, Billshark can help.
Detail: Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.
Detail: Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.
Detail: Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.
Detail: Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.
Key point: 3 Things You Need To Know About Subscription Services.
Key point: You're Paying More Than You Think.
Key point: Subscription Services Are on the Rise.
Key point: Subscription Services Can Be Deceptive.
Related: Blog - All Categories.
Related: Money Saving Tips.
Related: You’re paying more than you think.

Questions and answers.

How much do consumers underestimate their subscription spending?

A recent study found that 84 percent of consumers underestimated how much they spend on subscription.

Of that 84 percent, more than a quarter were off by $100-199, and in many cases.

The price of convenience is high, and most American consumers simply don't realize how much.

What counts as a subscription service today?

The subscription service industry is far more than your monthly magazine.

Today it includes your mobile phone service, WiFi, TV and movie services, music streaming, Amazon Prime.

The industry is profitable and thriving, with no ceiling in sight.

How can subscription services be deceptive?

According to a CNBC investigation, online subscription companies use confusing, sneaky business practices to profit.

Some opt customers into recurring charges without their knowledge and make it very difficult to opt.

Companies like Apple and eHarmony have settled suits over renewing subscriptions without consent, and Adore Me.

Are subscription companies being watched by regulators?

Yes.

According to James Kohm, assistant director of enforcement at the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, subscription.

In Kohm's words, "it's an area that's rife with problems right now." The CNBC investigation also.

How can Billshark help with my subscriptions?

If you're drowning in an ocean of monthly bills and recurring subscription charges, Billshark can help.

We'll cancel your subscriptions for you, or if you just want a better rate, we.

Let our Sharks do the talking for you so you stop overpaying for services you.

3 Things You Need to Know About Subscription Services

1 You're Paying More Than You Think

2 Subscription Services Are on the Rise

3 Subscription Services Can Be Deceptive

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do consumers underestimate their subscription spending?

What counts as a subscription service today?

How can subscription services be deceptive?

Are subscription companies being watched by regulators?

How can Billshark help with my subscriptions?

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