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 — or truly

grasp what monthly subscriptions really cost.

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.

Save on the Bills You Just Read About

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

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3 Things You Need to Know About Subscription Services is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.

Subscription services quietly drain budgets: 84% of consumers underestimate spending and many overpay by $100-199.

Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page links you to more help from Billshark. Use it when you want more detail or a clear next step. You can save a lot over time.

Got a question about a bill you pay each month? This page can help you find the best answer. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page can help with real questions. You can learn about your plan, your account, and what you pay each month. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We keep things short and clear so you can choose well. You can then read more if you want to. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

The links on this page help you weigh your choices. They also help you see what you pay and what to do next. You can save a lot over time.

Our goal is to help you spot the bills you pay each month. We also share smart ways to keep them low. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

Come back to this page when you have a new question. It will still be here to help with bills and savings. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.

Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Use what you learn here to plan your questions. Look at your choices, then take the next step when you are ready. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Our pages link to each other. That way, you can find more help and still keep track of what you came for. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page makes it easy to find the key facts first. Then you can pick a plan or make a change with less stress. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

We set this page up so you can compare and keep reading. You will not need to hunt for what you want. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

Some of our guides cover the basics. Others go into detail on one company or one type of bill. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

It pays to read first and act later. This page links you to the next guide if you want to learn more. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

A bit of background goes a long way. It helps you spot what counts before you check a bill, change a plan, or call us. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

This page is part of our help library. It gives you clear facts and links so you can keep on reading. We make it easy for you. We are here to help.

Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

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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