Non recurring billing

[cuthelx]

I appreciate that sites prefer recurring billing every month in the hope that a lot of us forget we are even signed up or cannot remember codes to unsign.

Would it not be better if some sites popular sites ( you know who you are) offered non recurring membership, I for one would be more likely to sign up to such sites.

[Millzy82]

Better for whom exactly?

No offence but what good is it using this place as a soapbox?

Have you not addressed the webmasters with the suggestion of them offering non-recurring billing as an option?

[Zulunoze]

Sign up, then cancel via the billing provider. It ain't rocket science.

[Elliot James]

Scoreland has a non-recurring option.

[Simon]

I offer both options but its very easy to cancel a recurring billing.
Just make sure the site uses a reputable biller (CCBill or Epoch) and has a cancel link.

[RoddersUK]

He's after helpful comments as opposed to yours.

[Hugh6821]

While Millzy82's attitude leaves a bit to be desired, he has a point.

Better for whom?

That would obviously be better for the customer, but it would be worse for the site owners.
People forgetting to cancel their subscriptions in time makes them money.
The ones looking to cancel after a month are most likely just downloading what they can and then move on o the next site, so there's really no reason to offer them a one month subscription.

It's the same reason why, if there is one, one month subscriptions tend to be more expensive than recurring subscriptions, the site owner is hoping that people will pick the cheaper option and then forget to cancel the subscription in time.

[Millzy82]

Being forthright is not intended to be rude or present "attitude". I feel that playing devil's advocate even if it is confrontational can be the best way to let those making the initial argument evaluate it.

I personally prefer a 1 month non-recurring billing option but I understand why some sites don't offer it because as you put it, not offering non-recurring billing can generate more revenue from those who forget to cancel their subscription in time.

[cuthelx]

Thanks Simon, in fairness your site does offer that, but most sites are clear to sign up to non recurring full stop, which, I think, puts punters off.

[davy99]

I must say that recurring billing has never put me off joining a site. I think if it was such an issue for someone, then they could simply sign up using that option, then they can cancel straight away from the confimation e-mail and it will end after the 30 days or whatever has lapsed.