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Non recurring billing

Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 11:24 am
by 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.

Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 2:51 pm
by 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?

Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 4:00 pm
by Zulunoze
Sign up, then cancel via the billing provider. It ain't rocket science.

Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 8:59 pm
by Elliot James
Scoreland has a non-recurring option.


Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 10:31 pm
by 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.


Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 8:43 am
by RoddersUK
He's after helpful comments as opposed to yours.


Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 12:10 pm
by 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.

Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 9:14 pm
by 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.

Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 9:19 pm
by 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.

Re: Non recurring billing

Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 10:29 pm
by 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.