US Court nullifies FTC requirement for click-to-cancel

One consequence here that people need to think about is that ALL subscription services should be viewed with suspicion. Once you sign up how much of your life will be deranged simply by trying to cancel the service. It's a hidden cost which shouldn't be forgotten.

So there's a business argument for this regulation. If the consumers feel unsafe giving their credit cards to most companies, they'll spend less on subscription services in total, harming the industry more than they gain from milking zombie customers.

This is one of the reasons why providers -hate- IAP subscriptions, even if the profit share was 0%, they'd still not be happy because with IAP it's just one click to cancel.

It's not even a practice limited to "shady" companies, the New York Times would let you sign up online, but only cancel via a convoluted phone call with one of their subscription retainment reps.

These days you're better off obtaining a credit card which lets you instantly block transactions. These companies with their b/s unsubscribe gauntlets aren't worth your time.

Is zombie customer an official term. And how much of their profits are from that sector? Is this like airlines over selling seats?

Well, the "one click" cancel is hidden deep in the settings app - and when customers contact us asking to cancel, they don't like to hear that we cannot cancel or refund them from our end. (Apple doesn't even provide a way to look up the customer. Most people don't understand that Apple is actually managing the entire billing process)

zombie purchasers is the business model of basically every gym. they lose money on the people that actually show up. the money makers are the people who sign up for a membership, go once or twice and then forget to cancel (or purchased a full year at once)

i mostly use Robinhood virtual cards for services now. if i want to cancel i just cancel the card.

>Well, the "one click" cancel is hidden deep in the settings app"

no it's not, it's not even close to being deep or hidden.

It's 2 taps inside the settings app, or a single tap when searched from the system wide search bar.

>Most people don't understand that Apple is actually managing the entire billing process

Apple marks transactions as "apple.com/bill" which provides a straightforward way to view charges or request a refund.

Here's a list of things that require more taps than accessing Subscriptions:

1. Changing the wallpaper.

2. Making a phone call.

3. Collecting apps into a folder.

4. Setting an alarm.