Cancel Your Subscription

In a previous post I recommended Joel Comm’s Adsense book which, even in version 4, I thought an absolute bargain at just $9.95. What I didn’t realise was that, when I bought it (I already own the original at $97 but wanted to see the update) there was added on what is commonly referred to as a ‘forced continuity’ subscription.

If you don’t know what ‘forced continuity’ means it comes about as an automatic subscription that you enter into when you buy something. Naturally you have the option to opt out of the subscription after buying but sometimes, in the heat of the purchase, it might just escape your attention.

Thus it was in this case and so, if you just wanted the book and don’t want the subscription, just make sure you cancel before the first monthly fee. Joel has, after a few comments, now dropped the ‘forced’ aspect and turned it into an opt-in subscription, which is clearer to the buyer.

So what’s the point of a subscription anyway? Well one type of subscription you will undoubtedly have come across is that for a membership. For example I am a member of ‘Wealthy Affiliate’ which provides advice, has web hosting built in and a helpful forum. Another type of subscription might be a training course, for example Lee McIntyre’s Standing Start Profits which I joined at its outset last year and which continues to provide excellent value.

Then there’s a third type, which Joel’s offer falls into, where information or products are provided on a regular basis. There’s a remarkable example of this, at the moment, which shows how a subscription system can help the buyer.

Yesterday I sent out a message to say that I wouldn’t be promoting 4 Minute Money as I didn’t think it was worth the high purchase cost of $197. Well, guess what, today the price has dropped to just $4.95! Now before you rush off and grab a bargain just note that this is an upfront subscription payment for 7 days after which there’s a monthly contribution of $49.

Don’t be dismayed, though, because what that $4.95 offer allows you to do is pick up the first set of six 4 Minute Money reports and see if you like them. After that, if you feel you are getting good value, continue with the monthly amount. Otherwise just cancel; like all subscriptions, it’s easy to do!