All Subscriptions are now Recurring Subscriptions

RJ

November 21, 2012, 11:57 AM posted in General Discussion

All Subscriptions are now Recurring Subscriptions

Previously, all 1-month and 3-month subscriptions were automatic recurring subscriptions, while 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month subscriptions were non-recurring. The original purpose of recurring subscriptions was a) to provide a flexible option for those users who preferred to pay in segments rather than one lump sum; and b) for users to avoid the hassle of going through the payment process each time their subscription expired.
Due to the discrepancy between recurring and non-recurring subscriptions, we have received many reports of users feeling confused over the differences between subscription choices. To reduce this confusion and make things simpler and more standardized, we have now added automatic recurring billing to all of our subscriptions, meaning all subscriptions will now automatically renew upon expiry.

http://chinesepod.com/blog/Changes%2Bto%2BChinesePod%2BSubscriptions/1081

podster

*sigh*

sounds like blame the customers. I guess I am one of those easily confused dimwits.

For whatever it may be worth, I always look at vendors that require automatically renewing billing as being slightly suspect. I don't doubt Cpod's integrity and would still recommend CPod to others, but if I were evaluating it for the first time the recurring billing would definitely be a strike against it in my book

guolan

Chinese Pod, I went into my account to try to turn off the recurring subscription for my 6 month subscription, but could not find a way to do this. Is "podster" above correct when he says this is "required" and there is no way to turn it off? Please, please tell me he's wrong.

Right-Wingnut

Not sure about this. But if you paid by Paypal, you can block future payments through your Paypal account.

guolan

I didn't know that, that's cool. But, I used a credit card. Maybe Chinese Pod will set up a way to opt out of the recurring payment method. Otherwise, I'll just have to write it in my calendar a few days before my subscription expires to let Chinese Pod know if I don't want to re-subscribe. Or, maybe I'll write them a letter now, and they can turn it off for my account somehow? Hmm. As a rule, I don't like recurring payments on my credit card. I prefer to only have payments I directly authorize being made.

Right-Wingnut

I'm sure you could get your bank to block such charges being made on your credit card.

toianw

Hi guolan, The Cpod blog post RJ linked to above says this...

"Existing subscriptions will not be affected by the new product changes. This means that if you are currently under an active 6, 12, or 24 month subscription, you will not be automatically billed upon expiry. Automatic recurring billing only applies to new subscriptions purchased after November 12, 2012. "

So it might not apply to your subscription at the moment. The link also has info on how to cancel it....

guolan

I am embarrassed that I didn't go actually read the link before posting. I did go try to find a way to opt out, and failed, not realizing that the new policy didn't even apply to me yet. Thank you for pointing this out for me.

I'm glad there will be a way to opt out of the recurring subscription when I renew my subscription in the future. That will work well.

Note to self: Read the link before rushing to judgement. Sorry, ChinesePod.

rods

"I always look at vendors that require automatically renewing billing as being slightly suspect."

So do I. If someone forgets to cancel, more money for Chinesepod. From http://chinesepod.com/terms

Billing, Plan Modifications & Payments,

3. Payment Terms.

"You may cancel recurring subscriptions at anytime. When your subscription is cancelled you will still be able to access our services until your account runs out of credit."

So, you can keep using your subscription till your term runs out. Good under normal circumstances, I think. But, if you forget to cancel within 30 days ...

6. Refund Policy.

Subscriptions

"In the case of recurring subscriptions we reserve the right to refuse refunds if the user fails to cancel the billing cycle before the first 30 days and/or fails to submit a refund request within the first 30 days."

So, if for whatever reason you do not cancel your subscription in time, you're out the full subscription amount.

Furthermore, automatic renewal means that Chinesepod does not/can not expunge customer credit card information after the purchase is completed. Customer credit card information must, therefore, be sitting on a server somewhere. A plumb target for hackers. One can only hope that information is properly secured.

rods

Briefly then, Automatic Renewal should be 'Optional' at time of purchase, and customer credit card info should be expunged at the customer's request, immediately after the purchase is completed.

podster

I agree. I hope CPod will reconsider this unfortunate decision which tarnishes the image of a good and reputable company. Credit card security was not even an issue I had considered. In Rod We Trust.

rods

I hope so too. I have to renew soon!

RJ

I have always avoided doing business with any entity that insists on forcing me to give them permission to bill my credit card indefinitely. I should not have to take action to stop a future billing, in order to not buy something. I prefer to take action if and when I want to buy. Period. Recurring billing makes no sense whatsoever when dealing with long term subscriptions. Who knows what they will want, need, or be able to afford in 6 months or two years? I do not want to have to rely on cpod to get it right when I decide to cancel. There can be no bugs, no mistakes, no oversights, no misunderstandings, no tricks, and no software malfunctions. So now I have to watch my card statement to be sure my intentions have been honored correctly. I just dont want that extra burden on me, not to mention the amount of work and frustration involved in correcting such mistakes. If I must sign up for a recurring subscription, it will be one month at a time to minimize the potential damage if my wishes are ignored. Cpod does not have the best track record in dealing with transactional or App bug issues after all. I am somewhat offended by this attempt to strong arm their customers. Even their reason for this change, "confusion", makes no sense. If anything they have added to any confusion and certainly are doing their best to court bad feelings and mistrust. This is a Bad idea in my opinion, and I also would like to see them reconsider.

jiabi

I agree with you

rods

100% in agreement. And thank you for starting this thread, RJ. I wouldn't have known about this otherwise.

tokyogreen

I totally agree. I also intensely dislike automatic re-billing or recurring subscriptions, and hope this can be terminated. I should say that I have a 12 month subscription. How difficult is it to maintain 2 systems, provided it's made totally clear at the outset?

jennyzhu

November 23, 2012, 05:49 AM

习惯成自然。

Right-Wingnut

This is NOT a satisfactory response.

Please explain the necessity for change.

It seems the only reason is to con money out of forgetful customers.

jennyzhu

Half of our products have always been recurring and users can always cancel their ARB at any time. We've clearly communicated the change. I totally respect people's different views on this. That's why if you are not comfortable with ARB, you have every right to cancel your subscription freely.

podster

Jenny,

If I understand the written policy correctly, if I have a 2-year subscription that has to be subject to automatic renewal, and after 31 days since the automatic renewal I have not requested a refund, Chinese Pod reserves the right to keep all the money for two years of service paid in advance. Is that right? I would like to renew my subscription when it expires, and do so on a non-automatic renewal basis. I do not want to exercise my "right to cancel . . .freely." "Respecting" people's views by welcoming them to leave if they don't like it does not seem like the spirit of the CPod that we have grown to appreciate so much. Maybe Mr. Trendy's choice of words seem a bit confrontational, but he seems to be expressing some serious concerns that have been raised by a number of us old-timers.