Subscription services can make great holiday gifts. The recipient gets a gift that keeps on giving, and the giver doesn’t need to worry about shipping. But with so many options and price points, picking the right option can be hard.
Video and music streaming services are hugely popular. Meal delivery services provide fresh, pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes on a subscription basis. You also can sign up for regular shipments of snacks, clothing, personal grooming products, makeup, vitamins, pet toys and wine – and the list goes on.
What should you know about a subscription service before you sign up? BBB offers the following tips to help you get the most out of subscription services while watching your budget.
– Do plenty of research. Take time to research a company before you sign up for a subscription or trial. Find the company on social media and review its account. Check BBB.org to see if the company has a good business rating, and look online for consumer reviews. Do an online search of the company including the words “scam” or “complaint” to reveal any red flags you should be aware of.
– Investigate free trials. Free trials can be a good way to get to know a company and try out a product, but make sure you understand how they work. Before you sign up, find out how long the trial period lasts, what exactly you are agreeing to, and how and when to cancel if you decide not to subscribe. If any of this information is confusing or unavailable, take your business elsewhere. The Federal Trade Commission adds this warning about free trials: “Free means free. Be suspicious of companies that offer something free but say you have to pay to get it. You may be dealing with a scammer.”