Q: I see so many opportunities for subscription services and I’m interested in signing up for some. Is there anything I need to consider first?
A: Subscription services have certainly become more popular. Just about everything can be purchased as a subscription now, including video and music streaming services, meal delivery services, snacks, clothing, personal grooming products, makeup, vitamins, pet toys, wine, and the list goes on.
There are some things to keep in mind before you sign up. Here are BBB’s 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 their account. You can find BBB’s tips on how to spot a fake social media site by visiting BBB.org. You can also use BBB.org to check out companies and verify if they have a good business rating. In addition, you can do an online search of the company you’re considering and include the words “scam” or “complaint” to reveal any red flags you should be aware of. Consumer reviews are another source to consider.
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.”