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We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

mullvad.net

61–70 of 453 posts

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#61

Very interesting. Mullvad seems to be the most extreme and reputable VPN service out there when it comes to privacy. At least it seems that way.

A VPN will hide you from your ISP, but that's about it, isn't it? Does a VPN really provide that much real privacy?

It also stops sites you visit from seeing your real IP.

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#62

If you're familiar with the sizeable benefits of the subscription model for a business you'll recognize this is a big deal.

Are these benefits not eroding? Pressure on subscription models comes from both the public getting herd immunity against the underlying dark pattern and competitors chasing a diminishing supply of people to trick as world + dog has adopted the tactic.

In this particular case, with a privacy tailwind, it will be unsurprising if it ends up increasing their sales.

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#63

Very interesting. Mullvad seems to be the most extreme and reputable VPN service out there when it comes to privacy. At least it seems that way.

A VPN will hide you from your ISP, but that's about it, isn't it? Does a VPN really provide that much real privacy?

Well, yes and no. For most people, they're over-rated. You don't even need a VPN to securely pay your credit card bill on public Wi-Fi.

However, there are two cases where they are useful: - IP address hiding (something like iCloud Private Relay for iOS/Mac users does this at the browser level, VPN brings it to the entire system) - Legal protections - Location simulation

If you want to hide your IP address, this could be to stay more anonymous and less trackable, any system that relays your connection is fine.

If you want to break the law, you'll need something that has safeguards in place against that. Most VPNs do the most they can within the legal limits here.

If you want to simulate your location, you'll need a VPN with servers in those locations.

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So really, it just depends on what "real privacy" means to you.

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#64
post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How do they handle VAT via cash in an envelope? Do you need to provide a billing address?

Why would you need to provide a billing address?!? It's cash, and they don't generate bills anymore.

In the EU VAT for online products and services is based on the buyer's location not the seller's location. They need to know something about where the buying is to determine the VAT rate and where to send the collected VAT.

I don't know what the rules are for sellers that are inside the EU, but if they are at all like the rules for sellers outside the EU selling to buyers in the EU they are required to collect two pieces of evidence that support their determination of which country's VAT to collect.

Where I work we use the country the person claims they are in from the country drop down on our cart and what country MaxMind says their IP address is from. This works most of the time. If those don't match we look up the first 6 digits of their credit card to see what bank issued it and see what country that bank is in, and if that matches either their selected country or the IP country we go with that. If the bank is in a third country, we look at their email address and if that is at a service that is mostly just serving one of the three countries we go with that.

How would a company that accepts cash and keeps very minimal customer information deal with this?

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#65
I like this a lot even though my primary reason is unexpected subscription renewal. I started a membership site and tried to use every single thing I would want as a customer. One of the things was a reminder that my yearly membership was about to expire, and by doing nothing this would indeed happen. No automatic renewal (but keeping the account in an inactive state). Confident customers can renew for 3 years with a discount, but nothing will automatically renew. Turns out, customers love this attitude and happily renew when it's time.

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#66
post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They still use a subscription model it's just a non-recurring one.

Part of the advantage of the recurring subscription model is having predictable revenue every month due to it being recurring. And many businesses count on that "gym membership" effect, where people who don't use a service also don't take the time to cancel it for a while.

that's me and my audible subscription. i should cancel it, but before that i have to use the credits.

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#67
post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a pretty sweeping statement to make with no evidence.

there is irrefutable evidence that they take monero

And we both know that wasn't the point of issue here - "the most private cryptocurrency" was

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#68
post #49
post #31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Who are you using now?

Been using PIA for the past few years. Tried Proton but this looks really good and having the entire thread sending +1s is major. Will def give it a try.

What's wrong with Proton?

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#69

Been using Mullvad for a year, give or take, and I'm very happy. Zero care to find another VPN provider. Simple, fast, and anonymous sign-up. The apps function perfectly. Never experienced a bug in the Android or Linux apps. And the Wireguard profiles work perfectly. Connections are fast and not throttled (IME). And the UI of the website and apps is minimal and to-the-point. I hope Mullvad keeps on its current course…

The only issue I have is on my phone. Whenever I leave my home wifi, it gets slow as hell and I have to do a reconnect to get to a new server. Usually the reconnect speeds things up a LOT.

Re: We are removing the option to create new subscriptions

#70

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A VPN will hide you from your ISP, but that's about it, isn't it? Does a VPN really provide that much real privacy?

I mean a properly configured VPN can do a lot more Then hide you from your ISP

Like what? Now you’re just using their ISP.
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