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Netflix stops charging customers who never watch

bbc.com

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Re: Netflix stops charging customers who never watch

#12
I always wonder when a company does this if it is completely altruistic or if something else is going on behind the scenes.

Maybe notifying customers gets them to reactivate, maybe if they resubscribe later they can charge more, maybe it’s better for financial reporting and projecting subscriber counts.

On the other hand it could just be a rare moment of a company doing right by the customer.

Re: Netflix stops charging customers who never watch

#13

A reasonable strategy would be to stop charging customers who haven't watched in a while, but leave them enrolled as subscribers. If they start watching again, start charging again.

Netflix keeps all your preferences and history, so the account can be reactivated without losing anything.

Sure, but my proposal makes it frictionless for the customer.

Re: Netflix stops charging customers who never watch

#15
post #8

Probably should be a law to do this automatically after four months or so.

A good way to rank the level of scumminess among SV companies: Signup with a credit card and don't validate your email address or ever sign into your account. You'd be amazed how many companies will happily start charging you.

Re: Netflix stops charging customers who never watch

#18
post #12

I always wonder when a company does this if it is completely altruistic or if something else is going on behind the scenes. Maybe notifying customers gets them to reactivate, maybe if they resubscribe later they can charge more, maybe it’s better for financial reporting and projecting subscriber counts. On the other hand it could just be a rare moment of a company doing right by the customer.

This is an excellent question! I wouldn't be surprised if notifying someone that their subscription is cancelled due to inactivity would cause them to suddenly value their subscription.

I bet you're right.

Re: Netflix stops charging customers who never watch

#20

What happens with your subscriptions when you die?

A few scummy companies put huuuge termination fees in the case of a customer's death. In one case it was equivalent to 100 years service for a phone setup my grandfather had!

In most cases I bet they get paid - usually whoever is overseeing a loved ones estate really doesn't want to be going to court etc.

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