It has long been a complaint in consumer circles that cancelling a free trial or subscription can often seem like a long battle, with companies using lengthy and complicated procedures to make it difficult for customers to be released from a service they don’t necessarily want. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is hoping to end such practices and bring relief to consumers.
The FTC has published a proposal that would require companies to include clear and straightforward instructions on how consumers can terminate the contract, as well as make all of the information readily available, be it web-based, by telephone, by email or even by paper.
The proposal is open to the public for a period of 45 days, during which companies, consumer advocates and other stakeholders are expected to make their comments known. If the proposal is accepted, then companies that offer free trials or subscription services would have to abide by the rules or face fines issued by the FTC.
The idea behind the proposal is that, by making it easier for consumers to terminate a free trial or subscription, companies will be held to higher standards when it comes to customer service and satisfaction. Currently, companies can easily get away with hiding the terms and conditions of a service, making it hard for customers to understand their rights and obligations. This would no longer be the case if the FTC’s new rules are accepted.
Ultimately, it appears that the FTC is trying to make life easier for consumers by eliminating the often cumbersome cancelling process of free trial or subscription services. The public now has the chance to make their voices heard and help shape the future of consumer rights and obligations.
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