Should I cancel Inactive users?? Help..
 

Hi All, need some opinions here:

I run a program and have been cancelling users that rebill but have not accessed my site in over 3 months. I do this for 2 reasons:

1] I don't want chargebacks down the road.
2] I don't want to charge people for something thay are not getting. [ I know, I'm in the wrong biz]

My concerns: my rebill is 3.00 less than original signup--- would hate to have somebody come back and say "thanks asshole for screwing my rebill rate.." Also, I don't want to cancel if it was an affiliate sale.. The affiliate I'm sure would rather it go until it gets charged back.

Need advice from some old pros that have delt with this issue long ago..

Thanks folks!!

J |help|

You could email them & ask or remind them that they are still members.

Yes I have tried that a few times... no relpy.. either bounced or inactive/unused free email acct...

Then if I do reach them.. my bigger concern would be: "shit man I thought I cancelled, refund my money" . Rather I can just let the whole issue go away by canceling them... arrgh.. catch 22!!

My advice is to do what you feel is right. As someone that makes a living promoting affiliate programs I would have no problem with you cancelling rebills on inactive memberships. I'd guess that such rebills probably account for a relatively small percentage of my monthly income.

Thanks Toby, that's what I try to do... BTW,, ,your sig traffic will get good rebills from my program.. 39.8% 2005 ..it's high heels etc...

altaheels dot com |bananna|

check you PM I think I just sent you a msg..?

J

are chargebacks a problem for you? if not then forget about it until you start to see an increase... they signed up and they know the terms... if you are worried about it send out a monthly update newsletter so that they know they are still members... a lot of chargebacks are gonna chargeback before they even signup

Many programs make their living on non active members. Just sit back, relax and enjoy their money.

I have had ONE chargeback.. and it was because he forgot to cancel... [ but then he even changed his story to : minor used card]
I guess I'm just to concerned about being a nice guy and charging for a service no longer recieved. Oh well, I suppose I can let it go for now...
Thanks for the opionions everyone!
J

well fuck LET IT GO!!!! be honest and nice but don't go too far with it |thumb

Forgotten memberships is what makes the world go around. I am convinced that the only reason recurring works is because of people that forget.

Just thought of something that will save you the trouble of keeping track and help your conscience. End recurring billing on your site.

is that smart for business?

Relax, enjoy, put aside some of it if you worry about chargebacks. On the site that I manage it has members that have been inactive for years but stay members. Who are we to tell people how they should spend their money? Maybe it just makes them feel good to be a member of something.

No, but neither is thinking because someone forgets where they spend money it's your fault or even your problem :)

we might hammer it home after awhile :D

I really can't think of any business that uses a recurring model that will cancel your account because it is inactive.

I wish my f***ing credit cards would do that.... actually you should charge 10% more every month that they don't log in :D

I wish AOL would do it. Or at least make is so you could cancel online and not have to call or send a fax.

Really though...the only reason for a recurring model is to collect money from those that forget. Think about it...why else would there be a need for it? If you have something that great, recurring is not needed. The members will just keep joining every month.

That would sure put an end to RevShare or at least make it all but useless.

Oh no,,, I have still have some Repulican in me |satan| And besides I have 39% rebill rate for 2005 which all have current logins.... I'm updating every other day...I need to get something out of it.. |thumb

be quiet Jim... you are gonna put a lot of us out of business :D

Newsflash!!!! Signup for my penis enlargment and MEMORY LOSS pills program!!!! |bananna|

That is my thought too. I haven't seen a paysite that I would intentionally re-up with. After the first few days, one has downloaded all they are ever going to get. Any updates are just more of the same.

I really thought it was pretty general knowledge that at least half of our business is based on forgetful people...

There are sites out there that members want to stay members of just like I want to keep paying for DirecTV each month. Not to sound spammy but Angel's site is doing +80% recurring.

As far as the recurring then not being worth it maybe you need to find more creative member's areas.