14 replies
I joined up with a CPA program a while ago, and every now and then I check out what is available.

Well, I've noticed a significant shift in the programs offered - they are now full of these sneaky continuity programs.

For example, look at what I found in the small print for a free trial offer for an info product:

"By ordering this package, you agree and understand that your card will be charged for the monthly fees of $86.31 for access to <product name removed>, $29.95 for <product name removed>, and $7.95 for <product name removed>."

Evidently, 1 re-bill program isn't enough - they get you onto a few more.

I removed the product names, but here's what makes it worse: 2 of those products are not even related to the niche!
#cpa #offers #sneaky
  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    I hate this way of marketing. I'm sure it works but it's downright unethical. Usually I try them out beforehand and see what they offer. Sure enough I've gotten trapped by some with very cleverly hidden terms.
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  • While I understand you didn't want to be too negative, it might be good for people to actually see the offer. It's not simply a continuity program, it makes it appear you are simply signing up for something free and there is barely an allusion to the payments:

    Auction_Profit_Center

    You MUST read the fine print to know there is any billing involved. Though I do suspect once you give you credit card info there may be more information provided. Maybe not.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonl70
    I don't normaly post 'complaining' sort of threads, but that site just really got to me. And I'm seeing it more and more.. : (
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonValens
      The forced continuity offers like these seem to be growing, probably because they offer such a high initial payout to the affiliate when the customer just pays a few dollars shipping and handling.

      So, there's an apparent low barrier to entry (when people don't read the terms or do their due dilligence), high payout incentive to encourage massive affiliate promotion and a massive lifetime customer value for the company (not to mention the percentage for the CPA company).

      The customer is the only loser. Though i'm not in any way saying I approve of it.
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  • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
    I see a crackdown on these type of offers in the future....similar to the Google Money Tree.

    I'm not saying they are illegal, but enough people will complain and something will be done (even if it shouldn't necessarily be).
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    • I agree there are more and more of these shady programs and they make the whole industry look bad.

      If the networks and affiliates don't start self policing the government is going to step in and do it for us. And in some recent cases where the FTC got involved, affiliates were caught in the cross fire and fined too. So be careful what you promote!
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  • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
    In essence they are the same as the acia berry continuity programs and other similar cpa offers that the FTC is cracking down on currently.

    While they all offer something different they still all tend to try to sucker the customer in before they know that they have signed up for a monthly billing option and then I'm sure most are hard to cancel once in.

    Personally I wish they paid less and offered better terms to the customers so that you wouldn't feel bad about promoting the offer. That is why I don't really promote a lot of cpa offers anymore because once I read the terms I can't see promoting a sham.

    TedK
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Giannetti
    about 6 months ago.....you were all raving how great they were...cpa
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  • Profile picture of the author JayInOrlando
    Just wait till all those "high payout" offers disappear since it's an unsustainable model.

    Jay
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  • Profile picture of the author scotteno1
    well this leaves us with the immpresion that there is nothing really new that will nopt end up like other programms.
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  • Profile picture of the author PPC-Coach
    Hang on, aren't a lot of Internet Marketing courses and sites doing this very thing?

    "Pay $1 for the first month only!"

    "Pay $4.99 for shipping and handling!"

    Then they rebill for $100 or more per month. I know it's in their terms but it's the same as the "shady" **** offers out there isn't it?
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  • Profile picture of the author Kenster
    People ought to read everything before making a purchase or checking a terms of service box, but advertisers shouldnt 'deceive'.

    These rebills are pervasive and some are legit, but many are not.

    Promote them if you are comfortable with it and dont if youre not. I only like to promote offers that my grandmother wouldnt "fall for"
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  • Profile picture of the author krishnaGopal
    ive had a lot of hassle with this too, especially with free trial offers!I had a customer who bought rom my page on expecting to pay S+H but that was definately not the case..it sometimes gets passed down to you as a 'bad lead' or something so the company doesn't have to deal with it much and just ban you for no reason!
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  • Profile picture of the author mithu
    There are scams spread all around to trap us. But let us make the failures our pillars of success!
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