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Is forced continuity still ok?

by Doug88
11 replies
I have been calling credit card processors all day trying to gather information on what is and isnt ok as far as forced continuity goes, and I cant get any good answers.

First of all I'm not a supporter of "hidden" forced continuity like syndero does, and I would never get involved in something like that. I do however like the forced continuity model when you are upfront and transparent with the customer.

So what is aloud as far as continuity goes now? Is this website ok?



they are pretty upfront about everything and make you check a box that says you have read and understand the terms and conditions.
#continuity #forced
  • Profile picture of the author Doug88
    the website I tried to post as an example is banital trial dot com
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  • Profile picture of the author Doug88
    anyone? TTT
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  • Profile picture of the author Brenden Clerget
    It's not "forced" continuity if the customer is aware of the charges and can freely cancel at any time.
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    • Profile picture of the author Doug88
      Originally Posted by DrivenForMillions View Post

      It's not "forced" continuity if the customer is aware of the charges and can freely cancel at any time.
      I know and I hate to even use the word forced because I would be completely upfront about everything the problem is that so many other people have been extremely shady with "hidden" continuity that the credit card companies are not even letting you get a merchant account if you have any type of continuity involved in your business because they are having so many charge backs from "hidden" continuity models.

      I'm trying to figure out what is aloud and whats not because I don't want my merchant account banned.

      Do I need to have the customer check box that says something like "I would like to sign up for a monthly subscription of XYZ product? Or is it enough to just have them check a box that says they read the terms and conditions?

      And am I definitely not aloud to offer a free + shipping product even if I clearly state the terms and conditions and have them check the box?
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  • Profile picture of the author Brenden Clerget
    Yeah, if they opt-in like that, I don't see anything wrong with it.

    Offer radio buttons or check boxes with each option - I would like to sign up at $XX per month cancel anytime.

    Offer to let them pay up front for multiple months at a discount, much better and easier way to avoid cancellations and chargebacks. You'd be surprised how many people will pay for a year up front to save $20.
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    • Profile picture of the author Doug88
      Originally Posted by DrivenForMillions View Post

      Yeah, if they opt-in like that, I don't see anything wrong with it.

      Offer radio buttons or check boxes with each option - I would like to sign up at per month cancel anytime.

      Offer to let them pay up front for multiple months at a discount, much better and easier way to avoid cancellations and chargebacks. You'd be surprised how many people will pay for a year up front to save $20.
      Ok, I agree with you I just wish there were some more set in stone type rules to follow so I don't worry about getting banned
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
    Forced continuity is not ok... As a matter of fact many merchants are shutting down merchant accounts for it. If you offer any type of "free trial" offer or "shipping Only" offer with a monthly fee attached, then you will be in their crosshairs.

    Josh Anderson posted a great thread about it with the actual guidelines from Powerpay here:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/war-room...-like-pro.html
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    • Profile picture of the author Doug88
      Ok thanks a lot, after reading that I have two questions...

      When I read this,

      "Customers must provide affirmative consent to any offer, examples include a mandatory "I Agree..." statement checkbox, where the customer is acknowledging the Terms and Conditions of the offer and consents to be entered into continuity program as a result of completing the transaction. Pre-checked boxes do not qualify as affirmative consent."

      It says boxes, does that mean I need two seperate boxes? One that says they accept the terms and conditions and a seperate one that says "I would like to be enrolled into the continuity program? That seems kind of redundant to me, it would be nice to only need one box for the terms and conditions.

      and my other question is regarding this paragraph,

      "Marketing models that employ "Free-Trial", "Deferred Billing" and/or "Shipping Only". Customers must be receiving a tangible good or contracted service in exchange for charging of payment cards. Incentivized discount offers are acceptable when the cardholder is receiving something in exchange for payment, however we will be unable to support accounts engaging in hidden or delayed charges and 'free' offers that are not truly free."

      To me this says that you can still offer free + shipping products with a continuity program as long as they are receiving a tangible good (bottle of pills for example) and as long as you make the terms and conditions of the continuity program very clear.


      What do you guys think?
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  • Profile picture of the author oneplusone
    You can offer continuity - just make sure you are clear about the terms and have a check box as others have suggested.

    If you want to see the best way to do it go to clickbank and look at their order forms on their continuity offers, then just create something similar.

    If you are really worried about it, ask someone from your merchant account to approve your order page once it is up and get them to e-mail you back.

    It is important you get an e-mail or fax, don't do it in a phone call otherwise you have no proof they approved it.
    Signature
    'If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.' Vincent Van Gogh.
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  • Profile picture of the author Doug88
    anyone have anything to add?
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  • Profile picture of the author Doug88
    is what guthy renker does considered "forced continuity"? Check out any of there websites and you see that there is no box to check but it clearly tell you what going on in the shopping cart, also they don't offer free+shipping.
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