Doom by Subscriptions
Posted by: Mihi
19th Mar 2025 02:55pm
There has been some talk recently about subscription models. It seems that companies - regardless of product type - are all dipping their toes into pushing some kind of subscription model on their customers.
So if I want to buy a lamp, a TV, a kettle, or a water bottle, I now also have to download the app, get an account, and sign-up for a monthly subscription.
I am not talking about service providing products (like apps) where subscriptions make sense. I may even be able to understand a subscription model for consumable - like wine or dishwashing tablets. Even though, in my experience, every model of this kind tends to have a clear diminishing rate of return, where you are prodded to constantly upgrade membership level.
But I would rather not have to use my phone to use an app to turn on my lamp. I just want to own my lamp and use it, without needing a new mobile, an internet connection, and advanced levels of digital literacy. I just want to buy the THING, then have the THING, without the pressure of long-term commitment.
I understand the perceived benefits to companies. They are not only getting customers' data but are also converting a one-time purchase into ongoing income generation.
But what do actual people feel about this? Are there those who enjoy these arrangements? Does anyone else find it annoying, or am I just ancient as the trees and out of touch with the zeitgeist?
So if I want to buy a lamp, a TV, a kettle, or a water bottle, I now also have to download the app, get an account, and sign-up for a monthly subscription.
I am not talking about service providing products (like apps) where subscriptions make sense. I may even be able to understand a subscription model for consumable - like wine or dishwashing tablets. Even though, in my experience, every model of this kind tends to have a clear diminishing rate of return, where you are prodded to constantly upgrade membership level.
But I would rather not have to use my phone to use an app to turn on my lamp. I just want to own my lamp and use it, without needing a new mobile, an internet connection, and advanced levels of digital literacy. I just want to buy the THING, then have the THING, without the pressure of long-term commitment.
I understand the perceived benefits to companies. They are not only getting customers' data but are also converting a one-time purchase into ongoing income generation.
But what do actual people feel about this? Are there those who enjoy these arrangements? Does anyone else find it annoying, or am I just ancient as the trees and out of touch with the zeitgeist?
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Comments 1
jtmorri
I'm not a big consumer, frequent purchaser or excessive buyer. I'm not signed up to any company services like this nor would I. I will own and control all my goods and appliances myself without ongoing subscriptions. I don't even have video, music subscriptions or goods subscriptions where they deliver your same order to you every 3 months, as I'd end up with too much product. I like basic products and won't buy the smart appliances. I use a smartphone but I don't control things from my phone as I don't download apps onto it. I also would never upgrade or pay more for a service as I don't react well to pressure by others. If anything like this ever happened to me, I would cancel my membership and subscription with the company and go elsewhere, where my privacy, autonomy and self-determination and fairness of pricing are respected. So, I haven't come across it and wouldn't allow any company to control my home life. If I were you, I'd consider going back to basics and only using companies that supply such goods. They won't be intrusive, controlling, costly or a point of frustration for you. It isn't always a good idea to pay for convenience when it negatively impacts you.