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FROM MALAY MAIL PAPER - Free trials can cost a bomb

Francis C. Nantha

Monday, April 20th, 2009 07:57:00

THERE are some hidden costs that some of us keep incurring every month, which could otherwise put more cash in your wallet — if only we took the time to review just what we’re spending on blindly.

On its own, the amount may not be much — but they really add up over the months or even weeks. A typical example of such an expense are free trials to various subscriptions, that could end up costing a bomb if you’re not alert.

Magazines publishers love to offer free trials because it is a tried and tested method of hooking up new subscribers.
Once you start liking what you read on a regular basis, it's difficult to give up on this weekly or monthly dose of interesting articles.
There’s nothing wrong with fostering the reading habit, but it's time to review this subscription if the free trial issues start collecting dust.
It’s just wishful thinking if you’re stacking up these magazines on a shelf or table with a plan to start reading when you find some free time — it almost never happens!

Other examples of such recurring costs are subscriptions to clubs that offer you books, CDs or DVD movies — they will charge you for a one-year subscription if you forget to cancel the free trials on time.
Such businesses out there are counting on you to become forgetful or just plain lazy to cancel after you sign up for the free trials.

To help you remember to cancel in time if you don’t want the offer, it would be a good idea to set reminders on the electronic calendar on your PC or phone.
These can be your trusty friends in such times. But, also note subscriptions you may have signed up online — virus protection or software updates for your PC that will see your credit card charged automatically unless the service is cancelled.

It is easy to be sucked into the mantra that you MUST have this software, regardless of the costs — when the reality is that there are lots of other free software that provide the same functions.
These are just variations of the Gillette strategy (that has secured many loyal consumers regardless of whether they really want to) — give out free shaving handles and charge on consumables (the blades) — which has also been adopted by those selling PC printers by charging high costs for the printing inks.

It’s time to take charge of where and how your money is spent - the savings can add up to quite a bit!