Don’t get me wrong. I love Paypal and use it all the time. But I’m starting to rethink my logic of using it, and to be honest, it drives me nuts when I think about it. And part of the problem is the business model that a number of companies use, and part of the problem is the easiness of using Paypal to pay for things. Sure, the money comes out of my bank account immediately, so the logic of using Paypal is lost on me. Yet, I still do it.

Recently, (meaning today) I was charged by a company called Wix (you can design web sites through it). I tried using Wix three years ago, signed up for a membership costing a little over $200. But to be honest again, I gave up trying to create a site through them. It was easier getting a desgree in physics and a Ph.d in political science. But for the last three years, they have charged me that $200 plus every year, and I caannot figure out how to cancel this damn thing short of canceling my Paypal account.

This is the problem with this whole subscription model of stuff. When you have a monthly account, there’s little problem. You’re reminded of it every month. But when they charge once a year, it sneaks up on you, and as I keep discovering, it’s easier to cancel a regular transaction than it is a yearly one. And that’s the trap they try to sneak you into.

I had the same problem with a gym membership that I bought for my friend not too long ago. When I paid that, I was promised that it was a one time charge, and I wouldn’t be charged again. Of course that asshole lied to me; I was charged again the next month. I had to issue a charge back from my bank, which was quite a bit of drama, but at least my bank honored it. When I tried a charge back through Paypal, they immediately denied it, and I was still charged for the transaction. When I went onto Wix’s site, it indicated that because I issued a charge back, they were immediately canceling my account (which is good). But part of me is convinced they’ll somehow screw up my credit, and I expect that next year they’re going to end up charging me for the subscription again.

So, I really don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m the old man yelling at clouds these days, and my ability to fight back is limited and impossible as well.

Anyway, just a Monday gripe (although it’s on a Tuesday). Sue me.