Photobucket Pro - Renewal Caution

[bob3160]

My Photobucket Pro account was recently " automatically " renewed. Simple right
When I received my notice, I found out that the renewal amount for 1 year was $39.95

I had noticed some time ago that they had an add to sign up for an annual Pro account in the amount of $24.95
When I questioned the $15.00 difference, I was told that if I wanted it done automatically, the fee was $39.95

I asked for a refund of the renewal fee and it's been given back to me.
I have since done the manual renewal in the amount of $24.95 and have marked my account to not renew
automatically next year.

Be careful out there. Sometimes making it easy for the company isn't in your best interest.

By rights, allowing them to automatically renew my accounts assured them of a continued steady income and,
i, the customer,  should have been rewarded for it. The current situation at Photobucket appears to be just the reverse.

Caveat emptor - A Latin term meaning "let the buyer beware." A legal maxim stating that the buyer takes the risk regarding quality or condition
of the property purchased, unless protected by warranty.

[spg SCOTT]

So, if I read this right, they charge you more to take your money automatically  

This is one MAJOR thing to watch out for, and it is not just limited to things like photobucket...

Make sure you are all careful about direct debit also, I know of some people who have lost money by the automatic renewall...things like car insurance etc...
Just a simple search for 'automatic renewal' on moneysavingexpert.com (UK based money saving tv program)
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/search.html?searchid=67241865

Make sure you watch your money like a hawk, it is practically stolen from you sometimes

-Scott-

[DavidR]

As you say Bob it should cost you less if you 'allow' them to automatically renew your account as a valued customer.

The fact is that it should cost them less to process automatically or at worst the same as a manual renewal, its just money grabbing, in the hope the user won't notice, bad news.

[bob3160]

I did let them know that I was not a happy camper.
When I asked them if this would also happen to the rest of the auto renewal customers,
I was told they have 30 days after renewal to protest and do the same thing that I did otherwise,
the transaction would be binding and not reversible.

Amazing and I've been a Pro customer for 5 years.  :'( :'(