Top reason why a third of Brits sign up to long-term subscriptions – which they later regret
BRITS are finding themselves locked into long-term contracts they later regret and nearly a third admitted they feel buyer’s remorse.
Many have signed up for subscriptions only to realise the terms weren't what they expected – and sometimes nearly impossible to escape.
Gym memberships, mobile phone contracts, and internet plans top the list of traps people feel they’ve signed up to without fully understanding the cost and commitment.
It comes as experts warn that “contract regret” is leaving people paying out for services they no longer want, with 42% admitting they skim over the small print.
The classic moment of dread for many is realising they're stuck for another 12 months or spotting a cheaper deal they missed out on.
The shock of the first payment, with no easy way out, hits hard for one in 10 Brits.
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While nearly half have signed up without fulling understanding the terms of an agreement.
And 49% have been caught out by an old, forgotten – and unwanted - subscription renewing automatically.
To help stressed-out Brits navigate these confusing deals, a pop-up coffee cart outside London’s King’s Cross saw a barrister in full robes handing out legal tips alongside cups of coffee.
Dubbed “Contractually Grinding” and commissioned by SMARTY mobile, the cart aimed to clue people in on the costly clauses that often lead to regret.
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SMARTY's research revealed that nearly half of Brits have been stung by auto-renewing subscriptions they forgot to cancel, with an additional 42 per cent admitting they rarely read the small print in contracts they sign.
Sayed Hajamaideen, from SMARTY mobile, highlighted the demand for flexibility.
He said: “We know people want more flexibility.
"With many finding themselves locked into contracts they want to get out of, we’re on a mission to educate the public that there are better options out there.
“That’s why we’ve set up a coffee ‘bar’ at King’s Cross Train Station, to help the public with any contract conundrums they may have, serving up free legal advice and free coffee to wash it down with.”
Top 20 contracts people regret signing up for
Here are the top 20 contracts Brits regret signing up for
1. Gym
2. Mobile phone network provider contract
3. Internet service provider
4. Mobile phone handset
5. TV or streaming service bundles
6. Personal loan agreements
7. Extended warranty on a white good like a washing machine
8. Music streaming services
9. Energy supplier contracts
10. Fitness or weight loss programmes
11. Subscription boxes
12. Magazine or newspaper subscription
13. Mortgage
14. Charitable direct debit
15. Credit card promotional offers
16. Car lease
17. Property lease/rent
18. Video game subscription like Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus
19. Health or life insurance policies
20. Extended car warranty
COMPARING CONTRACTS
Meanwhile, for those looking to take out contracts, it's important to always compare prices to make sure you're getting the most value for money.
And with thanks to usave's price-checker, you can find and compare the best contract prices within seconds.
Elsewhere, We've spotted some impressive savings including Virgin Media's of the 24-month contract.
Or for sports lovers, there's BT's package reduced to £1 for 3 months then £53.99.
And then there's the package for movie enthusiasts that comes in at a mere £32.99 per month for 12 months.
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Of course, you'll need to remember that these offers are area-dependent, so not everyone will have access to the full range of providers and speeds.
Users will have to input their postcode to see what offers are available in their area.
