The Economist: Difference between revisions

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===Difficult cancellation process===

[[File:The Economist cancel subscription webpage no cancel button.webp|thumb|The Economist cancellation form. [https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ Uploaded on Reddit].]]

Signing up for a subscription is very easy and can be done through the website,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Your clearest view yet. |url=https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224104755/https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> but canceling, on the other hand, is only possible by calling customer support or by using the customer service chat function on the website.<ref>{{Cite web |author=hyperxenophiliac |title=Want to cancel a subscription to The Economist? Have to chat to a service rep, you are #15 in line |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=15 May 2023 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515210844/https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |archive-date=15 May 2023}}</ref> Subscription made through the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Google Play]] ~~store~~ can be easily cancelled through Apple ID or the Play Store app, while their website counterparts offer a "manage your account" page without a cancel button.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=How do I cancel my subscription? |url=https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002150/https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Signing up for a subscription is very easy and can be done through the website,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Your clearest view yet. |url=https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224104755/https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> but canceling, on the other hand, is only possible by calling customer support or by using the customer service chat function on the website.<ref>{{Cite web |author=hyperxenophiliac |title=Want to cancel a subscription to The Economist? Have to chat to a service rep, you are #15 in line |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=15 May 2023 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515210844/https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |archive-date=15 May 2023}}</ref> Subscription made through the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Google Play Store]] can be easily cancelled through Apple ID or the Play Store app, while their website counterparts offer a "manage your account" page without a cancel button.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=How do I cancel my subscription? |url=https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002150/https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Many users claim that The Economist deliberately obfuscates the cancellation process once a user pays for a subscription. Frequent complaints cite the lack of quality customer service. Many users attempting to cancel or change their subscription repeated uses of The Economist's online customer service chat bot ending the help session unexpectedly and forcing the customers to start the chat bot process over, and customer service employees being unable to transfer customers on the phone to a manager or telling customers their issue is with another team and will take 3-5 business days to resolve. When users attempt to cancel, they are often repeatedly offered continuing subscriptions at lower rates. Sometimes this is enough to persuade customers not to cancel, but for those users that continue asking for subscriptions to be cancelled or for refunds on automatically renewing subscriptions, chatting online or speaking over the phone can take upwards of 30 minutes to be told their subscription will be canceled.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Eriksson_D |title=The Economist's attempt to keep you from cancelling your subscription. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/190p5cb/the_economists_attempt_to_keep_you_from/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260330233559/https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/190p5cb/the_economists_attempt_to_keep_you_from/ |archive-date=30 Mar 2026}}</ref> Some customers report customer service verbally confirming subscription cancellation but seeing continuing charges to their payment method. Depending on the user's country, some users find it easier to cancel than others.<ref>{{Cite web |author=tomasz-biernacki |title=I was able to cancel my subscription without going through the chat |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1l1lcj1/i_was_able_to_cancel_my_subscription_without/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=2 Jun 2025 |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260331002332/https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1l1lcj1/i_was_able_to_cancel_my_subscription_without/ |archive-date=31 Mar 2026}}</ref> Generally, in the U.S., users claim it is difficult to cancel since the only way is by speaking on the phone with customer service or using the website's online support chat.

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===Data collection and sharing===

[[File:The Economist website cookies dark pattern.png|thumb|alt=The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.|The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.]]

[[File:The Economist website cookies.png|thumb|alt="Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)]]

Users that open the main webpage are immediately stopped by a pop-up that says:

<blockquote>We value your privacy. By continuing, you agree to our terms of use and our privacy policy. Manage your cookies.</blockquote>

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The Economist does not specify which kinds of information are "essential to run our services".

File:The Economist website cookies dark pattern.png|alt=The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.|The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.

File:The Economist website cookies.png|alt="Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)

</gallery>

==Suggested user action==

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 ===Difficult cancellation process===
 [[File:The Economist cancel subscription webpage no cancel button.webp|thumb|The Economist cancellation form. [https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ Uploaded on Reddit].]]
-Signing up for a subscription is very easy and can be done through the website,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Your clearest view yet. |url=https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224104755/https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> but canceling, on the other hand, is only possible by calling customer support or by using the customer service chat function on the website.<ref>{{Cite web |author=hyperxenophiliac |title=Want to cancel a subscription to The Economist? Have to chat to a service rep, you are #15 in line |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=15 May 2023 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515210844/https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |archive-date=15 May 2023}}</ref> Subscription made through the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Google Play]] store can be easily cancelled through Apple ID or the Play Store app, while their website counterparts offer a "manage your account" page without a cancel button.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=How do I cancel my subscription? |url=https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002150/https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>
+Signing up for a subscription is very easy and can be done through the website,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Your clearest view yet. |url=https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224104755/https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> but canceling, on the other hand, is only possible by calling customer support or by using the customer service chat function on the website.<ref>{{Cite web |author=hyperxenophiliac |title=Want to cancel a subscription to The Economist? Have to chat to a service rep, you are #15 in line |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=15 May 2023 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515210844/https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |archive-date=15 May 2023}}</ref> Subscription made through the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Google Play Store]] can be easily cancelled through Apple ID or the Play Store app, while their website counterparts offer a "manage your account" page without a cancel button.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=How do I cancel my subscription? |url=https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |website=The Economist |date= |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002150/https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>
 Many users claim that The Economist deliberately obfuscates the cancellation process once a user pays for a subscription. Frequent complaints cite the lack of quality customer service. Many users attempting to cancel or change their subscription repeated uses of The Economist's online customer service chat bot ending the help session unexpectedly and forcing the customers to start the chat bot process over, and customer service employees being unable to transfer customers on the phone to a manager or telling customers their issue is with another team and will take 3-5 business days to resolve. When users attempt to cancel, they are often repeatedly offered continuing subscriptions at lower rates. Sometimes this is enough to persuade customers not to cancel, but for those users that continue asking for subscriptions to be cancelled or for refunds on automatically renewing subscriptions, chatting online or speaking over the phone can take upwards of 30 minutes to be told their subscription will be canceled.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Eriksson_D |title=The Economist's attempt to keep you from cancelling your subscription. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/190p5cb/the_economists_attempt_to_keep_you_from/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260330233559/https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/190p5cb/the_economists_attempt_to_keep_you_from/ |archive-date=30 Mar 2026}}</ref> Some customers report customer service verbally confirming subscription cancellation but seeing continuing charges to their payment method. Depending on the user's country, some users find it easier to cancel than others.<ref>{{Cite web |author=tomasz-biernacki |title=I was able to cancel my subscription without going through the chat |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1l1lcj1/i_was_able_to_cancel_my_subscription_without/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=2 Jun 2025 |access-date=30 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260331002332/https://old.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1l1lcj1/i_was_able_to_cancel_my_subscription_without/ |archive-date=31 Mar 2026}}</ref> Generally, in the U.S., users claim it is difficult to cancel since the only way is by speaking on the phone with customer service or using the website's online support chat.
@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 ===Data collection and sharing===
-[[File:The Economist website cookies dark pattern.png|thumb|alt=The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.|The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.]]
-[[File:The Economist website cookies.png|thumb|alt="Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)]]
 Users that open the main webpage are immediately stopped by a pop-up that says:
 <blockquote>We value your privacy. By continuing, you agree to our terms of use and our privacy policy. Manage your cookies.</blockquote>
@@ Line 62: / Line 60: @@
 The Economist does not specify which kinds of information are "essential to run our services".
+<gallery style="text-align:left" widths=260px>
+File:The Economist website cookies dark pattern.png|alt=The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.|The message that appears on user's visit to the website. Cookie management is located closely above the bright Continue button.
+File:The Economist website cookies.png|alt="Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)|"Do not sell or share" is enabled by default, but comes with a disclaimer. (See file page for further notes.)
+</gallery>
 ==Suggested user action==