Consumers beware: How to cancel free trial offers correctly!

Consumers beware: How to cancel free trial offers correctly!

Free trial offers are very popular in modern consumer society. These marketing strategies offer consumers the opportunity to try products or services risk-free. But despite the tempting offers, the legal framework is often complex. Consumers must be particularly vigilant when canceling such trial offers. The latest regulations since March 2022 set clear standards to protect consumers and stipulate that companies must present all conditions transparently.

As moz.de reports, many test offers are designed to last four weeks. During this test phase, customers can cancel at no cost, which represents an attractive contract term. If the test phase ends, from the fifth week onwards a price of 20 euros applies for twelve weeks, which will then be deducted once. From the 17th week, the subscription is automatically extended at regular prices, but it should be noted that cancellation is possible at any time - at the end of the respective payment cycle.

Legal framework

The Consumer Lawyer emphasizes that the new consumer protection laws regulate various aspects of termination and contract extension. For example, automatic contract extensions are only permitted with the express consent of the consumer. A significant innovation is the obligation to provide information about these extensions and a reminder obligation at the end of the test phase.

Consumers have the right to immediate termination in the event of unwanted contract extensions and can, under certain conditions, extraordinarily terminate contracts that they no longer wish to keep. This particularly applies to price changes without prior consent or if guaranteed services are not provided.

Practical tips for termination

To avoid unwanted obligations, consumers should be well informed about their rights and obligations. The notice period for free trial offers is usually one month to the end of the minimum term. It is recommended to carefully check the contract details and choose the method of termination, be it via a termination button or written termination.

Another important aspect is the preservation of evidence. Consumers should ensure that they retain all necessary evidence of cancellation in order to be prepared in the event of any problems with the provider. The obligation to provide documentation also lies with the provider, who must provide confirmation of the contract content on a durable data medium.

In conclusion, it can be said that it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the legal framework for free trial offers. Both consumer rights and new legal regulations offer protection, but this must be actively pursued. This way, unpleasant surprises and financial disadvantages can be avoided.