Xbox Live Membership RIP OFF

HairyHaggis

Firstly apologies that I have posted this in the Internet Forum but there didnt appear to be a more relevant category that I could see.

I have just had a very frustrating encounter with Microsoft regarding the renewal of my Xbox Live membership. In the past it wass not necessary to keep a credit card on file, but now it is a stipulation due to the fact that they now provide downloadable games, TV, music and movies. Part of the arrangement also involvves using the payment method as the default renewal method for automated annual subscription.

Despite Xbox service being a gateway service for users to spend lots more on other MS services, they havent missed the opportunity to overcharge and rip off their loyal subscribers. If you just leave the auto renewal running normally, MS will charge £39.99 for an annual subscription.

If you shop around, the same thing is available from a broad variety of online & high street stores for as little as £23.99 despite this actually costing a great deal more to offer than MS direct. For the second year I have phoned up MS customer support and then been forwarded to retention where they refund £16 without too much fuss.

I have again repeated my action from last year and raised a complaint to MS regarding this practise but I suspect that while they are able to get away with they will continue.

:mad:

fozmcfc

This is a vent, so needs to be in the Praise, Vents and Warnings board.

As for reoccuring payments, well it's the same as with Anti-Virus software, if you renew online automatically or manually via a link to the companies website, it is usually twice the price than if you shop around.

In this case you pay £39.99 and it's done automatically for you, no need to go to spend time shopping around to find a deal.

I guess many people choose just to have it done automatically, rather than being bothered to shop around and save money, which is why they charge what they fancy.

As for the cost, you pays your money and takes your choice, you make the sensible choice of shopping around for a better deal, but many won't or can't be bothered to.

almillar

You need to phone them and cancel auto-renewal. You CAN do it, it's NOT easy. See also - mobile phone contracts, gym memberships, etc etc.

ktothema

almillar wrote: »

You need to phone them and cancel auto-renewal. You CAN do it, it's NOT easy. See also - mobile phone contracts, gym memberships, etc etc.

They won't make it easy but you have to be allowed to do this (I'm pretty sure it's a have to not a should do). Although another way around this could be a pre pay credit card for their files. Make sure it's empty come renewal time, when they say the auto renewal has failed say you're renewing elsewhere as, of course, it's not compulsory to buy membership through them. They'll get a little bored after a few failed payments!

BuntyB

Get a PS3, it's free to get online. I had an Xbox but refused to pay to get online as its free on the PS3 and the Wii so I got rid of it. Don't see why they have to charge at all

DCFC79

I also dont understand whats hard about contacting xbox support about it. You don't need to buy films etc off the xbox.

syko29793

I cancelled my auto renewal online with no probs. Only reason i did this was because credit card was due to expire. 2 days later i went on xbox live and a pop up was there with an offer for a renewal for 33% discount. I was not even going to cancel. I think best thing to do to save money is cancel the auto renewal and wait for the offers to come.

Gordon_Hose

It has been common knowledge for YEARS that you don't buy your Live subs through MS. There are plenty of online, instant email places on the internet to save a few quid.

I ditched my Xbox for a PS3 years ago because of MS's greed. Best thing I ever did.

Gordon_Hose

It's brilliant. No complaints here.

Miles better than Xbox Live.