Subscription software has been around for a while. You pay a monthly fee and get to access software or an online service for that month. But not all subscription software works the same way. When you sign on for a monthly subscription with Adobe you’re not actually signing up for a monthly subscription. You’re actually signing on for an annual subscription that’s paid by monthly instalments.
So time ago, I needed to use Adobe Illustrator in order to work with a client. Rather than pay for the boxed software, which was several hundred dollars at the time, I chose the monthly ‘subscription’. When I no longer needed the software, Adobe informed me that I needed to pay for the rest of the annual subscription.
More recently, an acquaintance faced a similar issue. They had been using an Adobe monthly subscription for a pice of software. When they found the product was no longer required, they were asked to pay an exit fee. This was a surprise as they believed they had a monthly subscription. But the terms and conditions specify that it is an annual subscription that’s paid by monthly instalments.
These kinds of fees may be why many people prefer apps like Pixelmator that only charge a one-time fee.
It is important to read the terms and conditions when you sign up for subscription services. While the vast majority of subscription services are paid for and used on a monthly basis, some are annual subscriptions paid for by monthly instalments. Reviewing the terms and conditions ensures you are not stuck with a nasty surprise when you no longer need the software or service.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.