Comments on: The Cost Of A Sale

By: Jason Anderson

Jason Anderson — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:15:13 +0000

The one "continuity" aspect that people often ignore is their own list. You don't need a monthly subscription when you have a targeted list. With a targeted list, it's as easy as sending out a friendly recommendation email and orders appear. Yeah, I do recommend a membership of some sort as it's easier to predict and forecast future monthly income... But... Never forget the power of a highly targeted list. Jason Anderson’s last blog post..$300 INSTANT Commissions…How to make ‘em

By: stevenp

stevenp — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:05:14 +0000

Hi John,

Great post, and oh you bring back the memories of those good old days. I think it is the term "Forced Continuity" that makes most of us dislike it.

Also the tactics used to have "Forced Continuity" there are many tactics that marketers use to so call deceive people into these recurring payments.

I myself agree in the recurring payment for many reasons already explained and am building such a site right now...

However it is the tactics being used that give this great model a bad taste to some people.

By: Francisco Moriones

Francisco Moriones — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:59:25 +0000

Sincerely business owners focus too much on traffic rather than improving conversion and increasing LTCV (Life time customer value) Great article! Francisco Moriones’s last blog post..Neykov: El Músico Al Que Le Tocó La Lotería

By: John

John — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:35:08 +0000

@JJ & @Steve,

I believe it's absolutely imperative that we are up-front about what we are offering. I'm a great believer in openness, honestly and transparency.

Anyone who thinks that tricking someone into a forced continuity programme is good for business is only fooling themselves.

These days, your online reputation can be enhanced, or destroyed, in a heartbeat on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, the increasingly popular review portals and the top forums in your chosen niche market.

The power these days is with the consumer, the smart marketers already know this.

John

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:11:39 +0000

Hi John,
Nice post. I'm even older and remember the Book of the Month Club, which I think was the first large direct marketing continuity program. But even the insurance companies used to use the $X a week model back in the 20s.

I agree with JJ. Some of these newcomer "gurus" seemed to feel guilty about having a continuity program behind their free offer so they tried to hide or disguise it. Of course that was deception and soured the whole market. It's best to be honest and upfront. People will respect you for it and those that want your product will subscribe and stick with you longer.

Blessings, Steve

By: JJ Manning

JJ Manning — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:17:31 +0000

Hi John

Thought provoking post. I think continuity receieves bad press when it is hidden behind free or small value trials, without being clear there is a continuity programme behind it.

I see nothing wrong with the model when it is upfront and clear. In fact, your post had given me several ideas

Cheers
JJ

By: John

John — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:13:28 +0000

James,

Thanks for your feedback. Let me know when you launch your new membership.

John

By: James

James — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:06:09 +0000

John, (What a beautiful blog you have here!) Some people forget many business models online came from offline. Great reminder. It makes a lot of sense to have a recurring membership and I am sure you will do well. I'll be watching your posts for golden nuggets as I set up my own membership. Regards James James’s last blog post..Formula Five by Paul Lemberg Takes Video To The Next Level