The hidden hassle in monthly coffee bean deliveries

I've noticed more coffee lovers are signing up for bean subscriptions, but the process to manage them is a real pain. Last year, I joined one that promised fresh roasts every month, but when I needed to skip a delivery, it was like solving a puzzle. I had to log into their site, click through three different menus, and still couldn't find a clear pause button. Their customer service just sent a link to a FAQ page that didn't help at all. It's frustrating because I love trying new beans, but I don't always need a new bag every single month. Why do these companies make it so HARD to adjust your plan? Local roasters I've used let you skip with one email or a simple checkbox. It feels like subscriptions are more about locking you in than actually serving coffee fans.

3 comments

3 Comments

martinez.river4h ago

Actually, my experience has been the opposite with a few roasters. They put the skip button right on the main account page in plain text. Maybe it depends on the company you pick.

torres.julia5h ago

Seriously, why do they hide the skip option like it's a state secret? Tried to cancel one last year and had to dig through an account page that looked like it was from 2005. Ended up with two bags I didn't need because I gave up and forgot. My own fault for not setting a calendar reminder, but still. It's like they bank on you getting too annoyed to bother.

harperp245h ago

Ugh, completely feel you, @torres.julia. It's absolutely by design. Last month I spent twenty minutes clicking through menus labeled "manage membership" only to find the skip link in tiny gray text at the bottom of a page you have to scroll down. They make the process so annoying that just giving up and taking the charge feels easier, which is exactly what they want.