[AlexandrB]

> But getting a discount in exchange for a longer-term commitment is often a benefit to consumers.

This is already framing it in marketing terms. You're not getting a discount but being charged an artificial price premium for less/no commitment. This can get especially obscene in places where gyms are required by law to offer monthly membership options but they charge a significant markup if you go that route.

All of this has the effect of suppressing competition.

[conradev]

It is absolutely not just marketing: https://commoncog.com/cash-flow-games/

Jump to "Pre-payments in the Restaurant Industry"

Money now is more valuable than money later, and guaranteed future money is more valuable than no guaranteed future money.