[jzer0cool]

Nintendo (subscription I have for my switch to access some older a classic games btw) is very good reminding me I have a subscription and whether I want to cancel (or renew). I don't have the email at hand but what I remember is thinking they really desire you to reflect to cancel (rather than a push to renew) if not wanting continued service. Sentiment of politeness and I find a good example what to do.

Also, not a subscription but seeing some dark practices after COVID onset at any fast-food like business (including cafes, juices, cupcakes, etc) where a preselected tip is selected. Default should be no.

[bikelang]

I really appreciate companies that are transparent with renewals. I’m sure it cuts down on customer support load a lot too. Kagi goes as far as not billing you if you don’t use their service in the prior month. I was pretty shocked the first time I got that email. Made me a customer for life.

[spiderfarmer]

Sadly, it's often just because they were forced by the EU and several other markets.

[kylecazar]

I think the card networks are responsible for forcing subscription reminders. Annual renewal and when a trial ends.

They don't like disputes so it's preemptive.

[mattkrause]

Why is that sad?

It does feel like it’d be “better” if good behavior came from the company’s intrinsic behavior but laws like this help (re)establish norms that encourage those sorts of actions.

Likewise, it’d be better if kids say please and thank you because of a genuine sense of gratitude, rather than just to avoid parental nagging—-but that nagging helps develop appreciation for others’ actions.

[expedition32]

Well yeah in a perfect world we would not need laws against greed and fraud but alas.

[dqv]

It goes

> Subject: Information about Your Automatic Renewal

> This is an automatically generated email from Nintendo for customers who have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack individual 12‑month (365‑day) membership set to renew automatically.

> Dear [user],

> Your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack individual 12‑month (365‑day) membership will automatically renew soon.

> ...

> Deadline to turn off automatic renewal: [1 month from now]

It also does this right when you first sign up for automatic renewal except the deadline is [1 year from now].

[littlecranky67]

Because this is mandatory in the EU probably.

[MBCook]

They know my US address. I have an American eShop account.

Why would EU rules apply?

Nintendo is just a decent company compared to most others.

[antiframe]

Even if that were true, Nintendo is better than most companies, which will use deceptive practices wherever they are allowed, even if they have to pay to maintain multiple systems and configurations.

[myko]

Looking at you, Apple

[Swizec]

> where a preselected tip is selected. Default should be no.

A lot of this push to higher and higher and preselected tip options comes from POS software providers (Square et al) and credit card companies. They make money on transaction volume. Higher transaction -> more fees

[nsagent]

The restaurants get to set those values though. A coffee shop near me puts the default options as $1, $2, $3 for low order totals. So if I go in and get a coffee (which is $4.50), the lowest tip option is 22% and the highest is a whopping 66%.

I've seriously gotten tip fatigue and have been working to move back to a sane standard. I've noticed the places that have these crazy tips, also pay their staff well.

[everybodyknows]

Recall that they're tax-deductible now -- so tips are the most efficient way to compensate employees. You're feeling the second-order effects of the inevitable business model change.

[lostlogin]

Unless I’ve missed something, Nintendo seem to have really good business ethics.

[antiframe]

I agree. I do wish they would use replaceable batteries outside the EU, where they are mandated, though.

[lokar]

GeForce NOW as well. Very straight forward and clear email every month.

[throwaw12]

Maybe their PMs haven't attended top MBA schools in the USA, yet