Sometimes when a new app or Watch The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman OnlineSoftware as a Service (SaaS) launches, the company behind the product offers a "lifetime plan" for their very first customers. These lifetime deals for early adopters are usually priced at a premium, or what it would cost for multiple years of a subscription to the service.
One important thing to note about these plans is that "lifetime" means the life of the company or service, not the customer's lifetime. Companies can fail and that lifetime deal would then no longer be active. On the other hand, customers are drawn to lifetime plans because if the app or service takes off, that early adopter has locked themselves in at that one-time price indefinitely while everyone else pays a monthly or yearly subscription.
However, what happens when a product is successful, doesn't shut down, but simply gets sold to a buyer who allegedly was unaware that they were acquiring a service with lifetime deal customers?
Unfortunately, those who paid for a lifetime deal to the VPN service VPNSecure are learning what happens the hard way.
As reported by Ars Technica, VPNSecure lifetime deal customers were first notifiedon April 28 that their lifetime plans were being deactivated. VPNSecure offered no advance notice, as the company has since acknowledged, and simply deactivated the service for its lifetime customers on the same day it sent the deactivation emails.
According to the new owners of VPNSecure, the company was acquired in May 2023 and the previous ownership allegedly did not provide any details regarding VPNSecure's lifetime deal customers.
"Unfortunately, the previous owner did not disclose that thousands of Lifetime Deals (LTDs) had been sold through platforms like StackSocial," VPNSecure explained in its notification to lifetime deal customers. "We discovered this only months later—when a large portion of our resources were strained by these LTD accounts and high support volume from users, who through part of the database, provided no sustaining income to help us improve and maintain the service."
Furthermore, the new VPNSecure owners claim that they simply acquired "the tech, the brand, and the infrastructure/technology—but none of the company, contracts, payments, or obligations from the previous owners.”
StackSocial is a tech marketplace where software developers offer discounts or lifetime deals for their apps or services. VPNSecure had offered lifetime deals through StackSocial and StackSocial's affiliatesas recently as 2022. Customers paid around $30 for the lifetime plan.
Further complicating matters, outlets like Ars Technica and TechRadar reported that the current ownership of VPNSecure appears to be obscured. VPNSecure's website lists InfiniteQuant Ltd as its parent company, however the Bahamas-based firm claims they are not affiliated with the VPN service. VPNSecure's terms of service have listed Dubai-based HOLDXB Trading FZCO and Australia-based Boost Network Pty Ltd at different times, however, neither entity appears to have a contact listed online.
VPNSecure lifetime customers who want to continue using the service were offered a discounted subscription rate. However, since cancelling the lifetime deal, VPNSecure has been bombarded with negative reviewson social media like Reddit and on review platforms like Trustpilot so it doesn't seem like many will be taking advantage of that offer.
Topics Cybersecurity
The Post-Text Hustle
TSMC begins production of Intel's Lunar Lake processor, Core Ultra 200V series · TechNode
Hulk Hogan warns followers about crypto token, implies he was hacked
Mars rover rumbles by crashed artifacts in the Martian desert
The Budget and the Political Imagination Deficit
Save 31% on the Shokz OpenRun Pro at Amazon
Save 31% on the Shokz OpenRun Pro at Amazon
How to use Google's Magic Eraser tool on iPhone.
The Moldbug Variations
Ant Group poured nearly $3 billion into technology research in 2023, including AI · TechNode
Tokens of Appreciation
Best free online courses from MIT in June 2024
'Doctor Who' shows a secret Doctor in 'Rogue'
US weighs further limits on China's access to advanced AI chip technology · TechNode
Who’s Afraid of the DNC?
Watch Barbie float with NASA astronauts in space
Chinese ride
CATL builds first factory in northern China, deepens partnership with BAIC · TechNode
The Gray Place
SpaceX increases prices for Starlink service and dish hardware
Attention Shoppers—Or Customers, Patrons, Whoever You Are…“I Couldn’t Dig It”: An Interview with Arthur MillerTwitter reacts to Hasbro's unsettling Nerf mascot, MurphWho Was Judith Leyster? The Overlooked Women Artists of the Golden AgeTwitter reacts to Hasbro's unsettling Nerf mascot, MurphTesla goes offBest robot vacuum deal: Ecovacs mop hybrid is less than $200 postWilliam Pope.L and the Black FlâneurLouder than Bombs: An Interview with Joachim Trier and Jesse EisenbergHow to watch Louisville vs. Pitt football without cable: kickoff time, streaming deals, and moreAfter the Love Has Gone: Reflections on the Regular SeasonAfter the Love Has Gone: Reflections on the Regular SeasonHow Shakespeare in the Park Changed the Way I Watch PlaysMajority of women declined sex due to body insecurities, dating app findsDyson Supersonic hair dryer on sale for $100 offX CEO Yaccarino responds to Israel“The Throwback Special” Is “2016’s First Great Book”9 of the best moments in Black Twitter historyWalmart Deals Holiday Kickoff: 50+ deals still live after October Prime DayGoogle Chrome now lets you wipe the last 15 minutes of your cringey activities — here’s how How Trump's tariffs could affect consumer products unveiled at CES 2025 'Silo' Season 2, episode 9: What really happened to Solo? Best robot vacuum deal: Save over $100 on iRobot Roomba Q0120 How to live stream the Dallas Mavericks in 2025 Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 2025 livestream: Watch NBA online CES 2025: Wearable AI device Bee Pioneer listens, learns, and helps you get things done Kecmanovic vs. Korda 2025 livestream: Watch Adelaide International for free Best LG TV deal: Save $170 on 43 CES 2025: Evenflo's SensorySoothe smart car seat is a one Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks 2025 livestream: Watch NBA online Everything Nvidia announced at CES 2025 Best robot vacuum deal: Save $370 on the roborock Q5 Pro+ Political content is back on Instagram and Threads — sans fact Best Kindle bundle deal: Save $15 on essentials bundle Best LG OLED TV deal: Save $100 on 65 Tesla launched the new Model Y in China. Here's what you need to know Best tool deal: Get the Dewalt 142 Best Amazon deals of the day: AirPods Pro 2, Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4, 50 Best Target Circle 360 deal: How to get free gift NYT Connections hints and answers for January 9: Tips to solve 'Connections' #578.
2.4304s , 10131.0234375 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【Watch The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman Online】,Prosperous Times Information Network