free link:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/12/business/annoyance-economy-costs.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aVA.x1oE.H7VieBrXNQf-&smid=url-share
{{ A new estimate puts the cost of dealing with robocalls, hidden fees and customer service chatbots that can’t solve most problems at $165 billion.
Intentional or not, trapping consumers can pay off for corporations: Mr. Mahoney and his colleagues have found that companies that make it harder to cancel subscriptions see revenues tick up 14 to 200 percent. Beyond wasting money and time, logistical blocks can even affect health: A 2019 study found that almost a quarter of respondents had forgone or delayed health care because of administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and resolving insurance billing issues.}}
intercst
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OK those examples are all true, but they are obvious.
I thought this was going to delve into why it’s hard to get past the paid ads on Amazon, when it used to be a clean shot. And on Google, when you had a chance of finding what you were looking for before they took half the top of the first page with ads.
Or when on hold at my Vet’s office and have to listen to their spiel about how great their services are, and which would you like to sign up for.
Or the practice of putting the most popular brands on the bottom shelf and trying to get you to reach for the higher margin, crappier peanut butter at eye level.
And don’t get me started about the school kids coming around selling their “coupon books” and turning you into Mr. Grumps when you say no because you’ve already bought 4 of them. “Just raise the taxes a little, and stop turning 8 year olds into Fuller Brush salespeople!”
And those point of purchase iPads with the only selections for tip at 20%, 22%, and 30% - for the guy who took a fish out of the case and wrapped it in paper? Seriously?
Yes. Annoyance is big business. No wonder we have so many murderers in prison.
11 Likes