Mail Chimp The Rocket Science Group overcharges clients and requires outrageous terms & conditions. Atlanta, Georgia
Perform your due diligence when considering Mailchimp.com email distribution services! Though the company web site appears very professional, the company has some very "interesting" policies.
- Regardless of when you sign up for an account, you will likely be charged for a full month of services that month. (Example: you sign up for a $150/month plan on the last day of the month, you will be charged $150 for that month. Even if you don't send out ANY emails.)
- By signing up for the service, you are agreeing to Mail Chimp's terms and conditions which currently include the following:
* If you send any emails to anyone who has not consented to receiving email from you (even if it's an accident), Mail Chimp can charge you liquidated damages in the amount of five times their annual fee, at your monthly rate. (Example: if you have a $150/month plan, they can charge you $150x12x5 = $9,000.) You have agreed to this, in writing, if you utilize Mail Chimp services.
* If you accidentally link to one of your images on Mail Chimp's servers (outside of an email distributed via Mail Chimp), you have consented to be charged four times the annual fee, at your monthly rate. ($7,200 if you have a $150/month plan.)
There is much more to Mail Chimp's terms and conditions, but the above heavy-handed policies should certainly be taken into consideration when choosing an email service provider.