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A manufacturer of household appliances is implementing a controversial business model: In the future, some functions will only be accessible through a monthly payment subscription.
Zug – The trend towards subscription models is spreading. Not only that, there will probably be one soon Subscription to the voice assistant Alexa von Amazon The business model is also finding its way into households: The Swiss manufacturer V-Zug now only offers certain programs for its household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and dryers for a monthly fee.
The Swiss household appliance manufacturer V-Zug is introducing a new business model: In the future, certain programs can only be used via a monthly paid subscription. (Archive image) © Imago/Zoonar
Washing and drying for a subscription fee: “Offers are already very popular”
The Swiss broadcaster SRF V-Zug confirmed to V-Zug that the latest generation of dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers come with paid upgrades: “We recently introduced this model and the V upgrade offers are already very popular,” it says.
Washing machine on subscription: Manufacturer introduces special paid programs
The “Intensiv Plus” dishwashing program, for example, according to the company, will in future only be available through a subscription at a price of twelve francs (around 13 euros). Programs that are specifically designed for beer glasses or dishwasher-safe toys, as well as a program for warming plates, could also be booked as a monthly subscription.
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Service against payment: More and more companies are letting customers pay for extensions
V-Zug is not alone in this decision. In addition to the subscription “classics” from streaming services such as Spotify, Disney+and Netflix Other industries are also increasingly experimenting with payment models: whether printers, cars or software – more and more products require additional monthly fees for special functions after purchase.
For example, HP introduced the “Instant Ink” program, in which printers automatically place an order when ink is running low – for a regular fee. At the end of 2023, HP had at least thirteen million subscribers worldwide.
German manufacturers are not planning any paid subscription models for smart home appliances
Despite the boom in subscription payment models, most household appliance manufacturers are refusing to introduce such offers: “We are not planning to introduce a subscription model for our devices in the foreseeable future. As usual, users of our smart home appliances can control their home appliance free of charge via the Home Connect app and download available programs,” explained a Bosch spokeswoman when asked IPPEN.MEDIA. Most recently, Spotify integrated a popular function into the premium subscription – customers are frustrated.
The German household appliance manufacturer BSH, which includes the brands Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, Neff and Constructa, also stated that it would continue to offer all additional functions at no additional cost in the future: “We are not planning a subscription model in the foreseeable future. Users can continue to control their home appliance as usual via the Home Connect app and download available programs.” This applies across all brands, the company spokesman said upon request.