Double posting

At Alunta we have decided to createa a dictionary for words and important terms related to running a subcription busniess. You are now reading about “Double posting”.



What is Double posting?

Double Posting: Alright, folks, let’s talk about something that’s about as welcome in the world of subscription businesses as a skunk at a garden party. We’re talking about double posting! Now, this isn’t about posting twice the amount of cat pictures on your Instagram (which, by the way, we all enjoy), but about the accidental charging of a customer twice for a single purchase or service. Imagine this: you’re at your favorite burger joint, drooling over the thought of that juicy burger. You hand over your card, but the cashier, lost in dreams of his own burger, swipes your card twice. Boom! You’ve just been double posted, my friend. Now, instead of one, you’ve paid for two burgers. Great if you’re super hungry, not so great if you’re not. In the subscription business, double posting is as popular as a pineapple on a pizza. It’s a scenario where a customer’s account is charged twice for the same subscription. This can result in a customer feeling as cheated as if they’ve been handed a raisin cookie when they thought it was chocolate chip. It’s a blunder that can cause a business to lose trust faster than a cat loses interest in a new toy. So, how does this double posting happen? Well, it’s like when you tell a joke twice because you forgot you’ve already told it. Except it’s not funny. At all. It can be due to a glitch in the system, an error in data entry, or simply because someone had a ‘brain freeze’ moment. Whatever the reason, it can lead to customers feeling as if they’ve been taken for a ride, and not the fun roller-coaster kind. Now, despite being as welcome as a fart in a spacesuit, double posting can be fixed. It’s not like trying to unscramble an egg or un-toast a toast. Businesses can refund the extra charge, apologize, and maybe even throw in a freebie to sweeten the deal. Customers, on the other hand, can keep an eye on their bank statements as vigilantly as a dog watches a squirrel. So, there you have it. Double posting – it’s not about posting twice on social media, it’s not about buying two burgers when you only want one, it’s about being doubly charged for a single subscription. It’s a no-no in the subscription business, a mistake that can turn customers sour faster than milk in the sun. But, just like that embarrassing dance move you pulled at the last party, it can be rectified with an apology and a promise to do better next time. And remember, when it comes to subscriptions, it’s always better to be charged too little, than too much. Unless, of course, you’re the one doing the charging!

Frequent questions about Double posting

Double posting can lead to inflated revenue figures and inaccurate financial reporting in a subscription-based business. This can significantly distort the financial health of the business, leading to incorrect strategic decisions. It could also potentially damage the company's reputation if the inaccurate figures are published in financial statements or reported to stakeholders.

To prevent double posting, a subscription business can implement stringent data validation checks and controls in their accounting systems. Regular audits and reconciliations can also help detect any discrepancies. Additionally, training staff on correct data entry procedures and the importance of avoiding double posting can also be beneficial. Using a robust subscription management software that automatically prevents double posting can also be an effective solution.

If double posting leads to customers being charged twice for the same service, it can cause significant customer dissatisfaction and damage the company's reputation. It may also result in increased customer service costs to resolve the issue and refund the extra charges. In extreme cases, it could even lead to loss of customers and legal issues if the overcharging is not promptly corrected.

Related topics in the subscription dictionary

Check out other topics in our subscription dictionary below. We've gathered the ones we find most relevant in relation to double posting.

Double-entry bookkeeping
Double-entry bookkeeping, huh? Sounds like a complicated dance move, doesn't it? Well, it's not. It's just a fancy term accountants use to confuse us mere...
Read more about Double-entry bookkeeping →
Executive management
"Executive Management: Now, don't go picturing a bunch of stuffy suits sitting around a giant mahogany table - though that sometimes might be the case!...
Read more about Executive management →
Direct costs
"Direct Costs" - Ah, the term that makes every bean counter's heart beat a little faster. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? Direct...
Read more about Direct costs →
Partial invoice
"Partial Invoice" - Now, doesn't that sound like a party? Let's dive right into this riveting term that's got us all on the edge of...
Read more about Partial invoice →
Debtor register
Title: Debtor Register Well, well, well, here’s a term that might make you cringe if you're a business owner: Debtor Register. Just like spinach stuck...
Read more about Debtor register →
Operating budget
Operating Budget: The Buck Stops Here! Buckle up, folks! We're about to take a wild ride into the world of operating budgets! Hold on to...
Read more about Operating budget →