Click to Cancel Rule for Small Business

Well, this feels a little silly. I’ve never recorded an introduction to an introduction before. But after I finished recording the podcast episode for the Click to Cancel Rule for Small Business, I found out something important: the FTC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule?
Potentially canceled. Maybe just on hold. Who knows.

Here’s the deal though — even if this specific ruling doesn’t move forward right now, I still believe the conversation we’re having here matters. The suggestions I shared in the episode? I’m moving forward with them in my own business either way. And honestly, I hope you’ll consider doing the same.

Because yes, compliance is important. Of course we want to follow the rules and make sure our businesses are legally protected. But beyond compliance? These kinds of changes can genuinely improve student and client satisfaction. And isn’t that what we’re really after? Serving people well.

So even if you’re a little confused right now (don’t worry, I’ll clear things up in a second), this conversation still feels timely. Helpful. Worth having.

Let’s dig in.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Stop into my YouTube channel for weekly videos about all things content marketing.
• Check out the Playbook for a Complete Marketing Game Plan
• Read my book Chasing Simple Marketing for a crash course in content marketing.
• The Uber Story
• Federal Trade Commission Announces Final Click to Cancel Rule Making It Easier for Consumers
• FTC’s Click To Cancel Blocked
• Action Step: Audit, Boost Transparency, Add Easy Cancellation
• Book Rec: How to End A Love Story: A Novel by Yulin Kuang
• Want your own live coaching session? Apply here
• Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield

Picture This: You’re Trying to Cancel… And You Can’t

You sign up for a new membership. There’s a free trial. The onboarding is smooth. You’re feeling good.

But when you’re ready to cancel?
You’re redirected to menu after menu. A chatbot pops up and won’t give you a straight answer. You can’t figure out how to stop your membership — and that recurring payment.

Frustrating, right?

That feeling? That’s exactly what the FTC’s now possibly-paused Click-to-Cancel Rule was trying to prevent.

And honestly, it’s something we as small business owners should be trying to prevent too — not because we’re scared of fines, but because it’s just good business.

What Was the Click-to-Cancel Rule All About?

The FTC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule was an update to their Negative Option Rule. In plain English? If someone could sign up for something online easily, they should be able to cancel it just as easily.

The rule was supposed to go into effect July 14, 2025. Businesses who didn’t comply could’ve faced penalties of up to $53,000 per violation.

But here’s the thing: even if this rule doesn’t go forward, the principle behind