The Sierra Club and other things may be worthy of annual support, and even lifelong memberships. But Angie’s List? The premium ratings service for local SMBs is now offering lifetime memberships to enthusiastic fans.
The memberships cost in the neighborhood of $1,000 to $1,250. Discounts of up to 25 percent can be had via discount codes from several marketing affiliates.
At an annual rate of $53 in San Diego, it would take almost 19 years to recoup the $1,000 fee. The lifetime membership might be a better deal, however, if Angie’s List threw in access to every market – extra markets typically cost $20 per year each. It would be an even better deal if it threw in access to its medical guides, which begin launching in early 2010 and which might conceivably cost another $10-$20 per year.
Angie’s List is certainly a good service and I am a happy member. It is amazing to see all the different ways that I use it in a year. But wouldn’t I feel like a fool if somewhere down the road it went “all free” to boost its advertising revenues; or was bought off by some big media conglomerate and changed its policies.
I’m glad you’re intrigued and thrilled you’re a happy member! Angie’s List prides itself on customer service, and we’ll never leave any member – lifetime or otherwise – in a lurch. Back when we bought Unified Neighbors, we honored all its commitments to members. I can’t imagine a scenario where we’d not continue this pattern we’ve been following for 14 years.
Health ratings and reviews are included in every Angie’s List membership. Should that ever change, we’ll give proper notice. We’ve not ironed down any details about how we would approach pricing or marketing as a separate or additional service. Any suggestions are welcome…
I didn’t read beyond you first paragraph. Reason?
It was incoherent. It is in severe need of a rewrite.
Take a look at it.
Jack, thanks for being a demanding reader. I have a new lede in there! Keep up the good work on SNL.