negative option

[neg-uh-tiv op-shuhn]

noun

1. a clause in a sales contract, such as for a series of books or records, that provides that merchandise will be sent periodically to subscribers unless they notify the company in writing that it is not wanted.

Other Word Forms

• negative-option adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of negative option¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Its target was “negative option” programs, in which businesses assume customers have consented for automatic renewals unless the customers explicitly cancel.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2019, the FTC began working on expanding its 1973 regulation of book clubs to cover all forms of negative option marketing and published a final rule last November.

From Los Angeles Times

Industry could hardly be unaware that the rule was under consideration; businesses had mobilized to protect negative option marketing starting at least in 2019, and they hardly lacked for resources to “dissuade” the commission.

From Los Angeles Times

When the FTC started investigating negative option programs, “we were stunned to see just how deliberate a business strategy it is,” Khan, who oversaw the regulation’s development, told Torre.

From Los Angeles Times

“We certainly do not endorse the use of unfair and deceptive practices in negative option marketing,” they wrote.

From Los Angeles Times