Online e-learning platform Domestika is under fire, as many customers reported being charged for an annual premium subscription – even though they did not sign up for a membership.
Domestika offers a wide range of creative courses for individuals looking to develop skills in various artistic fields including sewing and crafts.
Domestika has a business model enticing prospective customers with low pricing to purchase individual courses, but many who did just that are claiming the platform later charged them the full price ($99.99) for a Domestika Plus subscription without their authorization or knowledge.
Angry customers are review bombing Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, as well as leaving comments on social media platforms like Instagram.
There is also now a public Facebook group called “Domestika scam!” for customers to share their grievances and pool insight on how to get refunds.
Note that customers are saying this issue seems to be a new one, and that it only started happening this year (2024).
When I checked out the Domestika website, courses were “on sale” for $5.99 and when I put one in my cart and went to checkout, it did *not* give me any indication that I was also signing up for a Plus membership subscription. Customer service support seemed to be lacking, with no email or contact form anywhere.
I did DM Domestika on both of the company Instagram accounts to ask for an explanation & response, and will update you if I get any new information. Some customers have claimed that Domestika is removing their comments on social media, and even blocking them on Instagram.
Be cautious with any online platform with this type of business model, where it entices you with a low introductory price and/or “free trial” as they are banking on you forgetting about it and not noticing the credit card charge. These subscription memberships are often difficult to cancel.
While I was unable to find an email contact for Domestika, I sent DMs to both company Instagram accounts to ask for an explanation & response, and will update you if I get any new information.
UPDATE 3/26/24 2:16PM – earlier today I left public comments on Domestika’s most recent posts on both accounts, and the main Domestika account removed my comment. All I said was that I was looking into customers reporting that there were unauthorized charges for the Plus subscription and I wanted to give them a chance to explain/respond.
RESOURCES:
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/domestika.org?sort=recency
https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/art-and-culture/domestika-inc-1116-953820/complaints
https://www.facebook.com/groups/923159682678749
https://www.reddit.com/r/craftsnark/comments/1bmk1j7/domestika_scam/
https://www.instagram.com/domestika/
https://www.instagram.com/domestika_en/
Yes, companies CAN get your new/updated credit card info without you providing it
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/companies-know-credit-card-number-103020762.html
https://www.credit.com/blog/how-companies-know-your-new-credit-card-number-before-you-give-it-to-them-151126/
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We too were charged for this after buying a single course (very good). Immediately, sent a message by their form (very difficult to find) and no reply in around 48 hours. Today, went into profile > Orders and course management and selected the recent invoice. There is an option for refund. And it worked. Or at least I have an email to say it will be refunded. It has worked for my husband too.