Openai/67d92c85-bb84-8000-8893-40b9619e6abb

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gpt-4o

User: An app that shows all the websites/subscriptions we have signed up for using our email, to be able to unsubscribe from

An app that shows all the websites/subscriptions we have signed up for using our email, to be able to unsubscribe from unwanted sites and cancel subscriptions, reminders about the subscriptions would be great!

Assistant: This is a killer idea!

This is a killer idea! A "Subscription Clean-Up" app that scans your email for sign-ups, helps you unsubscribe, cancel paid subscriptions, and even reminds you before auto-renewals.

1. Email Scanning & Categorization - The app connects to your email and detects websites, newsletters, and paid subscriptions. - It categorizes them into free accounts, paid subscriptions, and marketing emails. - Uses AI to recognize patterns and flag potential unwanted sign-ups.

1. One-Click Unsubscribe & Cancelation - For marketing emails, you can one-click unsubscribe directly from the app. - For paid subscriptions, it provides direct links and instructions for cancelation (or, in some cases, auto-cancels if possible). - Tracks recurring payments and upcoming charges.
2. Subscription & Renewal Reminders - Sends push notifications or emails about upcoming charges. - Suggests alternative services or ways to downgrade plans.
3. Privacy & Data Protection - End-to-end encryption, no data storage beyond necessary metadata. - Transparency on what’s being accessed.

- Freemium Model: Free to scan, but requires payment to automate unsubscribes/cancelations.

• Affiliate Deals: If a user cancels Netflix, suggest a cheaper streaming alternative.
• Premium Subscription: Monthly fee for advanced tracking, AI-driven recommendations, and automated unsubscribes.

Would you want it as a standalone app or integrated into something like Gmail/Outlook? Let’s refine the idea!

User: Standalone app

Standalone app

Assistant: Awesome—going standalone gives you more control over UX and monetization.

Awesome—going standalone gives you more control over UX and monetization. Here’s a refined version of how the Subscription Clean-Up app could work as a standalone app:

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

TL;DR

A standalone mobile and web app that scans users' email for subscriptions, helps them unsubscribe from unwanted emails, cancel paid subscriptions, and provides renewal reminders to prevent surprise charges.

Goals

Business Goals

• Build a scalable subscription management platform with high retention.
• Monetize through a freemium model with premium automation features.
• Differentiate from existing services by focusing on automation and privacy-first design.

User Goals

• Reduce email clutter by unsubscribing from marketing emails.
• Easily track and cancel unwanted paid subscriptions.
• Get reminders before auto-renewals to avoid unwanted charges.

Non-Goals

• Manually handling cancellations—users will be directed to service providers where automation isn’t possible.
• Acting as a financial management tool beyond subscriptions.

User Stories

1. Subscription Detection - As a user, I want to see a list of all my email sign-ups and subscriptions so I can review what I’m paying for. - As a user, I want subscriptions categorized (free, paid, newsletters) so I can decide which to keep or remove.
2. Unsubscribe & Cancelation - As a user, I want to one-click unsubscribe from marketing emails without leaving the app. - As a user, I want to cancel paid subscriptions directly from the app (if possible) or get clear instructions on how to do so.
3. Renewal Reminders - As a user, I want notifications before a paid subscription renews so I can decide if I still need it. - As a user, I want a dashboard showing upcoming subscription renewals so I can plan my spending.
4. Privacy & Security - As a user, I want my email data to be securely processed without storing unnecessary information. - As a user, I want to control what data the app accesses and remove my data anytime.

User Experience (UX)

Step-by-Step Flow

1. Sign Up & Email Sync - User connects Gmail, Outlook, or another email provider. - App requests read-only access to scan for subscription-related emails.
2. Dashboard & Subscription Overview - The app lists all detected subscriptions. - Uses AI to categorize them as Paid, Free, Newsletters. - Provides a total monthly spending estimate for paid subscriptions.
3. One-Click Actions - Users can unsubscribe from emails instantly. - If a paid service allows easy cancelation, the app handles it directly. - Otherwise, it provides step-by-step instructions for cancelation.
4. Renewal Alerts & Smart Suggestions - The app notifies users X days before a renewal charge. - Suggests cheaper alternatives or ways to downgrade a plan.
5. Privacy & Settings - Users can revoke email access anytime. - Data is encrypted, and only necessary metadata is stored.

Success Metrics

• % of emails successfully unsubscribed through the app.
• % of paid subscriptions canceled through the app.
• Retention rate (users returning monthly to check their subscriptions).
• Conversion rate from free to premium users.

Technical Considerations

• OAuth Authentication: Securely connect to Gmail, Outlook, and other email providers.
• Email Parsing AI: Use NLP to detect subscription-related emails and classify them accurately.
• Automation for Unsubscribing: Leverage standard unsubscribe links but also explore APIs for direct cancelation (where possible).
• Push Notifications: Reminders before renewal dates.
• End-to-End Encryption: Protect user email data.

Monetization Strategy

1. Freemium Model - Free: Email scanning + subscription list. - Paid: Automated cancelations, advanced AI suggestions, premium reminders.
2. Affiliate Partnerships - Suggest alternatives (e.g., cancel HBO Max → recommend a cheaper streaming service).
3. One-Time Fee for "Deep Clean" - A single payment for a one-time full subscription audit with personalized recommendations.

Milestones & Sequencing

1. XX Weeks - Email parsing & subscription detection.
2. XX Weeks - Unsubscribe automation & cancelation workflow.
3. XX Weeks - Subscription renewal reminders & notifications.
4. XX Weeks - Beta launch & user feedback.
5. XX Weeks - Public launch with premium features.

Final Thoughts

This app solves a real pain point—people forget what they’re subscribed to and overpay for services they don’t use. If executed well, it can gain strong traction.

What do you think? Would you want to focus more on email cleanup or subscription tracking?