Business Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns · Working

Roach motel

Also called: hard-to-cancel flow

ELI5

A design that makes it easy to enter a service or subscription but difficult to leave.

Used in conversation

“The draft mentions roach motel, but the scope and jurisdiction are still unclear.”

Pitch context

You will see “Roach motel” in brand decks, campaign plans, research reports and performance reviews when the discussion reaches marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns.

Why it matters: In marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.

Caution

Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.

Sources & evidence · 5

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.