churn and burn

Definition

A customer acquisition strategy that accepts high turnover rates by constantly replacing lost customers with new ones rather than improving retention. The marketing equivalent of a leaky bucket with a really big hose.

Example Usage

Their entire business model is churn and burn—they acquire customers at $200 each, who leave after one month paying $49.

Origin

Direct marketing and subscription business terminology

Source: Subscription marketing and customer lifecycle management slang

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