QUICK POINTS:

• UBS financial services firm predicts that this “subscription economy” will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025, more than double the $650 billion it’s estimated to be worth now.
• Subscriptions bring in upfront revenue, strengthen relationships with customers and give companies much deeper data on what sells.
• The rapid growth of subscriptions has created a host of challenges for the economy, far outpacing the government’s ability to scrutinize aggressive marketing practices and ensure that consumers are being treated fairly.
• The typical U.S. consumer now has two to three subscriptions, according to user data from budget app Mint and research by Tien Tzuo.