My gosh… you are right… that definitely would add-up. And, it gets consumers to have some “skin in the game” as they are paying for a type of service.
My previous experience was purely on a lead generation model. Consumers would submit their contact information online to get information regarding debt consolidation services. We would then provide debt companies with the leads, and they would try to “sell” the consumer on the services they would offer. A different model than what you’re referring to (I believe) and can definitely turn into a bear!!!