Subscription products allow businesses to sell goods or services on a recurring basis, generating predictable revenue through automated renewals. Common examples include food delivery boxes, beauty subscriptions, and maintenance packages.

Requirements for Offering Subscriptions:

• Advanced Commerce plan
• Activated Customer Accounts
• Physical products or services only (no digital downloads)
• Squarespace Payments or Stripe integration

Key Features:

• Automated recurring payments
• Customer account management
• Customizable renewal frequencies (weekly to yearly)
• Optional billing cycle limits
• Subscription renewal notifications
• Multiple purchase options (one-time or subscription)

Important Limitations:

• Cannot set stock limits
• No free subscriptions
• Cannot test orders without paid service
• Only physical or service-based products
• PayPal and Apple Pay not supported

Subscription Management:

• View and manage from Contacts panel
• Cancel or delay renewals
• Update pricing and frequency
• Monitor payment status
• Send automated renewal notifications

Customer Experience:

1. Select subscription option on product page
2. Choose renewal frequency
3. Complete checkout and create account
4. Manage subscription through customer portal
5. Receive renewal notifications
6. Update payment information as needed

Payment Processing:

• Automated renewal charges
• Failed payment retry system
• Payment update notifications
• Secure saved payment details

Best Practices:

• Clearly communicate terms
• Enable renewal notifications
• Monitor failed payments
• Maintain inventory for renewals
• Keep customer information updated

Business Management:

• Track individual subscriptions
• Process renewal orders
• Manage customer communications
• Handle cancellations and changes
• Monitor recurring revenue

Subscription products create stable revenue streams while providing value to customers through convenient, automated purchasing of regularly-needed items or services.

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