Offer subscription models and generate returning customers

Offer subscription models and generate returning customers

Offer subscription models and generate returning customers

Offer subscription models and generate returning customers

Are your products suitable for subscription models? We show subscription models, their advantages and best cases for successful subscription commerce.

Are your products suitable for subscription models? We show subscription models, their advantages and best cases for successful subscription commerce.

Ecommerce-tips

May 6, 2024

Overview: Subscription models

  • Subscription models are business strategies for recurring purchases

  • Benefits for merchants and customers alike

  • Simple and transparent processing is important for recurring payments

  • Software and consumer goods are ideal for subscription models

  • Payments for subscription models can be set up easily and transparently via Mollie

  • Subscription models are business strategies for recurring purchases

  • Benefits for merchants and customers alike

  • Simple and transparent processing is important for recurring payments

  • Software and consumer goods are ideal for subscription models

  • Payments for subscription models can be set up easily and transparently via Mollie

  • Subscription models are business strategies for recurring purchases

  • Benefits for merchants and customers alike

  • Simple and transparent processing is important for recurring payments

  • Software and consumer goods are ideal for subscription models

  • Payments for subscription models can be set up easily and transparently via Mollie

  • Subscription models are business strategies for recurring purchases

  • Benefits for merchants and customers alike

  • Simple and transparent processing is important for recurring payments

  • Software and consumer goods are ideal for subscription models

  • Payments for subscription models can be set up easily and transparently via Mollie

What are subscription models?

Subscription models are business strategies that companies use to sell products or services to customers on a recurring basis. The definition of subscription commerce is the continuous provision of goods or services. This provision usually takes place for a monthly or annual fee.

Subscription models are business strategies that companies use to sell products or services to customers on a recurring basis. The definition of subscription commerce is the continuous provision of goods or services. This provision usually takes place for a monthly or annual fee.

Subscription models are business strategies that companies use to sell products or services to customers on a recurring basis. The definition of subscription commerce is the continuous provision of goods or services. This provision usually takes place for a monthly or annual fee.

Subscription models are business strategies that companies use to sell products or services to customers on a recurring basis. The definition of subscription commerce is the continuous provision of goods or services. This provision usually takes place for a monthly or annual fee.

Advantages of subscription models

Subscription commerce has long been widely accepted. According to the KPMG Consumer Report, subscription models have developed strongly in recent years for offerings such as streaming music and films as well as physical consumer products. This seems logical, as it offers advantages for both retailers and customers.

Stable revenue: Providers receive regular and predictable revenue, which helps with financial planning and budgeting.

Cost efficiency: Subscription models often enable savings compared to buying individual products or services.

Convenience for customers: Subscribers enjoy the convenience of having products or services delivered automatically without having to constantly re-decide or re-order.

Up-to-dateness and upgrades: Customers usually get automatic access to the latest versions or content, which increases the value of the subscription.

Customer loyalty: Through regular interaction and the ongoing value that subscription models provide, retailers can build strong customer relationships and strengthen customer loyalty.

Data and insights: Subscription models allow companies to collect valuable data on customer behavior and preferences to improve their offers and marketing strategies.

Curated commerce: Companies can often tailor subscription models to the individual needs and preferences of customers, for example by recommending additional products or providing advice when putting together the products.

The European E-Commerce Report 2023 is here. Get more insights into the latest trends in e-commerce.

Subscription commerce has long been widely accepted. According to the KPMG Consumer Report, subscription models have developed strongly in recent years for offerings such as streaming music and films as well as physical consumer products. This seems logical, as it offers advantages for both retailers and customers.

Stable revenue: Providers receive regular and predictable revenue, which helps with financial planning and budgeting.

Cost efficiency: Subscription models often enable savings compared to buying individual products or services.

Convenience for customers: Subscribers enjoy the convenience of having products or services delivered automatically without having to constantly re-decide or re-order.

Up-to-dateness and upgrades: Customers usually get automatic access to the latest versions or content, which increases the value of the subscription.

Customer loyalty: Through regular interaction and the ongoing value that subscription models provide, retailers can build strong customer relationships and strengthen customer loyalty.

Data and insights: Subscription models allow companies to collect valuable data on customer behavior and preferences to improve their offers and marketing strategies.

Curated commerce: Companies can often tailor subscription models to the individual needs and preferences of customers, for example by recommending additional products or providing advice when putting together the products.

The European E-Commerce Report 2023 is here. Get more insights into the latest trends in e-commerce.

Subscription commerce has long been widely accepted. According to the KPMG Consumer Report, subscription models have developed strongly in recent years for offerings such as streaming music and films as well as physical consumer products. This seems logical, as it offers advantages for both retailers and customers.

Stable revenue: Providers receive regular and predictable revenue, which helps with financial planning and budgeting.

Cost efficiency: Subscription models often enable savings compared to buying individual products or services.

Convenience for customers: Subscribers enjoy the convenience of having products or services delivered automatically without having to constantly re-decide or re-order.

Up-to-dateness and upgrades: Customers usually get automatic access to the latest versions or content, which increases the value of the subscription.

Customer loyalty: Through regular interaction and the ongoing value that subscription models provide, retailers can build strong customer relationships and strengthen customer loyalty.

Data and insights: Subscription models allow companies to collect valuable data on customer behavior and preferences to improve their offers and marketing strategies.

Curated commerce: Companies can often tailor subscription models to the individual needs and preferences of customers, for example by recommending additional products or providing advice when putting together the products.

The European E-Commerce Report 2023 is here. Get more insights into the latest trends in e-commerce.

Subscription commerce has long been widely accepted. According to the KPMG Consumer Report, subscription models have developed strongly in recent years for offerings such as streaming music and films as well as physical consumer products. This seems logical, as it offers advantages for both retailers and customers.

Stable revenue: Providers receive regular and predictable revenue, which helps with financial planning and budgeting.

Cost efficiency: Subscription models often enable savings compared to buying individual products or services.

Convenience for customers: Subscribers enjoy the convenience of having products or services delivered automatically without having to constantly re-decide or re-order.

Up-to-dateness and upgrades: Customers usually get automatic access to the latest versions or content, which increases the value of the subscription.

Customer loyalty: Through regular interaction and the ongoing value that subscription models provide, retailers can build strong customer relationships and strengthen customer loyalty.

Data and insights: Subscription models allow companies to collect valuable data on customer behavior and preferences to improve their offers and marketing strategies.

Curated commerce: Companies can often tailor subscription models to the individual needs and preferences of customers, for example by recommending additional products or providing advice when putting together the products.

The European E-Commerce Report 2023 is here. Get more insights into the latest trends in e-commerce.

Recurring payments for subscription models

Payment processing should be just as advantageous and simple as the subscription model. Smooth payments benefit you as a merchant just as much as your customers. That's why Mollie Recurring offers both: convenience for customers and predictable revenue for your store. It allows you to set up recurring payments that work simply, can be flexibly adapted and simplify your accounting through simplified invoice management.

Your customers can conveniently choose their preferred payment method, for example SEPA direct debit, credit card or PayPal.

Set up recurring payments in 3 steps

Step 1: Create a customer profile

Use our Customer API to create a customer profile that contains the customer's full name and email address.

Step 2: Offer payment methods

Activate SEPA Direct Debit, credit card and/or PayPal in your Mollie dashboard so that you can receive recurring payments.

Step 3: Create first payment

The first payment is a payment with which you ask the customer for permission to automatically collect future payments. This only works with a payment method that you have activated in your Mollie dashboard.

You have a choice: either collect the first subscription payment directly or collect a verification payment. With SEPA direct debit it is €0.01, with credit card and PayPal you can even enter €0.00 for verification.

Payment processing should be just as advantageous and simple as the subscription model. Smooth payments benefit you as a merchant just as much as your customers. That's why Mollie Recurring offers both: convenience for customers and predictable revenue for your store. It allows you to set up recurring payments that work simply, can be flexibly adapted and simplify your accounting through simplified invoice management.

Your customers can conveniently choose their preferred payment method, for example SEPA direct debit, credit card or PayPal.

Set up recurring payments in 3 steps

Step 1: Create a customer profile

Use our Customer API to create a customer profile that contains the customer's full name and email address.

Step 2: Offer payment methods

Activate SEPA Direct Debit, credit card and/or PayPal in your Mollie dashboard so that you can receive recurring payments.

Step 3: Create first payment

The first payment is a payment with which you ask the customer for permission to automatically collect future payments. This only works with a payment method that you have activated in your Mollie dashboard.

You have a choice: either collect the first subscription payment directly or collect a verification payment. With SEPA direct debit it is €0.01, with credit card and PayPal you can even enter €0.00 for verification.

Payment processing should be just as advantageous and simple as the subscription model. Smooth payments benefit you as a merchant just as much as your customers. That's why Mollie Recurring offers both: convenience for customers and predictable revenue for your store. It allows you to set up recurring payments that work simply, can be flexibly adapted and simplify your accounting through simplified invoice management.

Your customers can conveniently choose their preferred payment method, for example SEPA direct debit, credit card or PayPal.

Set up recurring payments in 3 steps

Step 1: Create a customer profile

Use our Customer API to create a customer profile that contains the customer's full name and email address.

Step 2: Offer payment methods

Activate SEPA Direct Debit, credit card and/or PayPal in your Mollie dashboard so that you can receive recurring payments.

Step 3: Create first payment

The first payment is a payment with which you ask the customer for permission to automatically collect future payments. This only works with a payment method that you have activated in your Mollie dashboard.

You have a choice: either collect the first subscription payment directly or collect a verification payment. With SEPA direct debit it is €0.01, with credit card and PayPal you can even enter €0.00 for verification.

Payment processing should be just as advantageous and simple as the subscription model. Smooth payments benefit you as a merchant just as much as your customers. That's why Mollie Recurring offers both: convenience for customers and predictable revenue for your store. It allows you to set up recurring payments that work simply, can be flexibly adapted and simplify your accounting through simplified invoice management.

Your customers can conveniently choose their preferred payment method, for example SEPA direct debit, credit card or PayPal.

Set up recurring payments in 3 steps

Step 1: Create a customer profile

Use our Customer API to create a customer profile that contains the customer's full name and email address.

Step 2: Offer payment methods

Activate SEPA Direct Debit, credit card and/or PayPal in your Mollie dashboard so that you can receive recurring payments.

Step 3: Create first payment

The first payment is a payment with which you ask the customer for permission to automatically collect future payments. This only works with a payment method that you have activated in your Mollie dashboard.

You have a choice: either collect the first subscription payment directly or collect a verification payment. With SEPA direct debit it is €0.01, with credit card and PayPal you can even enter €0.00 for verification.

Subscription models: 4 best cases

Successful subscription models in e-commerce are now commonplace. The following best cases show examples of successful subscription business models across all sectors.

Subscription commerce is booming in the software sector. SaaS is an established business model that customers and developers appreciate. The development of updates and new features can be financed through a sustainable subscription model. This is what Jamezz, a cloud-based ordering platform for hotels and restaurants, does, for example.

Food and consumer products are also among the goods frequently sold as part of a subscription. Regular deliveries ensure that customers conveniently receive the goods they need whenever they need supplies. One of the many providers is the Berlin-based company KoRo, which successfully ships food in large packages.

Clothing can also be offered on a subscription basis as part of curated commerce. Because a provider knows the customer's individual preferences, entire outfits can be sent at certain intervals.

Cars are also increasingly being offered on a subscription basis. Customers pay a fixed monthly amount that covers all vehicle costs with the exception of fuel, and in return receive flexible mobility without committing to a car in the long term.

Successful subscription models in e-commerce are now commonplace. The following best cases show examples of successful subscription business models across all sectors.

Subscription commerce is booming in the software sector. SaaS is an established business model that customers and developers appreciate. The development of updates and new features can be financed through a sustainable subscription model. This is what Jamezz, a cloud-based ordering platform for hotels and restaurants, does, for example.

Food and consumer products are also among the goods frequently sold as part of a subscription. Regular deliveries ensure that customers conveniently receive the goods they need whenever they need supplies. One of the many providers is the Berlin-based company KoRo, which successfully ships food in large packages.

Clothing can also be offered on a subscription basis as part of curated commerce. Because a provider knows the customer's individual preferences, entire outfits can be sent at certain intervals.

Cars are also increasingly being offered on a subscription basis. Customers pay a fixed monthly amount that covers all vehicle costs with the exception of fuel, and in return receive flexible mobility without committing to a car in the long term.

Successful subscription models in e-commerce are now commonplace. The following best cases show examples of successful subscription business models across all sectors.

Subscription commerce is booming in the software sector. SaaS is an established business model that customers and developers appreciate. The development of updates and new features can be financed through a sustainable subscription model. This is what Jamezz, a cloud-based ordering platform for hotels and restaurants, does, for example.

Food and consumer products are also among the goods frequently sold as part of a subscription. Regular deliveries ensure that customers conveniently receive the goods they need whenever they need supplies. One of the many providers is the Berlin-based company KoRo, which successfully ships food in large packages.

Clothing can also be offered on a subscription basis as part of curated commerce. Because a provider knows the customer's individual preferences, entire outfits can be sent at certain intervals.

Cars are also increasingly being offered on a subscription basis. Customers pay a fixed monthly amount that covers all vehicle costs with the exception of fuel, and in return receive flexible mobility without committing to a car in the long term.

Successful subscription models in e-commerce are now commonplace. The following best cases show examples of successful subscription business models across all sectors.

Subscription commerce is booming in the software sector. SaaS is an established business model that customers and developers appreciate. The development of updates and new features can be financed through a sustainable subscription model. This is what Jamezz, a cloud-based ordering platform for hotels and restaurants, does, for example.

Food and consumer products are also among the goods frequently sold as part of a subscription. Regular deliveries ensure that customers conveniently receive the goods they need whenever they need supplies. One of the many providers is the Berlin-based company KoRo, which successfully ships food in large packages.

Clothing can also be offered on a subscription basis as part of curated commerce. Because a provider knows the customer's individual preferences, entire outfits can be sent at certain intervals.

Cars are also increasingly being offered on a subscription basis. Customers pay a fixed monthly amount that covers all vehicle costs with the exception of fuel, and in return receive flexible mobility without committing to a car in the long term.

Shop systems with subscription function

The good news for all retailers who want to offer their products or services via subscription models: Almost every online store can be equipped with a subscription function. The feature can be easily integrated into your own store via payment service providers (PSPs) such as Mollie, regardless of the store system in question.

Whether you want to offer a subscription model via Shopify or operate subscription commerce via Shopware is irrelevant, as recurring payments can be easily received via Mollie. Integrations are available for most store systems, allowing you to set up Mollie for your store and receive payments in just a few steps.

Mastering challenges

One challenge for merchants who want to offer subscription models is the cost of a payment provider.

With Mollie, there are no surprises, as there are only fees for successful transactions.

There is no minimum contract period, no monthly costs and no hidden fees - neither for classic payment processing nor for recurring payments.

Take a look at our prices. Simple and straightforward.

So if you want to offer subscription models, with Mollie you won't suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. You can therefore test Mollie without any problems and see the benefits for yourself.

Another challenge concerns the design of your online store in terms of trust. With subscription models in particular, visitors should quickly gain trust so that they become returning paying customers without doubting the seriousness of the product. As a provider, you have numerous elements at your disposal to build trust. These range from a professional store design to a seamlessly integrated checkout. In our guide, we show you 10 measures for a trustworthy online store that will help retailers to be more successful - both with classic products and subscription models.

The good news for all retailers who want to offer their products or services via subscription models: Almost every online store can be equipped with a subscription function. The feature can be easily integrated into your own store via payment service providers (PSPs) such as Mollie, regardless of the store system in question.

Whether you want to offer a subscription model via Shopify or operate subscription commerce via Shopware is irrelevant, as recurring payments can be easily received via Mollie. Integrations are available for most store systems, allowing you to set up Mollie for your store and receive payments in just a few steps.

Mastering challenges

One challenge for merchants who want to offer subscription models is the cost of a payment provider.

With Mollie, there are no surprises, as there are only fees for successful transactions.

There is no minimum contract period, no monthly costs and no hidden fees - neither for classic payment processing nor for recurring payments.

Take a look at our prices. Simple and straightforward.

So if you want to offer subscription models, with Mollie you won't suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. You can therefore test Mollie without any problems and see the benefits for yourself.

Another challenge concerns the design of your online store in terms of trust. With subscription models in particular, visitors should quickly gain trust so that they become returning paying customers without doubting the seriousness of the product. As a provider, you have numerous elements at your disposal to build trust. These range from a professional store design to a seamlessly integrated checkout. In our guide, we show you 10 measures for a trustworthy online store that will help retailers to be more successful - both with classic products and subscription models.

The good news for all retailers who want to offer their products or services via subscription models: Almost every online store can be equipped with a subscription function. The feature can be easily integrated into your own store via payment service providers (PSPs) such as Mollie, regardless of the store system in question.

Whether you want to offer a subscription model via Shopify or operate subscription commerce via Shopware is irrelevant, as recurring payments can be easily received via Mollie. Integrations are available for most store systems, allowing you to set up Mollie for your store and receive payments in just a few steps.

Mastering challenges

One challenge for merchants who want to offer subscription models is the cost of a payment provider.

With Mollie, there are no surprises, as there are only fees for successful transactions.

There is no minimum contract period, no monthly costs and no hidden fees - neither for classic payment processing nor for recurring payments.

Take a look at our prices. Simple and straightforward.

So if you want to offer subscription models, with Mollie you won't suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. You can therefore test Mollie without any problems and see the benefits for yourself.

Another challenge concerns the design of your online store in terms of trust. With subscription models in particular, visitors should quickly gain trust so that they become returning paying customers without doubting the seriousness of the product. As a provider, you have numerous elements at your disposal to build trust. These range from a professional store design to a seamlessly integrated checkout. In our guide, we show you 10 measures for a trustworthy online store that will help retailers to be more successful - both with classic products and subscription models.

The good news for all retailers who want to offer their products or services via subscription models: Almost every online store can be equipped with a subscription function. The feature can be easily integrated into your own store via payment service providers (PSPs) such as Mollie, regardless of the store system in question.

Whether you want to offer a subscription model via Shopify or operate subscription commerce via Shopware is irrelevant, as recurring payments can be easily received via Mollie. Integrations are available for most store systems, allowing you to set up Mollie for your store and receive payments in just a few steps.

Mastering challenges

One challenge for merchants who want to offer subscription models is the cost of a payment provider.

With Mollie, there are no surprises, as there are only fees for successful transactions.

There is no minimum contract period, no monthly costs and no hidden fees - neither for classic payment processing nor for recurring payments.

Take a look at our prices. Simple and straightforward.

So if you want to offer subscription models, with Mollie you won't suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. You can therefore test Mollie without any problems and see the benefits for yourself.

Another challenge concerns the design of your online store in terms of trust. With subscription models in particular, visitors should quickly gain trust so that they become returning paying customers without doubting the seriousness of the product. As a provider, you have numerous elements at your disposal to build trust. These range from a professional store design to a seamlessly integrated checkout. In our guide, we show you 10 measures for a trustworthy online store that will help retailers to be more successful - both with classic products and subscription models.

First steps: Test a subscription model

Would you like to get started with subscription commerce and launch a subscription business model? We show you how you can easily set it up and test it.

Step 1: Identify suitable products and services

Make sure that your products or services can be easily sold as a subscription model. Consumer goods and software, among other things, are ideally suited.

Step 2: Prepare your online store for subscription models

Build trust with our tips and describe your subscription models precisely and transparently. If possible, let your customers choose the quantity and duration of the subscription. The more flexible the subscription model is, the more willing customers will be to take out a subscription.

Step 3: Accept recurring payments

In your checkout, you should offer at least one, preferably several, payment methods that are suitable for recurring payments. Via Mollie, this can be easily done using the slider in the Mollie dashboard. With no contract term, no hidden fees and no monthly costs. You only pay for successful transactions.

Step 4: Make customers aware of subscription models

All that's missing now are subscribers. The easiest way to test subscription models is with existing customers. For example, start a newsletter campaign in which you advertise your new offer and offer your customers a time-limited discount when they take out a subscription.

These four steps will give you an overview of the potential of your subscription models and allow you to achieve initial results quickly. During the initial test, it is also best to obtain valuable customer feedback so that you can optimize your offer.

What subscription models are available?

There are many different subscription models, including access subscriptions, rental subscriptions, consumption subscriptions and surprise subscriptions. These are business strategies to sell products or services on an ongoing basis.

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Table of contents

Table of contents

MollieGrowthOffer subscription models and generate returning customers
MollieGrowthOffer subscription models and generate returning customers