Live Q&A: Learn how to get paid again and again (and again) with predictable revenue streams

[Tom]

Square’s subscription management software allows any business to easily create recurring revenue streams. If your business utilizes subscriptions, memberships, donations, or other forms of recurring payments, our product team wants to hear from you. Not using this service but interested in learning more? This is also the discussion for you. 

On Wednesday, September 28, we welcomed back @jean_sq from the Subscriptions team for another Question & Answer session! Her team is always eager to learn about how they can better address your business's recurring payment needs as well as answer any questions you may have.

Have a look below to see what topics business owners brought up, and be on the lookout for a "Best Answers" summary post (coming soon) that covers the main takeaways from this discussion.

Note: Although we can't share specific details on our product roadmaps, this information will be helpful as we continue to make improvements.

 Photo Credit: Ambitious Creative Co. - Rick Barrett on Unsplash.

[JUYBoutique20]

Very interested in this.  I've been thinking of working on a subscription box.

[jean_sq]

@JUYBoutique20 Great to hear! I checked out your website and it looks like you sell lots of unique items!

[JUYBoutique20]

Thanks so much...

[HHcsJoe]

I own a home furnishings/decor store and old time general store.  I've been thinking of trying this with gift baskets, gourmet coffee and teas, candles... the opportunities are endless in terms of products.  I'm thinking these would be great gifts- who wouldn't want a gourmet coffee of the month?  I'd love to hear how to handle the logistics, payments etc. 

[jean_sq]

@HHcsJoeI’d recommend reading our getting started article - it tells you how to set up subscription plans, create and manage subscriptions. In 2023 we are looking to roll out a tighter integration into the orders ecosystem and item catalog as well as better fulfillment handing (for example, capturing shipping addresses)

[ICOSAcollective]

Hi there- I am wondering if there is currently a way to capture addresses with subscriptions? I see you list that as something you are working on but we are a gallery setting up subscription plans and need the addresses of the subscribers to send their perks (t-shirt, etc). Also, is there a way to add an image for each subscription level? Thank you!

[smoothalchemis1]

Hello, can you explain what would be some good examples of membership programs for a smoothie bar ?

[jean_sq]

@smoothalchemis1 I did recently see an article for a smoothie membership. This model may or may not be right for your business. I’d recommend this article (Square is not associated with this article) to learn some best practices for starting a new subscription business.

[712salon]

Hello I am  salon owner who have nothing but renters how do i do a atomatic draft for my renters so that the bussiness can run on its own and i dont have to send out invoices for rent need help with this 

[Chefh]

Contracts sign I'm assuming next invoice creation on the monthly agreement amount than set it as a monthly reoccurring invoice 

[ATBmemphis]

I just set up a weekly invoice that hours out to my salon renter and when she pays it alerts me

[ELITEOUTDOOR]

SET UP A RECURRING PAYMENT, IT GIVES YOU THE OPTION WHEN YOU USE THE VIRTUAL TERMINAL

[jean_sq]

@712salon Looks like you have some suggestions from fellow Seller Community folks!

[Antenna625]

I would also be interested. What subscriptions would be good with a tv antenna installation company that also does device set-up and instruction for streaming products.

[jean_sq]

@Antenna625 I don’t have any ideas off the top of my head but for some best practices on what to offer as a subscription, I’d recommend this article (Square is not associated with this article). This is one quote from it that I think is relevant:

“decision makers must ensure that a new subscription business is a sustainable model based on a value proposition and business case tied to an unmet consumer need, and that it supports the retailer’s overall strategy.”

When you are ready to start building subscription plans through Square, I’d start with our getting started article - that walks you through getting started creating subscription plans either through Square Dashboard or Square Point of Sale.

[InquiringQuilte]

Are subscriptions included with Square? What's the cost?

[jean_sq]

@InquiringQuilte There is no charge to use the subscription service. You only pay processing fees on the subscriptions

[pecantree]

Hi.  Could the subscription service work with a digital product?  I am developing a 12-week digital journal that rolls out journaling pages 4-5 days a week for 12 weeks and then you can renew to continue. 

Also, could the subscription service be set up to automate sending the pages in the digital journal? 

[LHW170]

I run a small aesthetics practice, and I have my clients on contract with recurring billing each month. I have some clients that are to have their card on file debit it on the first of the month, and some who are to have their cards on file debited on the 15th. I do not see in subscriptions where I can set up different payment amounts recurring at different times of the month. Can this be accomplished with the subscription to feature? If not, will it be coming? 

[jean_sq]

@LHW170 Early next year we will be releasing custom billing dates feature which will allow you to set the billing date for a subscription (the current default is billing date is tied to subscription start date). We also will be tackling proration in 2023.