- Posted on
- • September 17, 2018
What if your customers converted themselves? What if they could click a button to have their orders repeat indefinitely? What if they could take advantage of seasonal promotions and update their orders?… All without needing a bit of assistance.
You can probably guess what we’re getting at here.
Why It Makes Sense to Turn to an eCommerce Subscription Model
From Netflix and mail-order prescription drugs to monthly cosmetics boxes and weekly food deliveries, consumers have embraced the convenience of a set-and-forget ecommerce subscription model. For merchants, they’re a dream come true. Subscribers are typically loyal, low-hassle customers who provide a predictable revenue stream. If your online eCommerce platform supports subscriptions, you may want to consider giving it a shot.
Automatic Reordering vs. Subscription Boxes
Automatic reordering, which involves customers signing up to purchase the same product at set intervals, is great for locking down customers who may be tempted to make convenience purchases from other vendors when they forget to order from your store.
If customers are interested in a merchant’s products but are not just stopping by to purchase a single item, the merchant can give them the option of signing up for a subscription box. In this subscription model, the merchant creates an assortment of products that will be sent to each subscriber. Many customers enjoy the element of surprise associated with these boxes while merchants can use them to introduce new products or reduce excess stock.
Thrive Farmers is just one of many online stores currently offering an eCommerce subscription model. A farmer-direct coffee and tea seller with an emphasis on sustainable practices, Thrive Farmers is preferred by customers for the high quality and ethical soundness of their products. Many of these customers take advantage of Thrive Farmers’ subscription service, through which they receive a significant discount on their orders.
Thrive Farmers uses several Miva features to encourage subscriptions:
Flexible Subscription Periods: Customers can decide how often they would like to get orders.
Subscription Savings: Customers get 10% discount on their subscription.
Free Shipping: Thrive Farmers currently offers free shipping on orders over $35.
Clear Communication is Key
To keep subscribers active, make sure they have all the information they need to keep on top of their orders.
Reminders: Send your subscribers an alert ahead of their order arrival with an option to pause if they’ll be out of town.
Changes: Make sure your subscribers know how to edit their subscriptions to modify quantities, specific items, and delivery dates.
FAQs: Housing all relevant information in one place makes it easy for customers to find answers if they have questions about the process.
If you intend to offer subscriptions and automatic reordering, you need to make sure your eCommerce platform can keep customer financial data secure. Miva customers can use MivaPay to ensure data safety. You can learn more about establishing subscriptions with MivaPay here.
