Introducing future start dates for Stripe subscriptions and payment plans

Hey Checkout Page people!

We're excited to announce that you can now set a future start date for subscriptions and payment plans!

This means you can now offer your customers more flexibility by allowing them to sign up now and start their subscription or payment plan on a specified date in the future.

Let's explore the main use-cases and real-world examples where this feature can be beneficial.

The main ways you can start using this today:

• Sign up a customer now and start their subscription on a future date
• Take a down payment now, and start your customer's subscription on a future date
• Sign up a customer now and start their payment plan on a future date that divides their total payment across a set number of instalments
• Accept a down payment now and then a single final payment on a future date

Real world examples

Online course cohort subscription

Many online learning platforms use cohort models. Students can secure their spot in a specific cohort by making an initial down payment, with the monthly subscription starting on the cohort's specified start date. This ensures they have access to course content and a group learning experience.

Event registrations

By registering and paying a deposit, individuals can reserve their attendance at an event. The remaining balance is then paid when the event officially starts. This helps event organizers plan effectively while allowing attendees to secure their spot in advance.

Magazine subscriptions

Similar to online course cohorts, magazine subscriptions offer flexibility. Customers can sign up at any time and become subscribers, with their Stripe subscription starting at the beginning of the next issue cycle. This ensures they receive all the latest content from the start of the next cycle.

Benefits of subscriptions with a start date

Flexibility in sign-ups

Selling subscriptions with a future start date offers flexibility in terms of when individuals can sign up or register. They are not restricted to specific enrolment periods or limited-time offers, allowing for a more convenient sign-up process.

Reduced barriers to entry

The use of down payments or instalment plans with future start dates can help reduce the barriers to entry for certain products or services. By allowing customers to secure their spot or access with an initial payment and deferring the remaining balance, it becomes easier for individuals to commit and make the purchase. This can be particularly beneficial for higher-priced or long-term subscriptions where paying the full amount upfront may be an issue.

Commitment and reduced risk

For the examples that include an initial payment made at the time of sign-up or subscription. This payment serves as a commitment or reservation, securing the individual's spot or access to the service.

By asking for a downpayment, businesses can get a sense of how serious and committed their customers are. This helps to minimize the risk of people backing out, canceling at the last minute, or simply not showing up, because when customers invest their own money, they're more likely to follow through. Plus, by knowing how many customers have committed, businesses can plan ahead, allocate resources, and ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Asking for a downpayment also helps to ensure that customers have enough funds available when it's time for the full payment or recurring subscriptions, reducing the chances of payment failures. Making that initial payment creates a psychological commitment for customers, making them more motivated and dedicated to actually using the product or attending the event.

How to sell Stripe subscriptions with a future start date

1. Create a checkout
2. Select Subscription
3. Add a price
4. Check Start date

1. Choose the start date and time for your subscription
2. Optionally, check Setup fee and add a price to charge a downpayment

1. Click Create checkout

That’s it! You’ve created a Stripe subscription with a future start date. Whilst your custom is signing up now, their subscription won’t start until the date and time you choose.

How to sell Stripe payment plans with a future start date

1. Create a checkout
2. Select Payment plan
3. Add a price
4. Check Start date

1. Choose the start date and time for your payment plan
2. Optionally, check Setup fee and add a price to charge a downpayment

1. Click Create checkout

That’s it! You’ve created a Stripe payment plan with a future start date.

If you want to sign up a customer now, and only take 1 final payment, set No. of payments to 1.

Whilst your custom is signing up now, their payment plan won’t start until the date and time you choose.

That’s it for this product update. Thanks for your time, I hope I’ve been able to show you how you can easily start selling Stripe subscriptions with a future start date, no-code needed.

We’re already working on the next release and have some big plans to help you sell more! Watch this space for more updates!

Thanks,

Team Checkout Page