Securing new customers can be ten times harder and more expensive than upselling to existing ones, making it crucial for CBD merchants to leverage subscription services to enhance customer retention and ensure steady revenue. This article will guide you through the process of setting up CBD subscriptions on Shopify, making it easier for you to manage recurring orders and grow your business.

1. Develop your subscription concept

Before diving into the technical setup, it’s crucial to solidify your subscription model. Determine what products or services you wish to offer on a subscription basis. Consider the following:

• Product selection: Choose the CBD products that customers frequently repurchase, such as oils, capsules, or topical solutions.
• Subscription frequency: Decide how often subscribers will receive their products. Common options include weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly deliveries.
• Discount strategies: Offer discounts to entice customers to subscribe. For example, provide a 10% discount for monthly subscriptions or a larger discount for annual commitments.

2. Choose subscription products

With your subscription model in mind, select the products or services you want to include. Consider the following steps:

• Product curation: Curate a selection of high-demand CBD products that will keep customers engaged and satisfied.
• Supplier relationships: Establish relationships with suppliers to secure discounts on bulk purchases, ensuring profitability for your subscription service.
• Product bundles: Create subscription boxes or bundles that offer variety and value to your customers.

3. Set pricing for subscription products

Pricing your subscription products is the next critical step that can influence the success of your subscription service. Consider the following:

• Cost analysis: Calculate the cost of goods, shipping, and any additional expenses to determine a profitable pricing structure.
• Tiered pricing: Offer multiple subscription tiers with varying discounts. For example, a month-to-month subscription could be priced higher than a six-month or annual subscription.
• Market research: Research competitors to ensure your pricing is competitive while still profitable.

4. Integrate subscriptions into your Shopify store

Now, it’s time to set up the subscription functionality on your Shopify store. Here’s how to do it:

Option 1: Use a Shopify app

One of the easiest ways to add subscription services to your Shopify store is by using a subscription management app. We recommend Seal Subscriptions for its robust features and ease of use. Here’s how to get started:

1. Install Seal Subscriptions:
   • Go to the Shopify App Store.
   • Go to the Seal Subscriptions app 
   • Click Add app and follow the prompts to install it on your store.
2. Configure subscription plans:
   • Open the Seal Subscriptions app from your Shopify admin dashboard.
   • Click Subscription rules
   • Click Create rule
   • Add CBD products you want to offer as subscriptions to the subscription rule.
   • Define selling plans and subscription intervals(e.g., weekly, monthly).
   • Set up pricing tiers and any applicable discounts.
3. Customize Customer Experience:
   • Customize the subscription widget to match your store’s branding.
   • Set up email notifications for subscribers, including order confirmations and renewal reminders in Seal Subscriptions > Settings > Notifications & Emails

Option 2: Create a custom solution

If you have specific requirements that off-the-shelf apps don’t meet, consider developing a custom subscription solution. This approach requires more technical expertise. Here are the basic steps:

1. Hire a developer:
   • Find a Shopify expert or developer with experience in creating custom subscription solutions.
   • Clearly outline your requirements and desired features.
2. Develop subscription functionality:
   • Work with the developer to create a custom subscription management system.
   • Ensure the system integrates seamlessly with your existing Shopify store and payment gateway.
   • Make sure that your solution conforms to all the legal requirements.
3. Test and launch:
   • Thoroughly test the subscription functionality to ensure it works as expected.
   • Launch the subscription service and monitor performance closely.

Benefits of using Seal Subscriptions

While there are many subscription apps available, Seal Subscriptions offers several advantages for CBD merchants:

• Cost savings: Seal Subscriptions is competitively priced, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.
• Superior customer support: Seal’s customer support team is highly responsive and knowledgeable, helping you resolve any issues quickly.
• User-friendly interface: The app’s intuitive design makes it easy to set up and manage subscriptions without technical expertise.
• Advanced subscription management tools: Seal provides sophisticated tools for managing recurring orders, driving customer loyalty, and increasing recurring revenue.
• Advanced integration options: Seal Subscriptions also provides API endpoints which allow merchants with complex requirements to further extend the functionalities in their shop.

Final Thoughts

Setting up CBD subscriptions on Shopify can enhance customer retention and provide you with a steady revenue stream. By following this step-by-step guide and utilizing tools like Seal Subscriptions, you can simplify the process and focus on growing your business. Start by solidifying your subscription concept, selecting the right products, and setting competitive prices. Then, integrate the subscription functionality into your Shopify store and watch your business thrive. 

Thoughts on subscriptions or questions we can help with? Let us know below!