How to Sell Subscriptions on Shopify: Complete Guide
Introduction
If you’re looking to grow recurring revenue, retain customers, and boost lifetime value, learning how to sell subscriptions on Shopify is a powerful step forward. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start selling subscription products and create Shopify recurring subscriptions for long-term growth.
Want to build a steady income with subscriptions on Shopify? Whether you’re selling digital content, weekly boxes, or recurring memberships, Shopify makes it possible — with the right tools.
In this guide, we’ll show you:
- How to sell subscriptions on Shopify (step-by-step)
- The best apps for recurring billing
- Common setup mistakes to avoid
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean to Sell Subscriptions on Shopify?
Selling subscriptions on Shopify means offering products that automatically bill and deliver on a set schedule — weekly, monthly, or yearly.
This is perfect for:
- Replenishable items (like coffee, skincare, or pet food)
- Digital memberships
- Subscription boxes
- Software and services
Using a Shopify subscriptions app, you can create product listings that offer one-time purchases or recurring subscriptions — all from your existing Shopify store.
Why Sell Subscriptions on Shopify?
Here’s why thousands of businesses are turning to Shopify sell subscriptions as part of their model:
- Predictable revenue: Know what’s coming every month.
- Customer retention: Keep customers engaged and loyal.
- Convenience: Buyers love set-it-and-forget-it delivery.
- Growth: Subscription businesses grow faster than traditional ecommerce.
Whether you’re selling physical or digital products, Shopify recurring subscriptions can help you scale.
Tools You Need to Sell Subscriptions on Shopify
Shopify doesn’t have built-in subscription tools, but it integrates perfectly with apps via the Shopify Subscription API.
To get started, you need:
- Shopify Basic or higher plan
- A subscription app like:
- Recharge
- Bold Subscriptions
- Savify
- Appstle
- Skio
- Products to sell on a recurring basis
- Subscription rules (billing cycle, delivery frequency, cancellation terms)
These apps help you create true Shopify subscription product listings.
Step-by-Step: How to Sell Subscriptions on Shopify
Step 1: Choose a Subscription App
Pick a subscription app from the Shopify App Store that fits your needs. Some popular options include:
- Recharge: Feature-rich and scalable
- Bold Subscriptions: Great for customization
- Savify: Excellent for combining subscriptions with discount rules
Step 2: Install the App and Configure Settings
Follow the setup instructions:
- Connect to your Shopify store
- Set billing rules (weekly, monthly, custom)
- Configure customer portal access
Step 3: Add Subscription Options to Your Products
Within your product settings:
- Enable “One-time or subscription” options
- Add frequency choices (e.g., every 30 days)
- Apply discounts if needed (e.g., 10% off for subscribers)
Step 4: Test Your Checkout
Make sure your Shopify subscription product works correctly:
- Add to cart
- View subscription plan at checkout
- Confirm recurring pricing and terms
Step 5: Launch and Promote
Once everything’s tested:
- Add banners or badges (“Subscribe & Save”)
- Run email campaigns and social ads
- Use popups to promote subscriptions
Shopify Subscription Limitations to Know
- Subscriptions only work with Shopify Checkout (Shopify Payments or Stripe)
- You cannot use third-party checkout for subscriptions
- Shopify POS does not support subscription purchases
- You’ll need an app to handle renewals, failed payments, and customer portals
Best Shopify Subscription Apps
| App Name | Best For | Key Features | Free Plan |
| Recharge | Large stores | Auto-renewal, SMS reminders, analytics | No |
| Appstle | SMBs + flexibility | Mixed cart, tiered plans, upsells | Yes |
| Seal | Simplicity & EU stores | Email builder, payment calendar, GDPR | Yes |
| Loop | Retention & workflows | Reactivation flows, retention analytics | Yes |
| Savify | Discount logic control | Tag-based rules, fraud filter, multistep flows | Yes |
Popular Subscription Models on Shopify
- Subscription Boxes – food, grooming kits, clothing
- Digital Content Access – e-books, courses, members-only areas
- Consumables – coffee, vitamins, pet food
- Personal Care Refill Cycles – skincare, shampoo
Examples of Subscription Products on Shopify
Here are product types that work well with sell subscriptions on Shopify:
- Coffee & tea clubs
- Meal kits
- Pet food & treats
- Beauty boxes
- Vitamins or supplements
- Cleaning products
- Streaming content or e-learning
- Digital memberships (newsletters, coaching)
Whatever your niche, there’s a way to turn it into a Shopify subscription product.
Pro Tips to Maximize Subscription Sales
To make the most of your Shopify recurring subscriptions, follow these best practices:
- Offer flexible plans: Let users pause, skip, or cancel easily.
- Provide value: Give perks like discounts or free shipping for subscribers.
- Use email flows: Set up renewal reminders and thank-you emails.
- Track churn: Monitor cancellations and try to reduce them.
- Highlight savings: Show customers how much they save by subscribing.
- Upsell and bundle: Offer related items for extra value.
How Shopify Subscription Apps Work
Most Shopify subscription apps use the Shopify subscription API, which:
- Works directly with Shopify checkout
- Supports recurring billing and flexible options
- Improves performance and security
Apps like Savify, Recharge, and Bold Subscriptions use this API to offer a seamless buyer experience.
These apps can help you:
- Schedule recurring orders
- Handle renewals and cancellations
- Customize subscription plans
Managing and Editing Active Subscriptions
Once customers start subscribing, you need tools to manage those subscriptions. Most apps offer a customer portal where users can:
- Change the next delivery date
- Skip a shipment
- Cancel anytime
- Switch products or frequencies
You can also manage everything from your Shopify admin panel.
FAQ: Selling Subscriptions on Shopify
Q1: Can I sell subscriptions without an app?
No. You need a third-party app that supports the Shopify Subscription API.
Q2: Do customers need an account to subscribe?
Not always, but having an account helps them manage orders more easily.
Q3: Can I combine one-time and subscription options?
Yes! Most apps let you offer both on the same product page.
Q4: Will it work with Shopify Payments?
Yes, most apps using the Shopify API support Shopify Payments and other major gateways.
Q5: Can I sell digital subscriptions?
Yes — courses, content, or memberships can be offered with the right tools.
Why Savify is a Smart Option
If you want a flexible tool that supports both Shopify subscription product setup and dynamic discounting, Savify is a great option.
Key benefits of Savify:
- Set auto-discounts by tag, customer group, or subtotal
- Combine subscriptions with shipping incentives
- Easy rules setup — no coding required
Savify helps you sell subscriptions more effectively, especially when you want to boost sales with smart marketing tactics.
Cons:
- May lack deep analytics compared to advanced-only subscription platforms
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to sell subscriptions on Shopify. Whether you’re selling products, services, or memberships, subscriptions can unlock stable, long-term income.
Just remember:
- Use the right app
- Offer flexible plans
- Promote your subscription clearly
- Monitor performance and tweak your strategy
From Shopify recurring subscriptions to optimized product bundles, the tools are in your hands.
