Step-by-step tutorial: Creating variable subscriptions in WooCommerce [free plugin]

If you're running a WooCommerce store, offering subscription-based products can be a fantastic way to generate consistent revenue and keep customers coming back. Particularly, a variable subscription WooCommerce setup allows for more flexibility, catering to a variety of customer needs. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up variable subscriptions using a free plugin called Flexible Subscriptions. So make yourself comfortable and keep reading☕

Table of contents

1. Variable subscription in WooCommerce
2. Introduction to Flexible Subscriptions
3. Installing the Flexible subscriptions plugin
4. Setting up your first variable subscription product
5. Step 1: Create a new product
6. Step 2: Set the product as a variable subscription
7. Step 3: Add subscription variations
8. Step 4: Configure subscription settings
9. Step 5: Publish and test your product
10. Conclusion

But first...What is a variable subscription in WooCommerce?

A variable subscription could include different subscription tiers, customizable delivery schedules, or varying product bundles. The key advantage of using variable subscriptions in WooCommerce is the ability to cater to different customer preferences, potentially increasing both customer satisfaction and retention.

Introduction to Flexible Subscriptions

Now this is the moment when this article gets more interesting 😉

👉🏼Flexible Subscriptions for WooCommerce is a plugin that simplifies the process of creating and managing subscriptions. With it, you can offer your customers subscriptions that vary by time, quantity, or even type of product. The plugin's versatility makes it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes that are looking to implement a variable subscription WooCommerce model.

Installing the Flexible Subscriptions plugin

Before you can start offering variable subscriptions on your WooCommerce site, you'll need to install the Flexible Subscriptions plugin. If you don't want to download the plugin from this article, there is an alternative way to do it - just as easy!

1. Login to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to 'Plugins', then 'Add New'.
3. Search for 'Flexible Subscriptions' and click 'Install Now'.

Activate the plugin once the installation is complete.

Setting up your first variable subscription product

With the Flexible Subscriptions plugin activated, you can begin setting up your first variable subscription product in WooCommerce.

Here's the final step-by-step process you've been looking for:

Step 1: Create a new product

Navigate to  Products > Add New. Enter your product name and description.

Step 2: Set the product as a variable subscription

In the Product Data panel, change the product type from 'Simple Product' to 'Variable Subscription'. This setting unlocks the subscription options.

Step 3: Add subscription variations

Variable subscriptions rely on variations to offer different subscription options. Under the 'Attributes' section in the Product Data, add the attributes for your subscription (e.g., duration, frequency, etc.).

Once attributes are defined, switch to the 'Variations' tab.

Step 4: Configure subscription settings

Each variation can have its own subscription settings, such as billing interval, period, and sign-up fee (if any). Make sure to adjust these according to what each variation offers. You can edit these settings in the 'Variations' tab.

This is how you set different conditions and prices for each variation. Just click the "Edit" button and set all the details:

Step 5: Publish and test your product

Once all variations are set up and subscription details are filled in, publish your product. It's a good idea to conduct a few test transactions to ensure that the checkout process works smoothly and that the subscriptions activate correctly. And that's it! How simple was that?!

Now that you've selected a product image and published your variable subscription, see how it looks on the product page. In my case, my subscription settings look like this:

Cool, I like it🚀! Mission accomplished!

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step tutorial, you can set up a powerful, flexible subscription service that caters to a diverse customer base, leveraging the potential of WooCommerce to its fullest. Whether you’re selling physical goods, digital products, or services, variable subscription WooCommerce setups can be tailored to meet a wide array of needs, ensuring your business remains dynamic and customer-focused.

Psssttt... In case you still didn't download the free plugin, here's the link again: