====== Selling Subscription-based Products and Services ======

===== How it all works in the SubscriptionBridge System =====

In your SubscriptionBridge Merchant Center you will...

  * create a //[[merchant_guide:products|product]]// (e.g. "Featured Red Wines")
  * create a //[[merchant_guide:products#plans|plan]]// (e.g. "Monthly Billing")
  * create additional //[[merchant_guide:features|features]]//, if you want (e.g. "Expedited Delivery")
  * create a //[[merchant_guide:packages|package]]// that combines them all into a subscription-based product or service that you will sell

===== Why creating packages? =====

In SubscriptionBridge you will mix products, plans, and features to create all sorts of subscription-based products and services (//[[merchant_guide:packages|packages]]//) that share some of their characteristics. For example, if you have 3 subscriptions that all share the same monthly billing with a 30-day free trial, you won't have to re-enter those billing details 3 times, but rather simply select a //[[merchant_guide:products#plans|plan]]// that includes them.

SubscriptionBridge was built this way to:

  * give you maximum flexibility
  * minimize redundant entries

===== Why separate features? =====

Creating additional, optional //[[merchant_guide:features|features]]// allows you to separate one or more items in your subscription-based product/service so that you can let customers add/remove them to/from their subscription profile at any time.

This can help you keep the initial subscription price low, then "up-sell" customers to additional, great services that you offer on top of the basic subscription.

For example, a customer may sign up for your Wine Club, but only add "Expedited Delivery" at a later time. SubscriptionBridge will take care of adjusting their subscription amount accordingly, and will charge them a pro-rated amount for the current billing period.

===== Glossary =====

If you haven't already done so, look at the [[:glossary|SubscriptionBridge Glossary]] to a more in-depth definition of the terms used above.

===== Let's Get Started =====

Let's get started by [[products|adding a product]] to one of your [[merchant_guide:add-store|stores]].