Selling Physical Products Through Subscriptions

Imagine this: every month, without having to think about it or do anything at all, a product you constantly need is delivered right to your doorstep. No reminders, no last-minute shopping, no wasted time. Sounds appealing, right?

In this article, I want to share an idea that can be extremely valuable for online stores, especially those operating in markets like Iran and selling physical products. Products that customers need to repurchase regularly, whether weekly, monthly, or even yearly.

Why Consumable Products Are Perfect for Subscription Models

Consumable products are the best candidates for subscription-based selling. Think about cosmetics and personal care items. A customer buys a hair spray, for example, and knows they will need to restock it every two or three months. Or imagine you sell household cleaning products like glass cleaner. As a customer, I know I’ll need one bottle every week to keep my home clean.

These are not one-time purchases. They are repetitive needs, and that’s exactly where subscriptions shine.

The Real Problem Customers Face Today

The main challenge people face with these kinds of products is time. Every week or every month, they need to go to a store, walk through aisles, wait in line, and come back home. All of that for something they already know they’ll need again.

And this is happening in a world where even bread can be ordered online.

We live in a time where people can buy almost anything with their smartphones. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and many others, users simply don’t have the patience to leave their homes just to buy basic products. Personally, when I’m outside Iran, I use Amazon to reorder these items exactly when they run out. But what makes Amazon’s experience so smooth?

The Core Idea Behind Subscription Selling

The main idea is simple: offer physical products as subscriptions.

This is exactly what Amazon does, and it has proven to be highly successful.

What Does Subscription-Based Selling Mean?

Subscription selling means that the customer allows you to charge them automatically at a time interval they choose, and you send the product without requiring them to place a new order every time.

In the past, I would go to Amazon, select a product like glass cleaner, pay for it, and wait for delivery. Now Amazon offers a feature called Product Subscriptions. I choose the product, define how often I want it delivered, and Amazon automatically ships it at the scheduled time.

No extra steps. No repeated checkout process.

How Subscription Payments Work Globally

Globally, most payment systems like Visa, MasterCard, and other major gateways make subscription payments seamless. Customers enter their card or payment details once, authorize the payment, and future charges are processed automatically at the scheduled intervals. This allows businesses to deliver products or services on a recurring basis without requiring customers to take action each time, creating a smooth and convenient experience for both sides.

A Practical Alternative for Subscription Payments

One alternative approach is to charge customers upfront for a longer period, such as one year. Then, you deliver the product at regular intervals without cluttering their home or causing inconvenience. The customer locks in the price, and you ensure consistent delivery.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to challenge your mindset and find creative ways to offer your products as subscriptions.

Honestly, I haven’t seen many Iranian websites using this model yet. If you know any, feel free to share them. In my opinion, this approach can be especially powerful for businesses selling cosmetic and hygiene products.

If you’re still unsure how to sell products on your website, you can check out a free WooCommerce store setup tutorial to get started.

Why You Should Seriously Consider This Model

Now think beyond physical products. Imagine applying this subscription concept to your own services, just like Amazon does, or even how automotive companies structure recurring service plans.

So why am I emphasizing this idea so much?

Why Subscription Selling Matters So Much

Subscription-based selling helps you build a predictable and stable revenue stream. You can estimate your future income more accurately and plan expenses like salaries, marketing, and growth with confidence.

It also gives you a strong competitive advantage, especially in markets where this model is still new.

We experienced this firsthand at Mihan WordPress. When we decided to offer the Ahura theme as a subscription, it became much easier to forecast our budget for team salaries, advertising, and long-term planning.

I hope this article gave you a fresh perspective and a practical idea you can apply to your own business.
Stay motivated and successful. 🙂

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