Automatic Recurring Orders

[egormsen]

We are in the process of upgrading our store to R10 and would like to start using the new subscription model. But I am a bit unclear of how to handle transitioning our current subscriptions to the new model.

What happens to the previous created subscriptions once we activate the automatic recurring orders? Is there a way to transition the current subscriptions to the new model?

Appreciate any input.

[Katie]

The old (classic) subscription will be unchanged. Once you activate the new Recurring Orders model, then any new subscriptions purchased will work with that system.

A couple things to keep in mind. There is a configuration setting that will create the order X days before the payment is processed. I believe the default is 7 days. I have seen other merchants confused because the order shows up with the payment as 'unprocessed'. Just keep in mind that the payment will be processed on the day that it is due.

Also, make sure that any payment methods using Authorize.net CIM have the setting 'Allow Subscription payments' turned on.

Lastly, it's generally not a good idea to use the Classic and Automated subscriptions together. The emails that go out automatically will go out for any subscription once you enable the feature. If that is OK, then you probably don't need to worry about converting the old ones. Otherwise, you may need to manually create them if you want all your customers to be using the new RO feature.

Hope this helps!
Katie

[egormsen]

Thank you. Couple of follow-up clarifications/questions:

1) So customers that have already ordered the subscription before the new model goes in effect will receive emails automatically, but will not be able to use the new features, is that correct?

2) Is there a way setup a subscription so we can offer a free trial period? I tried to create one with a 0.00 initial price and then a monthly recurring charge of 24.99, but when I go to checkout it does not prompt for a credit card.

[Katie]

So customers that have already ordered the subscription before the new model goes in effect will receive emails automatically, but will not be able to use the new features, is that correct?

That is correct. I believe they would be missing the ability to view subsequent orders created in AbleCommerce and have any editing or automatic cancellations.

Is there a way setup a subscription so we can offer a free trial period? I tried to create one with a 0.00 initial price and then a monthly recurring charge of 24.99, but when I go to checkout it does not prompt for a credit card.

In theory it should work. When you create the order, does it also create the subscription? If so, it should show the next payment date.

[egormsen]

I went ahead and placed an order and it does create the subscription and shows the next payment date.

But since there was no credit card information collected at the time of the order what will happened when the next payment is due?

[Katie]

Ahh. I see your point now...

I think we will need to report this as a bug. It's not something that we tried in our testing.

I will report it. The only work-around I can think of is to charge a very small initial fee (e.g. $1.00) so the credit card information can be saved and used for future orders.

Katie

[egormsen]

Thanks for the update.