1/23/2025

Exploring Payment Solutions for Recurring Orders in Shopify

As eCommerce continues to evolve, many businesses are turning to SUBSCRIPTION MODELS to provide consistent revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty. Whether you're running a subscription box service, providing a recurring software service, or even managing a paid newsletter, understanding how to manage recurring payments effectively on platforms like Shopify is invaluable. In this post, we're diving deep into the different payment solutions available for recurring orders in Shopify.

What Are Recurring Orders?

Recurring orders refer to purchases that happen on a set schedule, usually automatically. These could be subscriptions for products, services, or even content delivery. Shopify provides options for merchants to utilize subscription services, but navigating payment gateways that cater specifically to recurring billing can be a bit tricky.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Payment Gateway

Using an appropriate payment gateway is crucial, as it not only impacts your customer's checkout experience but also your business's overall operations. The right payment gateway can:

Enhance user experience: A smooth checkout process can lead to HIGHER CONVERSION RATES.
Reduce churn rates: If customers experience issues during payments, they are likely to abandon their carts or stop purchasing.
Integrate well with existing systems: You want to choose a gateway that melds seamlessly with Shopify and your other tools.

Shopify Payments: The Default Choice

Shopify Payments is the easiest and most straightforward method to accept payments. It’s fully integrated with Shopify, meaning you won’t have to deal with third-party configurations. The features include:

No transaction fees if you use it alone, just standard credit card rates
Supports various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more
Localized payment options for international customers

However, if you’re looking to provide SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS using Shopify Payments, you'd need to be aware of certain challenges. For instance, European merchants often rely on payment methods like iDeal through Mollie; however, recurring payments through these channels are currently NOT SUPPORTED by Shopify Payments.

Alternatives to Shopify Payments for Recurring Orders

For those looking for more diverse payment solutions or those needing specific features such as recurring billing capabilities, it’s important to explore TIERS of options. Here are some of the popular alternatives:

1. Recharge Subscriptions

Recharge is one of the most prominent subscription management apps on Shopify. It allows merchants to:

Manage inventory easily with recurring orders
Customize the subscription management experience for their customers
Offer multiple subscription options to consumers

Recharge integrates with major payment gateways, ensuring that you can offer flexibility in payment options to your subscribers.

2. Bold Subscriptions

BOLD provides seamless subscription management, AND COMPETES directly with Recharge.

Not just limited to subscriptions, it allows upselling & instant customization
Multiple pricing programs you can create for different customer segments
Supports payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, etc.

While BOLD is robust, its pricing may limit smaller businesses.

3. PayWhirl

Next up is PayWhirl. It helps merchants manage recurring billing and includes:

Custom subscription options, payment plans, and installment payments
Integration with various checkout experiences
Easy management application within Shopify

PayWhirl is particularly favored for its user-friendly setup.

4. Appstle Subscriptions

The new kid on the block, Appstle, is making waves with its competitive pricing and features for startups and smaller stores.

Offers a wide array of customization options
Free version available for entrepreneurs just starting out
Multi-currency support and language features

Local Payment Methods: A Look at iDeal and Mollie

As noted earlier, merchants in regions like the Netherlands face barriers when trying to integrate local recurring payment methods like iDeal via Mollie. This combination presents a hefty challenge, as standard subscription apps like Recharge or BOLD may not be able to cater to these requirements.

Many entrepreneurs have turned to experimenting with various solutions. Some options noted on the Shopify Community include:

Custom agreements with payment providers for tailored solutions
Third-party integrations to create fragmented payment systems that can handle recurring payments

Handling International Payments

Suppose you have ambitions beyond just one locale; in that case, it’s critical to select a payment solution that supports international transactions. If you plan to expand your reach, here are some aspects to consider:

Transaction Fees
Supported Currencies
Speed of Fund Transfers

Both Shopify Payments and external gateways like Stripe and PayPal provide decent international support, but you should scrutinize fees because they can severely impact profitability.

Security and Compliance Considerations

A significant factor in handling payments, particularly for recurring billing, is compliance with data protection regulations such as PCI DSS. It is vital to ensure that the payment gateway you choose complies with these standards and keeps customer data safe.

Using something like Shopify Payments guarantees compliance seamlessly, while external providers must be evaluated on their ability to maintain high standards of customer data security.

Promoting Your Subscription Model

After setting up the right payment solution, you want to PROMOTE it effectively. Use channels like social media, emails, & your online store. Consider setting up chatbots through Arsturn to engage customers better. A chatbot can answer queries in real-time, improving customer experience and boosting sales.

Benefits of Using Arsturn for Engagement

AI-Powered: Build customized chatbots tailored to your needs without a single line of code.
Instant Engagement: Respond to questions in real-time, enhancing user satisfaction.
Analytics: Track performance and refine engagement strategies effectively.
Versatile Integration: Effortlessly blend into your existing store or marketing strategies.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of payment solutions for recurring orders on Shopify is no small feat, but it's essential for the future of your SUBSCRIPTION BUSINESS. By understanding the ALTERNATIVES to Shopify Payments, recognizing the importance of LOCAL PAYMENT METHODS, and considering security and compliance, you can create a streamlined, user-friendly experience for your customers. As you embark on this journey, don't forget to consider Conversational AI tools like Arsturn to enhance the customer experience further and drive engagement. Get started today, engage your audience more effectively, and REAP the benefits of a thriving subscription model.