IF YOUR BUSINESS RELIES mostly on one-time purchases, you start from zero every single week. Every Monday, you continue to chase the next sale. Every month feels like a reset. And that’s exhausting — and honestly, it’s risky.
But what if a meaningful portion of your revenue just … showed up? That’s not a fantasy! It’s what subscriptions and recurring, automatic-billing can do for your business.
3 Types of Subscriptions
The first is replenishment, where customers buy products they use regularly and run out of, such as food and supplements. The second is experience, products pets regularly enjoy, such as treats, chews and toys. The third is access, such as a paid monthly, quarterly or annual membership built around perks, discounts and/or convenience.
Chances are, you already have the ingredients to implement at least one of these at your business. Probably all three.
5 Models That Work
1. Auto Replenishment. This is your lowest-hanging fruit. Food, supplements, litter, chews, anything a customer buys more than once is a subscription waiting to happen. If someone has bought something twice within two to three months or fewer, that’s a subscription opportunity. Simply asking, “Would you like me to ensure this is available for you each month?” is a legitimate first step to take.
2. Product of the Month Club. Pick a category for your subscription, such as toys, treats or seasonal items. Then rotate your selection of what’s featured from that category monthly. This is also a smart way to move slow-moving inventory rather than marking it down. Keep it fun, keep it themed and don’t overthink. Such as, an auto-charge of $15 a month for the Treat of the Month Club guarantees a great deal and tasty surprise each month.
3. Refill + Reorder. Do you sell products that have a consumable component? Pet water fountains need replacement filters every two to four weeks. Hollow chew toys and lick mats must be stuffed. Think about what customers bought from you once that requires frequent repeat visits. Are you reminding them of this need? Did you offer them a reorder option at time of purchase? That’s your subscription waiting to happen!
Advertisement
4. Product + Service Bundle. This is one of the most underutilized models. Tie what you sell to an ongoing service experience. Do you have an onsite washer and dryer? You could offer regular dog bed-cleaning services that come with bed purchases. Free bakery case item per visit for self-wash memberships. When you pair a product with a service, you give customers a reason to stay engaged again, not just transact.
5. VIP Membership. Perks, early access, monthly treats, percentage discounts … people pay for this. You can create a premium loyalty loop. Customers don’t just subscribe to products and services; they subscribe to identity, convenience and belonging. Make it special and your raving fans will always sign up!
Get Started
Auto-shipping makes up 84% of Chewy’s sales. The most common reason pet retailers don’t offer it is often a technology excuse. Invest your time in researching the best software to run like a relevant, modern business. Then train your team to introduce the option at the point of sale. Something as simple as “We actually have a monthly option for this so you never run out. Want me to set that up?” is usually all it takes. If you don’t bring it up, customers won’t know it exists.
You don’t need the perfect plan to launch. Pick one product customers already buy over and over again. Choose one of the five models here. Create a basic offer, maybe a small discount. Then present it to your next 10 customers and watch what happens.
Even getting 15% to 20% of your revenue into subscriptions transforms how you run your business. You can plan inventory more accurately, stabilize cash flow, and reduce the daily stress of starting over from zero with sales.
Your future recurring revenue is already inside your business. Now go find it.
