> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://penida.gitbook.io/cowlendar-help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://penida.gitbook.io/cowlendar-help/how-to.../how-to-set-up-recurring-service-subscription-in-cowlendar.md).

# How to Set Up Recurring Service Subscription in Cowlendar

{% hint style="warning" %}
Subscriptions are available **on the Ultra plan** and **only for Regular booking services**.
{% endhint %}

Subscriptions are one of the most requested and powerful features in Cowlendar.

They allow you to offer **recurring bookings with recurring payments**, directly tied to your services, so customers can commit long‑term while you generate predictable revenue.

With Subscriptions, you can:

* Sell time‑based services on a recurring basis
* Automatically bill customers at fixed intervals
* Give customers booking credits they can use flexibly
* Create multiple subscription plans inside the same service

***

### Key Strengths of the Subscription Feature

* **Recurring revenue** with automated billing via Shopify
* **Multiple subscription plans per service** (customers choose the one they want)
* **Fully customizable rules** (commitment, credits, booking limits)
* **Customer self‑management** (pause / cancel, if enabled)
* **Flexible booking model** using credits instead of fixed dates
* **Perfect for routines, programs, and long‑term engagements**

Each subscription is independent, clearly displayed, and easy for customers to understand when booking.

***

### What You Can Build With Subscriptions

Subscriptions allow you to sell **recurring access to time slots**.

Instead of selling a single appointment, you sell:

* A **billing cycle** (weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.)
* A **set number of booking credits per cycle**
* A **commitment structure**, if needed

> **Important concept**:\
> **1 credit = 1 booking**

***

### How to Enable Subscriptions

1. From your **Shopify admin**, go to **Apps**
2. Open **Cowlendar**
3. Go to **My Services**
4. Click **Edit** on your service

<figure><img src="/files/OueR386t7DN5d2ovtxfJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Make sure the service type is **Regular booking**
6. Go to the **General** tab
7. Scroll to the bottom and find the **Subscriptions** section

<figure><img src="/files/fNE9TMqRo8aS9XynzO0M" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Enable **Subscriptions**
2. Create and customize your subscription plans

***

### Subscription Configuration – Step by Step

Each service can contain **multiple subscription plans**. Customers will see them and select the one that best fits their needs.

<figure><img src="/files/8FIiU6OVBC0zbfhJpBqP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 1. Title and Description

Each subscription has:

* **Title**: Visible to customers (e.g. *Monthly Yoga Pass*)
* **Description**: Explain what’s included, rules, or benefits

This helps customers clearly compare plans.

***

#### 2. Price

This is the **recurring amount charged to the customer**.

Example:

* Price: **$100**

This price will be charged repeatedly based on the interval configuration.

***

#### 3. Billing Interval

**Interval Count**

Defines **how often the charge occurs**.

**Interval**

Choose the billing unit:

* Day
* Week
* Month
* Year

**Example**:

* Price: $100
* Interval count: 1
* Interval: Month

➡️ The customer will be billed **$100 every month**.

***

#### 4. Credits Per Period

This defines how many bookings the customer can make **per billing cycle**.

* 1 credit = 1 booking
* Credits refresh every billing period

Examples:

* 4 credits per month → up to 4 bookings per month
* 20 credits per month → ideal for daily or frequent services

***

### 5. Subscription Rules (Optional)

These rules can be enabled or disabled independently for each subscription.

#### Minimum Commitment

The customer must stay subscribed for a minimum number of billing periods.

Examples:

* 3 months minimum
* 6 billing cycles

Useful to:

* Reduce churn
* Secure long‑term clients
* Support structured programs

#### Minimum Initial Bookings

Defines how many bookings the customer must schedule **when purchasing the subscription**.

Examples:

* Require at least 2 bookings on first purchase
* Force initial planning and commitment

***

### 6. Customer Actions (Optional)

#### Allow Customers to Pause Subscription

When enabled:

* Customers can pause their subscription indefinitely
* Billing stops while paused
* **Subscriptions do not auto‑resume** (Shopify limitation)
* Only the customer can resume from their Shopify customer portal

Useful for:

* Vacations
* Temporary schedule changes

#### Allow Customers to Cancel Subscription

* If enabled: customers can cancel anytime (respecting minimum commitment)
* If disabled: customers must contact support to cancel

***

### 7. Promotional Options

#### Promotional Badge

* Display a badge on the subscription plan
* Useful for highlighting best value or recommended plans

#### Selected by Default

* Automatically pre‑selects this subscription in the booking widget
* Ideal for guiding customers toward your preferred option

***

#### Managing the Subscription as a Customer

{% content-ref url="/pages/PHsqVV5scOPnM8Gc5bTi" %}
[How Your Customers Manage & Renew Subscriptions](/cowlendar-help/how-to.../how-to-set-up-recurring-service-subscription-in-cowlendar/how-your-customers-manage-and-renew-subscriptions.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

#### Managing the Subscription as an Admin&#x20;

{% content-ref url="/pages/th4e6mW7DwIcdNffsfc8" %}
[How Admins Manage Subscriptions in Cowlendar](/cowlendar-help/how-to.../how-to-set-up-recurring-service-subscription-in-cowlendar/how-admins-manage-subscriptions-in-cowlendar.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### Use Cases by Industry:

{% content-ref url="/pages/sb30smguIkkoyvsXnWCi" %}
[Use Case: Wellness & Fitness - Selling Class Passes and Monthly Memberships](/cowlendar-help/how-to.../how-to-set-up-recurring-service-subscription-in-cowlendar/use-case-wellness-and-fitness-selling-class-passes-and-monthly-memberships.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

{% content-ref url="/pages/sncZP03iVbbQDM14q54Y" %}
[Use Case: Education & Coaching - Setting Up Recurring Tutoring Sessions](/cowlendar-help/how-to.../how-to-set-up-recurring-service-subscription-in-cowlendar/use-case-education-and-coaching-setting-up-recurring-tutoring-sessions.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

{% content-ref url="/pages/pcllejTEA7gs4JSsH67O" %}
[Use Case: Automating Monthly Home or Professional Maintenance Services](/cowlendar-help/how-to.../how-to-set-up-recurring-service-subscription-in-cowlendar/use-case-automating-monthly-home-or-professional-maintenance-services.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### Final Notes

Subscriptions transform Cowlendar from a simple booking tool into a **long‑term business engine**.

They are best used when:

* Services are recurring
* Clients benefit from routines
* Predictable revenue matters

If you offer time‑based services and want stability, Subscriptions are one of the most powerful tools available in Cowlendar.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Reminder**: Subscriptions are available on the **Ultra plan** and **only for Regular booking services**.
{% endhint %}