# Subscriptions

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Subscriptions is in 'beta' mode, meaning it's a new feature that may still have some glitches. Please [contact us](https://www.openfoodnetwork.org/find-your-local-open-food-network/) with any feedback about what works, what needs improving or how it could be better explained.
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## What are subscriptions? <a href="#what-are-subscriptions" id="what-are-subscriptions"></a>

Subscriptions are recurring or standing orders that can be set up for the customers of any Enterprise with a shopfront. Once set up, these orders will be automatically processed at defined intervals (eg. weekly, fortnightly, monthly).

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Subscriptions are convenient for customers, as they can know that their order will be processed without needing to remember to place their order.&#x20;
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{% hint style="success" %}
Subscriptions are also a good way for an Enterprise to boost customer loyalty and make their order volumes are&#x20;

more predictable.
{% endhint %}

**Features of Subscriptions**

* Customers can choose to have their 'usual order' placed automatically.
* Customers can set up an automatic credit card payment (using [Stripe](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/shopfront/payment-methods#integrated-payment-providers)) for their subscription
* Enterprises and/or customers can pause, cancel and/or add/remove products from their standard subscription order.

## Set up subscriptions: Step-by-Step guide

#### [Configuration](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions/subscriptions-configuration): this page describes the steps to make your enterprise 'Subscription Ready'

* [Enable Subscriptions](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-configuration#activate-subscriptions) in your Enterprise Settings.
* Make sure you have [Shipping and Payment methods](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-configuration#shipping-and-payment-methods-for-subscriptions) setup for customers.
* [Gather information from your customers](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-configuration#gather-information-from-your-customers), including their contact details, which items they'd like in their subscription and which shipping and payment methods they'll use.
* [Add your subscription customers to your Customers list](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-configuration#add-your-subscribers-to-your-customer-list), and then ask them to signup to OFN.
* Setup [Schedules](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-configuration#schedules), which will dictate how frequently subscriptions are processed.

#### [**Creating and Managing Orders**](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions/subscriptions-creating-and-managing-orders)**: this page describes the steps involved in actually creating a new subscription and subsequently processing the order.**

* [Create subscriptions](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-creating-and-managing-orders#create-subscriptions) for each customer.
* [Edit](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-creating-and-managing-orders#edit-a-customers-subscription), [pause](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-creating-and-managing-orders#pause-a-subscription) and [delete](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-creating-and-managing-orders#delete-a-subscription) subscriptions.
* Understand [How subscriptions are processed](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions-creating-and-managing-orders#how-are-subscriptions-processed) (ie how they appear in your 'order list')

#### [**Customer Set Up**](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions/subscriptions-the-customers-perspective)**: this page describes a customer's perspective of subscriptions.**

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It can be useful to write a 'subscriptions guide' for your customers to help them through the process. You can see an example of a great subscriptions guide written by Tamar Valley Food Hub on their website [here](https://www.tamarvalleyfoodhubs.org.uk/subscriptions).
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If you struggle with any aspect of setting up subscriptions for your enterprise you may like to have a look at our [Frequently Asked Questions](https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/basic-features/subscriptions/subscriptions-faqs).
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####


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