Buyers Getting Scared of Recurring Billing?

9 replies
Hey warriors,

How can you convince people to subscribe to a service? I have tested with one of my products and no one buys when the paypal checkout page says "billed every X months" and when it is a "one time payment only" a wave of sales come in. I want to know what is the best way of generating subscription sales.

Any tips/hints?
:confused:
#billing #buyers #recurring #scared
  • Profile picture of the author Sean A McAlister
    You have to "convince" them with a good product that offers value and a killer sales page.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
    Are you making it clear they get more stuff every month? It could just be a wording problem.
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny Slater
    One good method is to set up a time limited subscription, so that after a set amount of time the customer stops getting billed.

    This helps the customer to want to buy because it shows your not just looking to hook them into signing up for something then forgetting about it and getting billed without realizing it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Clark
    Mention recurring billing on the sales page to avoid cart abandonment specific to the recurring billing reference on the PayPal page.

    Use a screen shot if need be on the sales page to sensitize the prospect into understanding the next steps in the ordering process

    Marlon Sanders has always done this very well... he fully explains the next steps in the ordering process as if to hypnotize the prospect by way of familiarity through the screenshot on the sales page.

    Add an element of scarcity and limit membership to any number you feel would create a sense of urgency to sign up right away... Nicheology nailed me with that when they launched a few years ago... they capped at 1500 (or so they told us).

    Best of luck... test, test & test to find the sweet spot(s).
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by Clark View Post

      Mention recurring billing on the sales page to avoid cart abandonment specific to the recurring billing reference on the PayPal page.

      Use a screen shot if need be on the sales page to sensitize the prospect into understanding the next steps in the ordering process

      Marlon Sanders has always done this very well... he fully explains the next steps in the ordering process as if to hypnotize the prospect by way of familiarity through the screenshot on the sales page.

      Add an element of scarcity and limit membership to any number you feel would create a sense of urgency to sign up right away... Nicheology nailed me with that when they launched a few years ago... they capped at 1500 (or so they told us).

      Best of luck... test, test & test to find the sweet spot(s).
      I think it's tougher to sell memberships and monthly subscriptions, sure.

      But this is great advice. Scarcity even sells the heck out of high ticket items. I bet you could at least double your conversion rate by applying some elements of scarcity.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dmitry
    I'm amazed why no one suggested this yet - $1 trial. Seriously, I've had people signup for a service and stay for up to 6 months without EVER using it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Re-cycle
    The scarcity technique sounds interesting. I might give it a go.
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Lorence
      I personally do not trust recurring type memberships, burned too much I guess.

      But if it is a great program, and they give a year long membership option, I'll be more inclined to pay a little more.

      For some reason, a yearly membership seems more "exclusive" and valuable.

      Just my opinion
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      • Profile picture of the author Seattle Mike
        I know I am tired of recurring billing. Not really the signing up even, it is the "how hard are they going to make cancelling" question. Tell me how easy it is to cancel if I don't like it and I am apt to give it a try.

        The $1 7 day trial is a good idea. or a 30 day non recurring trial.

        Especially if it is a good membership site, they will have to renew for access anyway. It's getting them started that is the problem, right? Make it easy for them to get started and maybe offer them a discount after 30 days if they sign up for your recurring billing.

        Once you know they will pay anything, as long as your content is good. You will have a nice buyer on your list for the future.
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