The older selling models were based on identifying a market for a designated product, cost plus pricing, standardized pricing, mass production, mass media advertising and an enthusiastic sales force. While profitable, this model was linear in its structure and did not consider the needs and wants of the customer. The subscription business is based on offering customized products or offerings to consumers against a recurring fee. This model is based on the understanding that the modern customer does want to pay a large fee upfront or keep paying recurring maintenance cost while running the risk of product obsolescence. They are also not particularly brand loyal and want the freedom to access products and services anywhere and anytime. The only factors for consideration are convenience, variety of offerings and the simplicity of the model. Consider the way each one of us engages with services like Netflix or Spotify. We pay a recurring fee – monthly or yearly – to sample a wide range of entertainment options on demand and at the click of a button. Subscription based models are complex and smart pricing models that are created with the customer’s requirements in mind rather than an inside out product approach. The specifics of how a subscription model is structured varies vary according to the product or service. For example, they could be access based, curated or replenishment based. And each of these involves different pricing strategies.
Moving from a product model to a subscription one can impact revenues and profits during the transition period. Subscription models call for heavy investment in building related capabilities and so costs can exceed income for some time. But this investment is crucial for long term success of a subscription-based business models. It will eventually bring in greater efficiencies, and high revenues
An effective pricing strategy is key to long-term success and profitability of subscription models. Product pricing strategies are based on competitive prices or the cost-plus approach or even a highly unscientific “gut feel” approach, all of which leave money on the table. Also, while product-based models guarantee immediate ROI and revenues, subscription models are founded on lifetime value and usage. So, the pricing models must consider key factors such as customer preferences, lifetime value of customer, upselling opportunities of allied products and industry standards. Some subscription pricing strategies include fixed pricing, tired pricing, freemium pricing, per using pricing, per active user pricing, per feature pricing and usage-based pricing. Each of these works according to the business model, product or service being sold and competitive pricing. The success of all these smart pricing approach will involve the value delivered to the customer basis the data on the purchasing habits and usage profile of the customer. For example, Mealtime increased their revenue by giving away the core product for free and providing an exceptional customer experience, which led to paid upgrades.
The important thing to keep in mind is that the initial pricing for a subscription-based service or product may work for a while, but over time it could become under-priced as product features are enhanced. Pricing strategies must be revisited and re-analyzed at regular intervals to ensure this doesn’t happen as this can significantly impact bottom lines. It is critical to establish tracking protocols that can monitor critical metrics like business velocity, subscriber growth and engagement, relationship maintenance and customer engagement. Real-time data from such tracking mechanisms can help organizations take quick insightful decisions for the future based on facts.
