Subscriptions and recurring billing pitfalls for SMEs

Short answer: Subscriptions add dunning, churn, proration, and compliance work—launch only when fulfilment and support can handle recurring volume.

NZ SMEs sometimes enable WooCommerce Subscriptions without email flows for failed payments.

Pitfalls

• Unclear renewal dates and cancellation paths.
• No dunning retries or card update prompts.
• Inventory not tied to subscription boxes.

Customer comms

Receipts, upcoming charge notices, and pause options reduce chargebacks.

Metrics

Track churn reasons, involuntary vs voluntary cancels, and LTV realistically.

Frequently asked questions