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The 6 Segments of Subscription

Segments of the Subscription Commerce Economy

The subscription commerce economy consists of six segments: Subscription Box, Subscribe and Save, Membership, Media and Publication, Digital / Software, and Streaming (Video and Music). Here’s what makes each model unique:

Subscription Box

From replenishment to discovery and delight, subscription boxes are a medium for consumers to be introduced to and engaged with a recurring delivery of niche products as part of a marketing strategy and a method of product distribution. Subscription boxes are used by subscription-based ecommerce businesses which follow a subscription business model.

Subscribe and Save

Subscribe and Save businesses give customers both a one-time purchase option, and the option to “subscribe” to a specific product, receiving it weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even semi-annually, in a specified quantity. Usually, the subscription feature comes with a discount per product, so consumers are incentivised to subscribe.

Membership

The membership business model invites individuals to pay a recurring fee to access the value an organization creates. It provides the design for different membership levels, revenue sources, marketing activities, events and conferences, and finances.

 

Media and Publication

The original subscription service is the main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the Internet) regarded collectively. This includes digital media subscriptions as well as print subscriptions.

Digital/Software

Digital subscription businesses provide access to products and technology from a computer or device. Software as a Services (SaaS) also falls into this category.  Digital businesses use technology to create new value in business models, customer experiences and the internal capabilities that support its core operations. The term includes both digital-only brands and traditional players that are transforming their businesses with digital technologies.

Streaming (Video / Music)

Video and music streaming, one of the largest consumers of downstream internet traffic, is a mainstay of most American households today. Streaming subscriptions allow providers to offer on-demand and live viewing/listening capabilities across a multitude of devices and platforms.