DTC Brands Haven’t Figured out subscriptions
We all love the idea of subscriptions — set it, forget it, and save some cash on products we use all the time. Sounds easy, right? But then you get to the product page and suddenly you’re doing math like it’s a pop quiz.
Here’s the thing: most online shops offer a “subscribe and save” option, but they rarely explain what that really means for you. You’re expected to pick:
How often you want the product
How many you want each time
Simple on the surface… until you start thinking it through.
Questions start popping up:
How much do I actually use?
How long will one bottle last?
When should I reorder so I don’t run out?
Will it arrive in time?
Should I get the bigger size to save more?
And just like that, something that should be convenient becomes a mini research project.
How much do I actually use?
〰️ ⏰
How long will one bottle last?
〰️ 🛒
When should I reorder so I don’t run out?
〰️ 📅
Will it arrive in time?
〰️ 🤔
Should I get the bigger size to save more?
〰️ ➗
How much do I actually use? 〰️ ⏰ How long will one bottle last? 〰️ 🛒 When should I reorder so I don’t run out? 〰️ 📅 Will it arrive in time? 〰️ 🤔 Should I get the bigger size to save more? 〰️ ➗
The Real Issue: Lack of Guidance
Usually, all you get is a shiny little badge that says “Subscribe & Save 10%.” Which is nice — everyone loves a discount — but there's rarely any help to figure out what option actually makes sense for you.
Shoppers are left to do the mental gymnastics on their own. It’s confusing, time-consuming, and honestly? A bit exhausting. No wonder people either abandon their cart or just buy it once to avoid the commitment.
Let’s Walk Through a Real Example
Take a supplement I use every day. Here’s what’s going on in my brain while trying to subscribe:
I take 3 supplements a day.
The bottle has 75 pills. So 75 ÷ 3 = 25 days of use.
The “monthly” option won’t cut it — I’ll run out 5 days early, and that’s not counting shipping time.
Should I switch to a bigger bottle?
There’s a jumbo size with 180 pills. 180 ÷ 3 = 60 days. That’s two months — better!
Now, do I want 1 or 2 jumbo bottles?
Two bottles = 360 pills. 360 ÷ 3 = 120 days. 120 ÷ 30 = 4 months.
Okay great — but how much am I actually saving now? More math.
Oh wait — what’s the shipping time again? Time to dig through the shipping FAQ.
By the end of it, I’ve spent 10 minutes doing calculations, bouncing between pages, and second-guessing myself. Honestly? I’m tired. I close the tab. Maybe I’ll come back later. (Spoiler: I probably won’t.)
A Simple Fix
What if the brand just helped me out a little?
Imagine a quick “subscription guide” link on the product page. A simple guide helps me identify the quantity, dosage, and frequency which makes an informed decision that’s unique to my personal needs.
Bottom Line
People want to subscribe. They’re trying to make life easier. But when brands make it complicated, we end up bailing. Adding a simple guide or visual calculator could turn confusion into confidence — and boost those subscription sign-ups along the way.
Because honestly, no one wants to do math when they’re just trying to order their vitamins.
