Understanding Subscription Migration in Version 13.5

Introduction

With the recent transition to eDirectory version 13.5, you might have observed some notable shifts in how subscriptions are structured and managed on your platform. This article aims to demystify these changes, provide reassurance regarding the status of your current subscribers, and offer clear guidance on effectively navigating the enhanced subscription system.

1. Key Changes Introduced in Version 13.5:

In prior eDirectory iterations, each listing level was inherently linked to a specific price point, limiting users to purchasing a single listing per level. While this system offered simplicity, it lacked the adaptability and customization options that many site managers desired.

Version 13.5 introduces a more dynamic and versatile framework:

Listing Levels Evolve into "Products": The former listing levels are now redefined as individual "Products." These Products, which encompass listings, classifieds, events, banners, and articles, can be found under Settings → Product & Plans → Manage Products.

Introduction of Flexible "Plans": Pricing is now centrally managed through the introduction of "Plans." A Plan acts as a customizable bundle, allowing you to group various Products together under a single, unified price. For instance, you can create a comprehensive Plan that includes Listings, Classifieds, and Events, all offered at a combined, potentially discounted, rate. You can access and configure these Plans under Settings → Product & Plans → Plans.

2. Locating Your Existing Subscribers Post-Upgrade:

A common concern following the upgrade to version 13.5 is the apparent absence of your established subscribers within the new Plan structure. Here's a crucial understanding:

Successful Subscriber Migration: Rest assured, all your existing subscribers were seamlessly migrated to the new version during the upgrade process. No subscriber data has been lost.
Why Subscribers Aren't Visible in New Plans: The core reason you don't immediately see your existing subscribers listed under the newly created Plans is the fundamental shift in how subscriptions are linked. Previously, subscriptions were directly tied to individual Products (which had their own defined prices). Consequently, these pre-existing subscriptions remain linked to their original Products and pricing configurations, and therefore do not automatically appear under the new Plan bundles.
Continued Billing as Before: Importantly, your existing subscribers are still associated with their original product-based subscriptions and continue to be billed according to the same terms and conditions that were in place before the version 13.5 upgrade.

3. Verifying the Status of Your Subscribers:

To confirm that your subscribers remain active and are being billed correctly, you can employ the following verification methods:

Review Your Payment Gateway Account: Log in to your designated payment gateway platform (e.g., Stripe, PayPal). Within your payment gateway account, you will find that all your existing subscribers are still linked to their original product-based subscriptions and are continuing their billing cycles as they were prior to the upgrade.
Monitor New Subscriber Activity: Going forward, any new subscribers who sign up for your services will be associated with the new Plans that you create. This will accurately reflect the updated system where Plans bundle various Products under a single price.

4. Leveraging the New System: Setting Up New Plans:

To fully capitalize on the enhanced flexibility offered by version 13.5, it is highly recommended that you begin creating new Plans that strategically bundle multiple Products together. This approach not only provides greater value and convenience for your users but also empowers you to customize pricing and feature combinations more effectively, leading to potentially higher conversion rates and revenue streams. For detailed instructions and best practices on setting up these new Plans, please consult our comprehensive article: Products and Plans

Conclusion

The transition to eDirectory version 13.5 introduces a more adaptable and customizable framework for managing your platform's offerings. While the initial changes in subscription management might seem intricate, please be assured that your existing subscriber base remains secure and their billing uninterrupted. By understanding the evolution from product-based pricing to flexible Plans, you can confidently navigate the new system and begin building dynamic and value-driven Plans that will better serve your community and enhance your platform's potential.

Should you have any further inquiries or require assistance in setting up your new Plans to take advantage of these exciting features, our dedicated support team is readily available to assist you. Please do not hesitate to reach out.