Over the course of 2 projects to bed in Subscription service, these are the 5 key lessons both myself and the project group learned about the project:

1- Tailor the Service to Subscribers’ Needs

Today’s consumers expect personalization. Whether it’s their phones, cars, or services, they want to adjust and customize their experiences. In the vaping industry, this means allowing users to select and change subscription options based on their preferences—like nicotine strength or flavor variety. If companies can leverage what they know about their subscribers, they can offer even more customization. For example, allowing subscribers to tailor their delivery frequency or product types ensures they feel in control and valued. When vaping services cater to this demand for flexibility, they build deeper relationships with subscribers, reducing churn.

2 - Allow Flexibility in Service Levels

In the subscription model, it's crucial not to push users into higher service levels than they need, especially in industries like vaping, where preferences vary widely. A rigid service plan that forces users to commit to more products than necessary could lead to frustration. Instead, offering subscribers the ability to start with a basic package and easily scale up or down based on usage creates a more loyal customer base. This approach aligns well with the vaping industry, where some users may need more frequent deliveries while others may prefer fewer.

3 - Constantly Improve to Keep Subscribers Engaged

In the subscription economy, it’s about continually delivering more value rather than relying on product upgrades as in traditional sales models. For the vaping industry, this means regularly introducing new flavours, devices, or loyalty rewards to keep customers engaged. Successful brands in other industries, like Amazon or Tesla, retain loyalty by offering regular improvements and upgrades that subscribers anticipate. This strategy can be applied to vaping, where offering new products or enhanced services (like exclusive access to limited-edition flavors) will encourage long-term commitment.

4 Encourage Subscriber Interaction Across Channels

In the vaping industry, delivering value through multiple channels is key. Don’t just offer products—create an integrated experience. For example, a vaping subscription service could engage users by offering a mobile app with educational content, tips on new flavour pairings, or access to a community of vaping enthusiasts. This multi-dimensional approach keeps subscribers engaged on different platforms, creating deeper connections. Some companies may even host online events, product launches, or offer in-person meetups to foster a sense of community.

5 - Prioritize Subscriber Control Over Privacy and Identity

Trust is crucial when it comes to building lasting relationships with subscribers. Vaping companies need to be transparent about how they handle customer data and offer clear privacy controls. Allowing subscribers to manage their preferences, including opting out of data collection or customizing marketing communications, builds trust. The backlash against privacy breaches in other industries highlights how important it is to ensure subscribers feel secure and valued. By emphasizing privacy and giving customers control over their information, vaping companies can establish a strong, loyal customer base.

By focusing on these five key areas, vaping companies can create a subscription model that not only attracts customers but also retains them in the long term. Adaptability, flexibility, continuous improvement, engagement, and trust are crucial for success.