Subscription Services: Tips from an Industry That’s ‘Been There’

There’s no doubt about it anymore: Subscription models are a hot trend, and smart companies are using them to gain a competitive advantage in already-crowded marketplaces. Their success, however, will be contingent upon how well they manage their curation and fulfillment.

A good deal about what makes for a successful subscription service has been published by one of our partner blogs over at Copper Peak Logistics, a craft fulfillment company specializing in wine and similar products. Copper Peak Logistics' content in this area is very insightful, and worth a look—even if you are not in the wine industry.

For example, there is their post reporting on Unilever’s purchase of Dollar Shave Club, where they reconstruct the seven elements that made DSC such a successful subscription service.

There is also their white paper on subscription services, “The Cutting Edge of Subscription Models,” where they explain how the wine industry is driving engagement with technology, personalization, and more.

Finally, they have a follow-up report based on a user group discussion at the ShipCompliant DIRECT 2016 conference, where industry leaders weigh in with tips, trends, and advice for anyone looking to start (or restart) a subscription service (“Subscription Services: Wine Industry Leaders Share Their Insights”).

The wine industry is far ahead of the curve when it comes to developing subscription services and combatting member attribution. Even if your company is not in the wine industry, it is well worth seeing how the experts in this industry are using content, personalization, and advanced technology to help with selection, fulfillment, and tracking.

Many thanks to Copper Peak Logistics for doing the research and making this material available.