Entry level subscription

TL;DR:

• Start small: Subscriptions that are 10/15% cheaper than your average order value.

• More purchases → more upgrades → more revenue.

• Strike a balance between perks and listening to feedback to keep subscribers happy.

Introduction

Subscriptions are one of the most powerful tools in a creator's monetisation toolkit. While one-time purchases generate revenue only once, subscriptions create recurring income, increasing predictability and stability for both creators and their communities.

An entry-level subscription (a lower-priced tier, often in the $5–$15/month range) is especially effective because it:

• Reduces friction to entry – users who may be hesitant to commit to a higher cost are more willing to start small.

• Increases conversion rates – more people are likely to subscribe when the barrier is low.

• Boosts retention – once subscribed, players are more likely to stick around and may upgrade later.

• Builds community loyalty – even small contributions give players a sense of belonging and investment in the server.

By offering a welcoming and affordable tier, creators can expand their subscriber base, resulting in higher overall revenue and long-term sustainability.

Calculations and Pricing

Pricing an entry-level subscription should feel natural to your existing store economy. The goal is to make the subscription affordable and convenient—not necessarily your biggest earner at first, but your most accessible entry point.

1. Identify Existing Packages to Convert

Start by reviewing your top-selling one-time products. Often, your entry-level subscription should be based on what players already buy most frequently.

• Hero Value A – Convenience: Offer a monthly subscription instead of one-time purchases (e.g., “VIP Access” → “Monthly VIP”).

• Hero Value B – Popularity: Base your pricing around your most purchased low-tier item—what players already find worth paying for.

Example:

• Your “VIP Access” sells for $6.99 one-time.

• The average player buys it every 2–3 months.

• Converting it to a $4.99/month subscription gives convenience to the player and predictable recurring revenue to you.

2. Identify the Average Basket Size (AOV)

Using the Tebex dashboard, find the average basket value (AOV) of your buyers. (https://creator.tebex.io/statistics > Payments)

Example:

• Average Basket Size for casual buyers: $7.50

• You can safely introduce a $5–$7 subscription tier as your entry point — this aligns with what players already spend in one visit, but now on a recurring basis.

Formula:

Entry-Level Sub Price ≈ 60–80% of AOV

This ensures the price feels affordable while converting impulse buyers into subscribers.

3. Divide by Category

🎮 Game Servers

• Target user: Casual players, newcomers, and community supporters.

• Typical basket value: $6–$10 Suggested Subscription Range: $4.99–$7.99

• Hero Value: Convenience — players get recurring access without needing to repurchase.

• Example: If your “Supporter Rank” sells 80 times per month at $7.50, totalling $600, switching to a $5/month subscription and converting 60 of those users would yield $300/month recurring, with retention and future upgrades improving total revenue over time.

🧩 Scripts / Mods

• Target user: Developers, server owners.

• Typical AOV: $30–$60

• Suggested Subscription Range: $10–$20

• Hero Value: Popularity — give access to updates, Discord support, or early versions.

• Example: If your average buyer spends $15 per purchase every three months, offering a $ 6 monthly subscription creates a steady income and increases perceived value through consistent updates.

4. Test and Iterate

Start with your calculated range, then use your dashboard data to adjust:

• If churn is high → lower the price or improve value.

• If conversion is strong → test higher pricing or an upgrade path to premium tiers.

Receiving Feedback

When rolling out entry-level subscriptions, listening to the community is essential.

• Who is the customer?

  • Casual players or those new to the server. They may not want to spend $10–$20 right away, but want to support and feel included.

• Why listen to feedback?

  • Players might feel a $1–$2 subscription is “too low value” if it doesn’t offer anything tangible.

  • Understanding these perspectives helps you tweak perks—e.g., keeping low-tier rewards cosmetic or symbolic (such as a title, Discord role, or supporter badge), while reserving exclusive perks for higher tiers.

By gathering and prioritising feedback, creators ensure subscription tiers enhance both the player experience and store performance.

Summary

An entry-level subscription is a proven strategy for increasing conversions, revenue, and retention in Tebex stores. Priced affordably, it encourages more players to become paying supporters, creates recurring income for creators, and fosters community loyalty.