How can I implement modifiable products (which are subscriptions) in Shopify?

Question

I've implemented subscriptions through ReCharge where users can select products and these are saved as line item properties for that product. This was the only solution I could think of with my limited time using Shopify.

Per this question, it seems like line item properties are read-only after checkout. If this is truly the case, is there any solution that enables having modifiable subscriptions where users can re-select products for that subscription product that I can implement?

I'm using Shipstation for the shipping piece if this matters at all.

Answer 1

How can I implement modifiable products (which are subscriptions) in Shopify?

You can't. Well, technically you can but it is not easily done. Since you indicated that you're looking for official answers, I've contacted Shopify via email for you and I've been discussed this with Brad Leclerc, where he said:

That is indeed the case with line item properties being read-only after checkout, so it would need to be reconstructed for the new order. There's no super quick/easy to do that without some custom development to automate the process. If you end up wanting to do that, I'm sure a developer from http://experts.shopify.com could set something like that up.

You have two choices, either hire someone from experts.shopify.com to help or build your own marketing script from scratch.

Proof of email: http://i.imgur.com/OeM5gSm.png

Answer 2

I'd do this with meta fields on the customer.

1. meta fields can be used on the subscription product template to make it sensitive to the state of the customer's subscription (new or existing)
2. Use a order web hook to detect when a new subscription product has been purchased and then update the customer meta fields (e.g. subscription level and start and end dates).
3. use a periodic task in your supporting private app to:
   • prompt user before subscription becomes due to update their payment details or cancel the subscription
   • create and bill new orders for each subscription period