When setting up your pricing strategy, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to focus on subscriptions (recurring payments) or Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) options.
Both models have their place — and when implemented well, they can work together to attract new clients, improve retention, and stabilise your revenue. This guide will help you understand the differences, advantages, and how to set them up efficiently using bsport.
1. Subscriptions: Predictable Revenue and Long-Term Engagement
Why studios choose subscriptions
A subscription model creates stability for both your business and your clients. With recurring billing, you can forecast revenue more accurately and support clients in maintaining consistent attendance — the key to lasting progress and engagement.
Business advantages:
🔁 Predictable income: Recurring payments ensure a stable monthly cash flow and simplify financial planning.
💪 Improved retention: Clients on subscriptions are more likely to stay committed and attend regularly.
🧘 Community and accountability: Ongoing engagement fosters stronger relationships and a deeper connection to your studio.
🧾 Simplified admin: Automatic renewals and recurring billing reduce manual work and payment tracking.
Client experience benefits:
Consistency that delivers visible results.
Access to exclusive pricing or early booking options.
A clear structure that encourages routine and progress.
A lower price per session than individual class options
Best for: studios focusing on sustainable growth, retention, and building long-term client relationships.
2. PAYG: Flexibility and Accessibility
The Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model gives clients flexibility — ideal for those with unpredictable schedules or who are new to your studio. It’s a great way to lower the barrier to entry and attract first-time visitors.
Business advantages:
💡 Easier onboarding: Perfect for newcomers who want to try your classes before committing.
🗓️ Flexibility: Appeals to clients with irregular schedules or seasonal availability.
💰 Higher per-session revenue: Single sessions are typically priced higher to balance flexibility.
Considerations:
Revenue can fluctuate month to month.
Clients may attend less consistently.
Requires more active re-engagement to maintain participation.
Best suited for: new clients, occasional visitors, or as a supplement to a subscription-based strategy.
3. Finding the Right Balance
Most successful studios use a hybrid approach — offering both subscriptions and PAYG options to meet clients where they are in their journey.
Practical examples:
Use PAYG passes as a gateway for new clients to experience your studio.
Encourage subscription upgrades once clients establish a regular practice.
Clearly communicate the benefits of each model to help clients choose the option that best fits their lifestyle and goals.
This approach helps convert casual visitors into loyal subscribers while keeping your pricing structure flexible and inclusive.
4. Implementing Your Setup Efficiently in bsport
bsport’s platform is designed to make both models easy to manage — while automating the tasks that usually take up time.
You can:
⚙️ Set up recurring subscriptions with either fixed date billing with pro-rated start dates, or start dates at the date of purchase, automatic renewals, and billing management.
💳 Offer PAYG passes or class packs for flexible single or multi-class access.
📊 Track engagement and conversions to see which clients are ready to move from PAYG to subscription.
💬 Automate notifications and marketing campaigns:
Use built-in automated notifications in your Backoffice Marketing section to send class reminders, renewal alerts, or re-engagement messages — at no additional cost.
For advanced campaigns, use the Audience feature to design complex, multi-step marketing workflows that nurture clients over time and increase conversion rates.
📈 Simplify reporting and accounting with integrated payment insights and real-time data.
5. Final Thoughts
Both subscriptions and PAYG models can help your studio grow — the key is to align each option with your business goals and client behaviors.
Subscriptions create a strong foundation for predictable revenue and community building, while PAYG offers accessibility and flexibility for new or occasional clients.
With bsport’s tools, you can manage both seamlessly, automate client communication, and focus your time where it matters most — delivering exceptional fitness experiences.