Which Shopify customer account type is best suited for subscriptions

On January 31, 2023, Shopify introduced new customer accounts, making it easier for customers to view their past orders, update personal details, and more—all without needing to create an account or password. However, it may not be as straightforward as it seems; there could be potential downsides you might be overlooking. In this short blog, we will explore the nuances between these two customer account types and help you determine which one is best suited for your subscription business.

 

1. The main advantages of the new system

The main advantages are that Shopify offers a login-free customer account experience. Customers simply need to enter their email address to receive a one-time access token, enabling a seamless and streamlined user experience while significantly reducing friction. The new system is also highly mobile-friendly, catering to the growing number of customers placing orders via their phones. Additionally, merchants will experience less stress, as the new system is likely to reduce support tickets caused by customers forgetting their passwords.

 

2. How to Integrate Seal Subscriptions into the New Customer Accounts

Here are the steps:

• Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
• Navigate to: Online Store > Themes > Customize (black button) > Home Page (dropdown) > Checkout and Customer Accounts > Checkout (dropdown) > Profile > Apps (left-side menu) > Seal Subscriptions.
• Once there, you can drag and drop the subscription access widget anywhere on the page.

Below are screenshots that show where to find this as well:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Potential downsides of using the new Shopify customer accounts

 

• Dependence on Email Access
  (Customers must always have access to their email to log in, which can be a problem if their email account is unavailable.)

 

• Email Delivery Issues
  (Verification codes may get delayed or sent to spam, causing frustration for users.)

 

• Security Risks of Email Compromise
  (If a user's email account is hacked, it can provide access to multiple services relying on passwordless login.

 

• Inconvenience for Shared Accounts
  (Teams or families sharing accounts may struggle since email access is required for every login.)

 

• Frequent Reauthentication
  (Short-term sessions may require users to log in more often, which can become tedious over time.)

 

Conclusion

Shopify's new customer accounts simplify the login process, offering a hassle-free and user-friendly experience that benefits both customers and merchants. While the system has clear advantages, it's important to weigh potential challenges like reliance on email and security considerations. Understanding these factors will help you decide whether the new customer accounts are the right fit for your subscription business.