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Store Subscription

BookWish offers subscription plans for bookstores to access the platform and its features. This guide explains the available tiers, features, and how to manage your subscription.

Subscription Tiers​

BookWish currently offers a subscription plan for bookstores:

Bookstore Subscription​

The Bookstore plan provides everything you need to run your online bookstore:

Core Features:

  • Complete online storefront with custom domain capability
  • Unlimited inventory listings
  • Integrated order management
  • Payment processing through Stripe
  • Customer wishlist integration
  • Store analytics and insights
  • POS integration (Square)
  • Trade-in system
  • Email notifications
  • Customer management

Community Features:

  • Store profile on BookWish network
  • Access to customer wishlists for your store
  • Book club and challenge visibility
  • Customer reviews and engagement

Support:

  • Email support
  • Documentation and guides
  • Platform updates and improvements
Pricing

Contact the BookWish team for current pricing and subscription details. Pricing may vary based on store size, features needed, and subscription term.

Additional Add-Ons​

Custom Domain​

Add your own domain (e.g., yourbookstore.com) instead of using the default BookWish subdomain:

  • Benefit: Professional branding, customer recognition
  • Requirements: Domain ownership, DNS configuration
  • Additional Cost: Separate add-on fee

See Custom Domain Setup for configuration details.

Viewing Your Current Plan​

From Store Admin​

  1. Log in to your store's admin panel
  2. Navigate to Settings > Subscription
  3. View your current plan details:
    • Plan type (Bookstore)
    • Subscription status (Active, Canceled, Expired)
    • Billing period (Monthly/Annual)
    • Current period end date
    • Auto-renewal status

Subscription Information Displayed​

  • Status: Current subscription state

    • Active: Subscription is current and working
    • Past Due: Payment failed, needs attention
    • Canceled: Subscription canceled but still active until period end
    • Expired: Subscription ended, store features limited

  • Renewal Date: When your next payment is due

  • Auto-Renewal: Whether subscription will automatically renew

Managing Your Subscription​

Accessing Subscription Management​

BookWish uses Stripe for subscription billing. To manage your subscription:

  1. Go to Settings > Subscription in your store admin
  2. Click Manage Subscription
  3. You'll be redirected to Stripe's Customer Portal
  4. Make changes and return to your store

What You Can Do in Customer Portal​

  • Update payment method: Add or change credit card
  • View invoices: Download past receipts
  • Update billing address: Change billing information
  • Cancel subscription: End your plan
Important

Changes made in the Stripe Customer Portal take effect immediately for upgrades and at the end of your current billing period for downgrades or cancellations.

Upgrading Your Plan​

Adding Custom Domain​

To add custom domain functionality:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Subscription
  2. Click Add Custom Domain
  3. Review pricing
  4. Click Subscribe to Custom Domain
  5. Complete payment through Stripe Checkout
  6. Configure your domain (see Custom Domain Setup)

Billing for Add-Ons​

Add-ons are billed separately from your main subscription:

  • Charged on the same schedule (monthly or annual)
  • Prorated if added mid-cycle
  • Can be canceled independently

Downgrading Your Plan​

Removing Add-Ons​

To remove optional add-ons like custom domain:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Subscription
  2. Click Manage Subscription
  3. In Stripe Customer Portal, cancel the add-on
  4. Confirm cancellation
  5. Add-on remains active until end of current billing period
Timing

Downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing period, so you keep access to features you've paid for.

Canceling Your Subscription​

How to Cancel​

  1. Go to Settings > Subscription
  2. Click Manage Subscription
  3. In Stripe Customer Portal, select Cancel Subscription
  4. Confirm cancellation
  5. Subscription stays active until end of current period

What Happens When You Cancel​

Immediately:

  • Auto-renewal is turned off
  • No future charges
  • You keep full access until period end

At End of Billing Period:

  • Store becomes read-only
  • No new orders accepted
  • Inventory not editable
  • Analytics accessible but not updating
  • Customer-facing store shows "temporarily unavailable"

Your Data:

  • All data is preserved
  • Reactivate anytime to restore full access
  • Data retained per BookWish data retention policy

Reactivating After Cancellation​

To reactivate a canceled subscription:

  1. Log in to your store admin (read-only mode)
  2. Navigate to Settings > Subscription
  3. Click Reactivate Subscription
  4. Update payment method if needed
  5. Confirm reactivation
  6. Store becomes fully functional immediately

Payment Methods​

Accepted Payment Methods​

BookWish accepts:

  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
  • Debit cards
  • Other payment methods supported by Stripe

Updating Your Payment Method​

  1. Navigate to Settings > Subscription
  2. Click Manage Subscription
  3. In Stripe Customer Portal, select Update Payment Method
  4. Enter new card details
  5. Save changes
Security

Payment information is handled entirely by Stripe. BookWish never sees or stores your full card details. All transactions are encrypted and PCI compliant.

Failed Payments​

If a payment fails:

  1. Automatic Retry: Stripe retries payment automatically
  2. Email Notification: You receive email about failed payment
  3. Update Payment: Log in to update payment method
  4. Grace Period: Limited time to update before suspension
  5. Suspension: If not resolved, store access is limited

To resolve:

  • Update payment method immediately
  • Contact support if you need assistance
  • Subscription reactivates once payment succeeds

Billing Cycles​

Monthly Billing​

  • Charged every month on the same date you subscribed
  • Cancel anytime, no long-term commitment
  • Month-to-month flexibility

Annual Billing​

  • Charged once per year
  • Typically includes discount vs. monthly pricing
  • One annual payment for 12 months of service
  • Can still cancel, but no refund for unused time

Billing Date Changes​

Your billing date is set when you first subscribe:

  • Monthly: Same day each month (or last day of month)
  • Annual: Same date each year

Cannot be changed, but you can:

  • Cancel and re-subscribe on preferred date (loses data/history)
  • Contact support for special circumstances

Billing Issues​

Common Issues​

Payment Declined:

  • Verify card details are correct
  • Check with your bank (some block subscription charges)
  • Ensure sufficient funds
  • Try different payment method
  • Contact your card issuer

Wrong Charge Amount:

  • Review invoice for breakdown
  • Check for add-ons or prorations
  • Look for tax charges
  • Contact support if discrepancy

Duplicate Charges:

  • Verify you don't have multiple subscriptions
  • Check if it's an authorization vs. actual charge
  • Contact support immediately for refund

Missing Invoice:

  • Check email spam folder
  • Download from Stripe Customer Portal
  • Request from support

Getting Help​

For billing issues:

  1. Check Stripe Portal: Most issues can be resolved there
  2. Review Invoices: Download and review for details
  3. Email Support: billing@bookwish.com with your issue
  4. Include Details: Store name, subscription ID, issue description

Tax and Compliance​

Sales Tax on Subscriptions​

Depending on your location, sales tax may apply to your subscription:

  • Tax calculated based on billing address
  • Rates determined by local laws
  • Shown separately on invoices
  • Collected and remitted by Stripe

Business Tax Information​

If you need tax documentation:

  • Download invoices from Stripe Portal (tax included)
  • W-9 or other forms available on request
  • Contact support for specific tax documentation needs

International Subscriptions​

For stores outside the US:

  • Currency may be converted to USD
  • Additional fees may apply from your bank
  • VAT or local taxes may apply
  • Contact support for international billing questions

Subscription Comparison​

Free vs. Paid​

Without Subscription:

  • Browse BookWish as a reader
  • Create wishlists
  • Join clubs and challenges
  • Cannot create a bookstore

With Bookstore Subscription:

  • Full online store
  • Accept orders and payments
  • Manage inventory
  • Access analytics
  • Integrate with POS
  • Build customer base

FAQ​

Can I try before subscribing?​

Contact the BookWish team to discuss trial options or demo accounts.

What happens to my data if I cancel?​

Your data is preserved and accessible in read-only mode. You can export data or reactivate anytime.

Can I switch billing cycles?​

Contact support to discuss changing from monthly to annual or vice versa.

Do I get refunds for cancellations?​

No refunds for unused time on monthly or annual plans. You keep access for the time you've paid.

What if I need to pause my store temporarily?​

Contact support to discuss options. Canceling and reactivating is one approach, or we may have seasonal/pause options.

Can I have multiple stores under one subscription?​

Each store requires its own subscription. Contact us for multi-store pricing if applicable.

Next Steps​

Cost-Effective Growth

Your BookWish subscription grows with your business. Start with the base plan and add features as you need them.