Subscriptions have changed the way consumers access a wide array of services and products, from music to fashion to fragrances. Now, the business model is being applied to make mental health services more accessible, despite geographical and societal barriers.
The October Subscription Commerce Tracker™ highlights the latest players taking their first steps into the subscription market, plus the ways in which the subscription model is being used to deliver more than just meal kits and movies to subscribers.
Notable Headlines From The Subscription Space
Subscriptions are changing the way consumers conveniently gain access to a variety of products, from luxury vehicles to power tools to fitness services and facilities.
First, luxury automaker Porsche is looking to expand an existing subscription pilot. After launching its Porsche Passport service last year in the Atlanta region, the company is reportedly looking to roll out the service on a national level. The service allows subscribers to access different vehicles in its lineup for plans that range from $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
While Porsche is working to expand an early subscription model, a pair of European companies are preparing to take their first steps into the subscription space.
Philips, for instance, is looking to offer a “try before you buy” experience, allowing subscribers to test products like electric razors before purchasing. Meanwhile, the Husqvarna Group, which manufactures electronic power tools, recently launched a pilot subscription service, designed to allow subscribers access to tools like leaf blowers and chainsaws on a pay-per-use basis.
Even the fitness market, which has long relied on subscriptions to allow consumers access to exercise facilities, is experimenting with new business models.
One such company is Localfit, a pioneer in the field of Fitness-as-a-Service. CEO Rob Gillam recently explained to PYMNTS how the company aims to offer a more flexible approach to gym access by delivering funds for nearby gym-use to a prepaid debit card. He also explained how this type of offering could benefit the roughly 462 million workers who travel for their jobs and want to access a fitness facility while on the road.
Deep Dive: Digital Fitness
In addition to the flexible payment plans, the fitness market has seen other changes recently due to subscriptions. The prevalence of connected devices, including smartphones and wearables, offer fitness buffs easy access to their workout activity and health data. As more users turn to mobile apps to monitor their exercise and wellness routines, the market is projected to reach $27.4 billion by 2022.
This month’s Tracker includes a Deep Dive that explores how subscription fitness could help consumers by making access to fitness data and services less of a workout.
Mental Health Subscriptions Delivered Via Smartphone
The accessibility to fitness tools isn’t the only thing changing as a result of subscriptions. Thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones, patients are now able to more easily access mental health resources, including video conferencing with therapists.
TAO Connect, a mental health services platform that connects subscribers with screening tools and educational materials, is aiming to use the subscription model to help roughly 111 million people in “mental health professional shortage” areas to overcome geographical — and social — barriers to access. In the October feature story, Founder Dr. Sherry Benton and CEO Bob Clark discuss how subscription services can more easily connect patients with the mental health resources they need.
To read the story, the Deep Dive and the latest headlines, download the new Subscription Commerce Tracker™.
About The Tracker
The Subscription Commerce Tracker™, powered by Recurly, is a bimonthly report that explores how companies use subscription-based commerce to build long-term customer relationships and steady revenue sources. The report includes notable developments in the market and the companies that are rapidly innovating the space.
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
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