This method for club signups is only possible if you use the third-party Stripe integration or if the customer's card is already vaulted in Shopify.

Creating Club Subscriptions Without an Initial Transaction

Default Shopify behaviour means that new club subscriptions always generate a transaction in order to vault the customer's credit card. In certain situations, you may need to create a club membership without processing an initial transaction. This workaround process provides flexibility but is limited to users that have Stripe Subscriptions as their secondary payment gateway. 

Important Notes

1. Shopify Transaction Requirement: By default, Shopify requires a transaction for subscription creation. This workaround bypasses this requirement by vaulting the customer’s payment method in Stripe.
2. Stripe Dependency: This process is only available for customers using Stripe Subscriptions, as card vaulting occurs directly in Stripe.
3. Use Case: This workflow is less intuitive compared to the front-end customer sign-up. It is recommended as a workaround only when necessary.

Steps for Creating a Subscription Without an Initial Transaction

1. Prepare Customer Information in Shopify

• The customer’s full address and contact details must first be created in Shopify.
• Ensure all required fields are accurate, as Shopify uses this information to fulfil subscription contract requirements.

2. Vault the Customer’s Payment Card in Winehub

• Navigate to the customer’s record in Winehub.
  
• Scroll down and select the Create tab.
• Click the green Add New Card via Stripe button
  
• Enter the customer's card details

3. Create the Subscription in WineHub

• Once the card is vaulted, click Create Club Subscription.
  
• Select the relevant subscription options:
  • Choose the appropriate wine club.
    
  • Choose frequency, case size & product(s) as per your club setup.
  • For anniversary-based clubs, specify the next shipment date. For fixed-date clubs, the first order aligns with the next shipment date for that club.
    

1. Add shipping rate, or select pickup/local delivery if permitted
   
2. Optionally, add Staff Attribution, Sales Channel and Order Tags
   

1. If multiple cards exist, select the card that should be charged for this membership

6. Notification Preferences

• Decide how to handle customer notifications:
  • Silent Creation: No email notification is sent to the customer.
  • Welcome Email: Send a welcome email immediately after creating the subscription.

Key Considerations

1. Data Accuracy in Shopify:
   

1. Shopify requires accurate customer address details before subscription creation.
   

2. The subscription creation process will use the default address stored in Shopify unless you uncheck the 'use default address' option and enter a different address.
   

2. Admin Dashboard Limitations:

   • Creating a subscription via the admin dashboard does not immediately generate a Shopify order.
   • If a welcome email is selected during subscription creation, it will be sent at that point.

3. Stripe Integration for Card Vaulting:

   • Stripe vaulting is essential for this workaround. Ensure your Stripe account is integrated properly and is active for WineHub to manage payment methods effectively.