Is it possible to effectively manage subscriptions on a Webflow website using a hosted checkout from Stripe or PayPal, as an alternative to the Webflow eCommerce plan? Any limitations or drawbacks to be aware of?

Yes, it is possible to effectively manage subscriptions on a Webflow website using a hosted checkout from Stripe or PayPal as an alternative to the Webflow eCommerce plan. Here's how you can go about it:

1. Set up the payment gateway: First, you need to set up a Stripe or PayPal account and integrate it with your Webflow website. Webflow has native integrations with both Stripe and PayPal, making it relatively easy to connect your payment gateway.

2. Create subscription products or plans: Once your payment gateway is connected, you can create subscription products or plans directly in your Stripe or PayPal dashboard. These plans may include different durations, pricing tiers, and features based on your business requirements.

3. Build subscription pages and forms: In Webflow, you can design and create subscription pages and forms to allow users to select and sign up for the desired subscription plan. You can customize the appearance of these pages using Webflow's visual editor to match your website's branding.

4. Set up recurring payments: With Stripe or PayPal, you can configure recurring payments for subscriptions. This allows your customers to be charged automatically for the subscription period they signed up for.

5. Handle subscription management: Stripe and PayPal provide APIs and webhooks that you can utilize to manage subscriptions directly from your Webflow website. This includes features like canceling subscriptions, updating billing information, and handling failed payments.

Limitations and drawbacks to consider:

1. Lack of native integration: While integrating Stripe or PayPal with Webflow is possible, it's important to note that it's not a native integration. This means you might need to rely on custom code or third-party tools to implement specific features or customization.

2. Limited eCommerce-specific features: Without using the Webflow eCommerce plan, you may miss out on some of the eCommerce-specific features and optimizations offered by Webflow. These features include inventory management, order tracking, tax calculations, and shipping integrations.

3. Technical expertise required: Building and managing subscriptions using a hosted checkout requires some technical expertise. You may need to understand APIs, webhooks, and possibly write custom code to handle specific scenarios.

4. Potential limitations of the payment gateway: Stripe and PayPal have their own limitations that you should be aware of. For example, some payment methods or countries might not be supported, and there could be transaction fees or limitations based on your chosen payment gateway.

In summary, while it is possible to manage subscriptions on a Webflow website using a hosted checkout from Stripe or PayPal, there are some limitations and drawbacks to consider. If you require advanced eCommerce features or prefer a more streamlined solution, it may be worth considering the Webflow eCommerce plan.