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, you can manage subscriptions on a Webflow website using hosted checkout solutions like Stripe Checkout or PayPal, as an alternative to Webflow’s native eCommerce plan. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind.

1. How It Works

• Stripe Checkout allows you to create subscription-based products and generate checkout links that redirect users to Stripe’s hosted payment page.
• PayPal Subscriptions offers a similar service where users complete payments on PayPal’s website. You can then embed or link to these subscription options from your Webflow site.
• Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat) can be used to integrate Webflow forms with Stripe or PayPal for automated workflows.

2. Advantages

• No Need for Webflow eCommerce Plan: You can use Webflow’s CMS or static pages without upgrading.
• Supports Recurring Payments: Stripe and PayPal handle all subscription billing, renewals, and failed payments.
• Secure & Compliant: Hosted checkouts remove the need for handling credit card data directly.
• Lower Webflow Costs: You avoid Webflow’s transaction fees and product limitations.

3. Limitations

• Lack of Direct Webflow Integration: Webflow does not natively track or manage subscriptions, so you'll need Stripe or PayPal’s dashboard for customer management.
• No Native Customer Portals: Users can't log into a Webflow “My Account” page to manage subscriptions unless you build a custom member area using Memberstack, Outseta, or similar tools.
• Manual or External Automation Needed: If you'd like to provide gated content, user access control, or automated email notifications based on subscription status, you'll need third-party services like Zapier or Make.
• Design Flexibility is Limited: Since checkout occurs off-site, customization of the checkout experience is restricted to Stripe’s or PayPal’s settings.

4. Best Use Cases

• Membership websites with basic recurring payments (e.g., newsletter subscriptions, digital products).
• SaaS-style products where user access can be managed separately.
• Donation-based platforms using Stripe’s subscription API.

Summary

Using Stripe Checkout or PayPal Subscriptions on a Webflow website is an effective alternative to Webflow’s eCommerce plan for managing subscriptions. However, you will not have native Webflow management or a built-in customer dashboard. To enhance functionality, consider third-party solutions like Zapier, Memberstack, or Outseta for automation and user access control.