Subscription Payments: How It Works:

The payment gateway redirects a buyer who selects a subscription from the shopping cart.
Only credit card payments are accepted.
There is no need for additional manual payments after the first one.
The set schedule automatically deducts the subscription amount.

Managing Subscriptions:
Each payment adds a notification to the shopping cart.
You can manage subscriptions through an API or the backend of the payment gateway.

Ad hoc payments: How It Works:
After checkout, the payment gateway redirects buyers who choose ad hoc payments.
Only credit card payments are accepted.
There is no need for additional manual payments after the first one.

Future Payments:
The website owner sends a token to the API to charge the buyer's card.
The website owner receives notifications for each payment.
The API or payment gateway backend can manage payments.

Why do I use recurring billing and subscriptions?
Benefits:
Predictable Revenue: Automated payments ensure steady income.
Customer Retention: Scheduled payments improve loyalty.
Flexibility: Offer different payment plans for various products.
Reduced admin work: There is no need for manual payment reminders.
Example:
A directory listing website can offer a 12-month subscription with monthly or annual payments.
Recurring billing continues until the customer cancels.

Why use ad-hoc payments? Benefits:
The system is useful for ongoing services over a fixed period.
You can structure payments into multiple cycles.

Shopping Carts Supporting Recurring Billing: Popular Options:
WooCommerce: Works with gateways like Payfast and Snipcart for recurring payments.
Snipcart offers full features for managing recurring payments and subscriptions.

By using these options, businesses can improve the customer experience and simplify payment processes.