What is a Subscription? #

A Subscription is a recurring payment model that provides users with continuous access to specific courses, and resources on the Swiss Tax Institute platform. Unlike a one-time payment, a subscription is billed periodically (e.g., monthly or yearly), ensuring uninterrupted access to the subscribed content as long as the user maintains their subscription.

Subscriptions are a flexible and scalable payment option that allows instructors to monetize their expertise over time while offering learners ongoing access to premium content. This model is ideal for courses or resources that require regular updates, extended learning periods, or continuous engagement.

Subscription in the Context of the Swiss Tax Institute #

On the Swiss Tax Institute platform, Subscriptions are a key feature designed to benefit both instructors and learners. Here’s how it works:

For Instructors: #

1. Monetization Options:
   • Instructors can set a subscription model for their courses, allowing learners to pay on a recurring basis (monthly or yearly) for access.
   • This model is particularly beneficial for courses with regularly updated content, such as changes in Swiss tax laws or evolving financial practices.
2. Flexible Pricing:
   • Instructors have the freedom to set subscription prices for their courses, ensuring they align with the value and depth of the content provided.
   • Subscription pricing can vary based on the course complexity, duration, or niche focus.
3. Combined Payment Models:
   • Instructors can offer both One-Time Payment and Subscription options for the same course, giving learners the flexibility to choose their preferred payment method.
   • This hybrid approach ensures that courses appeal to a broader audience with varying financial preferences.
4. Revenue Share:
   • Instructors earn 80% revenue share on subscription payments, ensuring a fair and competitive earning model.
   • For the first three months after launching their course, instructors enjoy an enhanced 90% revenue share to encourage early adoption and growth.
5. Course Management Tools:
   • The platform provides instructors with intuitive tools to manage subscriptions, track revenue, and analyze learner engagement.

For Learners: #

1. Access to Premium Content:
   • Subscriptions allow learners to access high-quality, expert-created courses on Swiss tax and finance topics.
   • This is ideal for users who require continuous learning or access to updated materials.
2. Cost-Effective Learning:
   • Subscriptions provide an affordable way to access courses without requiring a large upfront payment.
   • Learners can budget for their education with predictable monthly or yearly payments.
3. Flexibility and Convenience:
   • Learners can cancel their subscriptions at any time, ensuring they only pay for what they need.
   • Subscriptions automatically renew, ensuring uninterrupted access to course content.
4. Lifetime Learning:
   • For courses with frequent updates (e.g., tax law changes), a subscription ensures learners stay informed and compliant without needing to purchase new materials.

How Instructors Can Set Subscriptions for Their Courses #

Instructors can configure subscriptions for their courses directly through the platform’s course creation tools. Here’s how:

1. Select Payment Model:
   • When creating or editing a course, instructors can choose between One-Time Payment, Subscription, or both.
   • This option is available in the course pricing settings.
2. Set Subscription Details:
   • Instructors can define the subscription price and billing frequency (e.g., monthly or yearly).
   • Prices should reflect the course value and the frequency of updates or new content.
3. Combine Payment Options:
   • If offering both payment models, instructors can set different prices for one-time and subscription options, catering to diverse learner preferences.
4. Preview and Publish:
   • Once the subscription details are set, instructors can preview how the payment options will appear to learners before publishing the course.

Benefits of Subscriptions for Instructors and Learners #

For Instructors: #

• Recurring Revenue: Subscriptions provide a steady income stream, reducing reliance on one-time sales.
• Engagement Opportunities: Regularly updated courses encourage ongoing learner engagement.
• Scalability: Subscriptions attract learners who prefer affordable, long-term access to content.

For Learners: #

• Affordable Access: Subscriptions break down costs into manageable payments, making education more accessible.
• Continuous Updates: Learners benefit from updated content without needing to repurchase courses.
• Flexibility: Subscriptions can be canceled or renewed as needed, offering control over learning expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) #

How Subscriptions Differ from One-Time Payments #

How Subscriptions Differ from Membership Plans #

1. Payment Model #

• Subscriptions:
  • Subscriptions are course-specific and billed regularly (monthly or yearly).
  • Instructors set subscription pricing for their courses, allowing learners to pay for continuous access to a specific course or set of materials.
• Membership Plans:
  • Memberships are platform-wide and billed annually or monthly.
  • They provide unlimited access to all courses, tools, and resources available on the platform during the membership period and other features mentioned in the plans.

2. Scope of Access #

• Subscriptions:
  • Access is limited to the specific course or set of courses selected by the learner.
  • Ideal for learners who are interested in a particular topic or resource without needing access to the entire platform.
• Membership Plans:
  • Access encompasses the entire platform, including all courses, guides, tools, and future updates.
  • Designed for users who want comprehensive access to a variety of topics and resources.

3. Target Audience #

• Subscriptions:
  • Best suited for learners with targeted needs, such as mastering a specific tax regulation or niche topic (e.g., cryptocurrency taxation or estate planning).
  • Appeals to users who prefer to pay for only the content they need rather than committing to a broader plan.
• Membership Plans:
  • Ideal for professionals, businesses, and learners who require ongoing education across multiple areas of Swiss tax and finance.
  • Particularly beneficial for users who want to stay up-to-date with the latest tax regulations and access a wide range of resources.

4. Pricing Structure #

• Subscriptions:
  • Pricing is determined by the instructor offering the course.
  • Typically lower cost per course, but learners pay separately for each subscribed course.
• Membership Plans:
  • Pricing is standardized and depends on the plan.
  • Memberships offer bundled value, providing cost savings for users who need access to multiple courses and resources.

5. Revenue Model for Instructors #

• Subscriptions:
  • Instructors earn an 80% revenue share on subscription payments (90% for the first three months after launching a course).
  • Subscriptions provide a steady, recurring income stream for instructors.
• Membership Plans:
  • Membership revenue is not tied to individual instructors but rather supports the overall platform.
  • Instructors benefit indirectly as membership revenue helps fund platform-wide improvements, marketing, and user acquisition.

6. Flexibility for Learners #

• Subscriptions:
  • Learners can cancel their subscription at any time and retain access until the end of the current billing cycle.
  • Subscriptions are ideal for short-term or project-specific learning needs.
• Membership Plans:
  • Memberships provide continuous, uninterrupted access for the duration of the plan.
  • Designed for long-term learners who want to explore a variety of topics over an extended period.

7. Corporate and Group Options #

• Subscriptions:
  • Subscriptions are typically intended for individual learners and are not designed for group or corporate use.
• Membership Plans:
  • Memberships include plans for corporate or group subscriptions, allowing businesses to provide their teams with access to the platform.
  • These plans are customizable based on the number of users and specific organizational needs.

8. Content Updates #

• Subscriptions:
  • Learners with active subscriptions automatically receive updates to the subscribed course content.
  • This is particularly useful for courses on evolving topics, such as changes in Swiss tax laws.
• Membership Plans:
  • Members receive access to all updates across the platform, including new courses, tools, and features added during their membership period.

Additional Resources #

For more information about subscriptions, explore the following resources:

• Refund Policy
• Contact Support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) #