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# Subscription Schedules

Subscription schedules let you create multi-phase pricing where clients move through payment stages automatically. For example, a client pays for their first three months upfront, then transitions to a monthly subscription.

## Options vs. Phases

When configuring a pricing option, you can build it in one of two ways:

- **Options** — multiple payment choices presented as alternatives (client picks one). The options are separated by "or".

![Options mode — two pricing options separated by "or"](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/1/6/8/916842d9772b4800/payments-subscription-options_h73jps.png)

- **Phases** — sequential payment stages that happen in order (one after another). The phases are separated by "then".

![Phases mode — two pricing phases separated by "then"](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/1/6/8/916842d9772b4800/payments-subscription-phases_mkaa0s.png)

## Creating a Subscription Schedule

1. Navigate to **Settings > Products**
2. Add a pricing option (or edit an existing one)
3. Set up your first option
4. Click **Add a phase**
5. Set up the next phase — repeat for as many phases as you need

### Example: Three Months Upfront, then Monthly

**Phase 1 — pay for the first three months in one go:**
- Type: Single payment
- Amount: $300
- Length: 3 months

**Phase 2 — then roll onto a monthly subscription:**
- Type: Subscription
- Amount: $100
- Frequency: Monthly
- Ends: Never

The client pays $300 once, covering their first three months. After that, Apotheo automatically moves them onto a rolling $100/month subscription — no action needed from them.

### Example: Higher Intro Rate, then Standard Monthly

**Phase 1 — a higher rate for the first three months:**
- Type: Subscription
- Amount: $200
- Frequency: Monthly
- Ends: After 3 payments

**Phase 2 — then the standard ongoing rate:**
- Type: Subscription
- Amount: $150
- Frequency: Monthly
- Ends: Never

The client pays $200/month for their first three months — a slightly higher rate while onboarding is heaviest — then automatically drops to the standard $150/month from month four onwards.

> **Note:** A subscription schedule chains payment stages together. For a one-off **deposit** before coaching starts, use the dedicated **Deposit** pricing type instead. For a discounted first month, use a **promo code** rather than a phase.

## Adding and Removing Phases

- Click **Add** between phases to insert a new payment stage
- Click **Delete** on any phase to remove it

## How Phases Work for Clients

Clients experience phases automatically — they don't need to take any action when transitioning between phases. Stripe handles the scheduling, charging the next phase when the current one completes.

## Editing Subscription Schedules

If a pricing option has active subscribers, the phases become read-only. You cannot modify an active subscription schedule. To offer different terms, create a new pricing option.