How to set up multi-year or lifetime memberships

While the automated renewal system on membership plans is limited to periods of up to one year, you can easily offer multi-year or lifetime plans using a manual workflow.

In both cases you should collect a one-off payment externally (e.g., via an invoice) and then manually create the subscription. However, the process is slightly different depending on whether you want the membership to expire (e.g. a 3 year plan) or last forever.

How to set up multi-year subscriptions

Use this method if you want the member to pay a single up-front fee, e.g. for 3 years, after which their membership will revert to a standard annual renewal.

1. Base Plan: Use a standard annual paid plan (e.g., £100 / 1 Year). This will be the price the member is prompted to pay when they renew after the initial 3 years.
2. Application: Use a Custom Form to take applications this will add the contact and all necessary contact information to the contact database.
3. Payment: Collect the up-front 3-year fee (e.g., £250) externally via an invoice.
4. Activate Subscription: Go to the member's contact record, click Add > Subscription:
   • Plan: Select the annual paid plan.
   • Renewal Date: Set this 3 years in the future.
   • Payment Method: Set to Manual.

Result: The member is active for 3 years. When the term ends, they'll receive a renewal notice for the standard 1-year price.

How to set up lifetime subscriptions

Use this method for a single, one-off payment that grants membership for life, with no renewals.

1. Base Plan: Create a new membership plan with a name like 'Life membership' and set the price to £0. This ensures the member will never be asked to pay again.
2. Application: Use a Custom Form to take applications.
3. Payment: Collect the one-off lifetime fee externally via an invoice.
4. Activate Subscription: Go to the member's contact record, click Add > Subscription:
   • Plan: Select the free 'Life membership' plan.
   • Renewal Date: Leave this unset (it is not required for free plans).
   • Payment Method: Set to Manual.

Result: The member is active for life and will never receive a renewal notice.