Subbly Answers
Questions about starting and running a store, answered
The short answer first, then the detail and the real numbers behind it.
By Stefan Pretty and the Subbly team, who have built subscription, ecommerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) stores since 2014.
Most asked
Browse by topic
Starting out
Costs, models and first steps for a new subscription box or online store.
- How much does it cost to start a subscription box?Two launch budgets for 50 boxes, the cost of one box, and the costs people forget.
- How do I start an online store in 2026?The steps in order, what each costs, and whether you need a licence.
Also on Subbly
- How do I start a subscription box business? · Blog guide
- Which subscription models can I run? · Product page
Building with AI
What an AI agent can build and run for a store today.
- Can ChatGPT build me an online store?What ChatGPT Sites, the Shopify plugin and the Wix app can build, and what they can't.
- Can Claude build and run my online store?What Claude can build, what its store connectors can change, and what still needs you.
- Can an AI agent run my ecommerce store?What agents do well today, what still needs a person, and how to start safely.
- Can I sell my products inside ChatGPT?What happened to Instant Checkout, and how products get into ChatGPT now.
Also on Subbly
- What can an AI agent build for my store? · Product page
Switching platforms
Moving your store and subscribers without losing either.
- How do I move my subscribers to a new platform without losing them?The steps in order, how long moving cards takes, and how to avoid double billing.
- Who keeps my customers' saved cards on Shopify, Recharge or Cratejoy?Where saved cards live on each platform, and which ones let them move with you.
Also on Subbly
- How do I move my store and subscribers? · Product page
- Will my subscribers have to re-enter their cards? · Product page
More questions, answered elsewhere on Subbly
Guides and product pages that already cover these. Each topic gets its own answers as they're written.
Choosing a platform
Keeping customers
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