Custom fields (also called metafields/metadata) can be used on Public Signup Pages to collect additional data from your customers and store it with their subscriptions. You can add custom field data to subscriptions and customers after they are created, as well. This data can also be displayed on statements, or invoices, and can be included in the subscriptions CSV export.
Many merchants utilize custom fields to collect additional data that is vital to the operation of their businesses. This can range from collecting additional information about a purchase … to … meeting customer’s expectations after a purchase. To help spur some thoughts on how custom fields can be used, here’s a smattering of examples:
- T-shirt Size
- “Are you a new customer”
- “How did you hear about us”
- “Is this purchase a gift”
- Purchase order number
- Special instructions for handling of any kind
- Would you like a follow-up call
- “How should we contact you?” email / phone / text
- Collection of a billing address for invoice-based subscribers who do not have a credit card on file
Additionally, the functionality of custom fields can be extended to the billing portal. In the billing portal, subscribers can edit or change their custom fields in the Billing Portal, if a value has been entered upon signup.
Alternately, custom fields can populated with data that is for internal-use only. These types of fields can be hidden from view from subscribers to categorize subscriptions or customers. A great example of this type of workflow is to specify the maximum amount of components a subscription is allowed to purchase.
Simply put, custom fields are the best path forward for the collection of extra data, outside of product selection.