Streamlining Subscription Management for TheSchoolRun
The Problem
TheSchoolRun provides subscription-based educational resources via a Drupal website. The subscription system had been custom-built within Drupal, but the logic was unreliable, required significant manual administration, and carried heavy technical debt.
The client needed a more robust, automated solution to manage subscriptions and renewals efficiently.
The Idea
We abstracted subscription logic from Drupal and moved it to a third-party provider. After auditing options, Zoho Subscriptions was chosen as the best fit.
Key elements of the integration:
Visitors sign up via Zoho subscription pages tailored to different plans (new or renewal, subscription length, etc.)
A free two-week trial was included, with card details captured up front but only charged once the trial ended
When a subscription is activated, Zoho sends a webhook to the Drupal site to create or update user accounts and grant subscriber access
When subscriptions expire or are cancelled, Zoho notifies Drupal to revoke access automatically
The Outcome
Paid membership logic became reliable and automated
Reduced manual admin and improved maintainability
Simplified the Drupal site by using an off-the-shelf solution for subscription logic
Lower overheads and stronger user experience for subscribers
FAQs
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What subscription challenges did TheSchoolRun face?
Their custom Drupal logic was unreliable, admin-heavy, and created technical debt.
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How did Ideas + Outcomes solve the problem?
By integrating Zoho Subscriptions, moving subscription logic out of Drupal, and automating key processes.
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What were the key elements of the Zoho integration?
Tailored subscription pages, a free trial with upfront card capture, and webhooks to sync subscription status with Drupal.
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What impact did the new system deliver?
Reliable subscription management, reduced manual admin, lower overheads, and a stronger user experience.