At PayWhirl, we’re dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes and niches streamline their membership billing and subscription management. Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight On Point Quilter—a company that has creatively transformed a traditional hobby into a thriving online membership community. Owner Kari Schell teaches quilters how to master Electric Quilt 8 (EQ8), a specialized software for designing custom quilt blocks and quilts, and has built a robust subscription-based model that caters to dedicated quilting enthusiasts.
About On Point Quilter’s Membership Services
On Point Quilter specializes in guiding quilters through the nuances of Electric Quilt 8, enabling them to create their own distinctive quilt patterns. Kari’s approach is unique: rather than selling one-off courses, she offers an immersive membership experience that accounts for roughly 90% of her revenue. With multiple subscription periods and tiers—ranging from the Basics membership to the Masters program—she ensures quilters have continuous access to training, support, and community.
From Bold to PayWhirl: A Crucial Discovery
Before migrating to PayWhirl, Kari relied on Bold’s subscription platform for seven years. Over time, the evolving Bold platform presented new challenges. Multiple membership products and varying billing intervals weren’t displaying properly, sales page descriptions became too generic, and advanced tactics like migration to rollover products or hiding certain products from the storefront were no longer feasible.
I was able to transition 400 members effectively in a one week time period. The transition went incredibly well and I am very happy with PayWhirl and the support I have received.
Kari – On Point Quilter
In need of a more adaptable solution, Kari reached out to Shopify for recommendations. That’s when she discovered PayWhirl. Our platform’s flexible membership management tools and robust customization options promised to support her complex subscription model.
A Seamless Membership Experience with PayWhirl
Kari uses PayWhirl to process her 400-plus subscriptions spanning three core membership products. Each membership offering comes with unique billing intervals and qualifications:
- The Basics Membership:
- Monthly Subscription
- 3-Month Pre-Paid Subscription
- 6-Month Pre-Paid Subscription
- The Masters Membership:
Available only after completing 12 months of the Basics.- 6-Month Subscription (billed every six months)
- 12-Month Annual Subscription (pre-paid)
- Masters Roll-Over Membership:
After completing 28 months of Basics, members not already in Masters are eligible for a special roll-over membership. They receive double the time for the same price. This complex billing scenario, which effectively halves the price per month, needed careful setup—something PayWhirl could handle with ease.
Why PayWhirl Was the Right Fit
For Kari, PayWhirl offered a lifeline at a critical juncture. The platform’s capabilities and responsive support team allowed her to maintain her intricate membership offerings without compromising member experience. Where Bold’s forced migration and rigid structure had her considering shutting down her business, PayWhirl’s adaptability restored her confidence and paved the way for continued growth.
Challenges with Other Payment Platforms
Kari’s experience with Bold’s subscription product underscored the importance of flexibility and control in a membership platform. The inability to manage product descriptions effectively, offer private access links, correct pricing errors, or smoothly handle product migrations proved to be significant roadblocks. PayWhirl addressed each of these issues, providing Kari with a sense of stability and the tools needed to expand her membership base.
Tips for Managing a Quilting (or Any) Membership Business
Kari’s success story also offers valuable advice for anyone looking to optimize their membership program:
- Eliminate Pause Options:
Encourage members to remain active rather than pausing their subscriptions. This approach can foster loyalty and stability, making it clear to members that returning at a later date may mean rejoining at higher pricing. - Annual Price Increases for New Members:
Once a year, consider a modest price increase (approximately 10%) for new members. Existing members who maintain an active membership are grandfathered in at their current rate. Over seven years, Kari has found this strategy incredibly effective in retaining long-term members. - Quality Over Quantity:
Kari’s Masters membership provides fewer monthly classes but more personalized support. This reduces member overwhelm and encourages deeper engagement, ensuring the membership truly adds value. - Limited Open Enrollment Windows:
Opening enrollment only four times a year, typically following a free webinar, generates buzz and anticipation. Current members are invited to attend the webinars, further strengthening community ties. Offering enrollment bonuses and extending them to existing members makes everyone feel special and valued. - Leverage Email Marketing with Tags:
Kari plans to explore tagging options within PayWhirl to sync with MailChimp. Email marketing can deliver monthly lessons, announcements, and special offers directly to members, increasing engagement and retention.
Exceptional Support from the PayWhirl Team
Kari’s journey wouldn’t have been the same without the support she received from our team, especially Larry, who guided her through the migration, and Chris, who assisted with additional questions. Their dedication, product knowledge, and willingness to understand On Point Quilter’s unique membership model made all the difference.
Looking Ahead
With PayWhirl in place, Kari is excited to continue refining her membership offerings, experimenting with tagging and integration tools, and nurturing her thriving community of quilters. Her story highlights what’s possible when a membership platform not only meets technical requirements but genuinely supports a business’s vision.
Final Thoughts
On Point Quilter’s success story is a testament to how the right membership platform can unlock new possibilities for businesses—no matter how niche or specialized. At PayWhirl, we’re here to ensure that your subscriptions are manageable, flexible, and primed for growth. Just like Kari, you too can leverage PayWhirl’s capabilities to create a membership model that delights your audience and supports your bottom line.
