WooCommerce doesn’t natively support offering both one-time and subscription options in a single product — but WPSubscription makes this possible using variable products.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/L6QFKlPBTCo?si=-tT_PXMST_H91_mp

Here’s how to set it up:

How to Configure One-Time and Recurring in WooCommerce + WPSubscription

  1. Create a Variable Product

    • In WooCommerce, select Product Type: Variable product

    • Add an attribute like "Purchase Type" with options like:

      • One-Time

      • Monthly Subscription

      • Yearly Subscription

  2. Add Variations

    • For each variation:

      • Use WPSubscription settings to mark it as a subscription (or not)

      • For the one-time option, leave subscription settings blank

      • Set pricing individually for each variation

  3. What Happens at Checkout

    • The user selects their preferred variation

    • If they choose a subscription variant, the subscription flow (recurring billing, email notices, etc.) is triggered

    • If they select the one-time variant, it behaves like a normal WooCommerce product

Important Notes

  • This setup is supported in WPSubscription Pro, which enables variation-based subscription control.

  • Each variation can have its own:

    • Billing schedule

    • Sign-up fee

    • Free trial

    • Delivery options (if physical)

Use Case: Offer a Product as Both One-Time and Recurring

You want to let customers choose between:

  • Buying the product once

  • Subscribing to it on a monthly or annual basis

Examples:

  • Digital templates (Buy once or subscribe for updates)

  • Plugins/themes (One-time access or ongoing support plan)

  • Membership content (Single course vs. monthly membership)