Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions – Give Customers Control and Improve Flexibility
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions?
- Key Features of Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions
- How to Install and Configure Custom Start Date Plugin
- Pricing & Plans
- My Experience with the Plugin
- Who Should Use This Plugin?
- Final Verdict
- FAQ Section
Introduction
Running a subscription-based WooCommerce store comes with its own set of limitations. One of the most common issues? Customers can’t choose when their subscription should start. By default, WooCommerce Subscriptions begin immediately after checkout.
This lack of flexibility creates friction for both customers and store owners. Whether you’re offering gift subscriptions, seasonal boxes, courses, or membership plans, immediate activation may not suit your business model.
Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions solves this problem. It allows store owners to control when a subscription starts. Even better, it lets customers choose a start date during checkout.
In this guide, you’ll learn what this plugin does, who it’s for, how to set it up, pricing details, pros and cons, and real-world use cases.
Need help installing or configuring it? Try our Installation & Troubleshooting Services for WooCommerce.
What is Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions?
Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions is a plugin developed by Launch and Sell. It gives full control over when a subscription starts—either by the store owner or the customer.
The plugin is officially listed on the WooCommerce Marketplace, which ensures quality and ongoing support. It integrates directly with WooCommerce Subscriptions and works seamlessly with standard WooCommerce flows.
It enables:
- Fixed start dates
- Customer-chosen start dates
- Delayed starts (days/weeks/months)
- Cut-off periods and future scheduling
- Payment timing flexibility
This plugin is perfect for businesses that need more subscription control—especially those offering events, courses, seasonal services, rentals, and memberships.
Developer: Launch and Sell
Current Version: 1.5.1
Compatible with: WooCommerce Subscriptions
Active Installs: 600+
Minimum WP Version: 4.6
Minimum PHP Version: 5.6
Documentation: Launch and Sell Documentation
Support Page: Launch and Sell Support
Key Features of Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions
| Feature | Description | Why It Matters |
| Fixed Start Dates | Set one or multiple start dates for your subscription. | Schedule launches or align with seasons. |
| Customer Date Picker | Let users select their preferred start date. | Enhances customer satisfaction and flexibility. |
| Delay Periods | Add buffer time before a subscription starts. | Useful for planning or product preparation. |
| Payment Control | Accept payment immediately or on the start date. | Manage cash flow more effectively. |
| Cut-Off & Buffer Logic | Hide past dates and control future scheduling. | Prevents scheduling conflicts or late requests. |
| Admin Flexibility | Modify subscription start date post-purchase. | Easily manage customer requests and changes. |
| Smart Logic | Syncs renewal, expiration, and billing cycles. | Keeps the subscription lifecycle consistent. |
| Compatibility | Works with standard WooCommerce subscriptions. | No need for custom development. |
How to Install and Configure Custom Start Date Plugin
- Purchase the Plugin
Buy from the WooCommerce Marketplace. - Install the Plugin
Download the plugin zip. In WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin → Activate. - Enable Settings
In your WooCommerce product edit page, look for the “Custom Start Date” section. - Choose Start Date Logic
- Set a fixed date (e.g., the first of each month)
- Or allow the customer to choose from a calendar
- Add Cut-Offs or Delays
Set rules to prevent customers from selecting past dates or enforce a delay after purchase. - Test the Checkout Flow
Add a subscription to the cart. Ensure the correct logic is applied at checkout. - Go Live
Once confirmed, publish the product with the new start date options.
Need help? We recommend using our Installation & Troubleshooting Services.
Pricing & Plans
Note:
👉 Official Purchase Link: Buy from Launch & Sell |
My Experience with the Plugin
We tested Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions on a membership site offering seasonal plans.
Here’s what we found:
Pros:
- Easy to use after initial setup
- Calendar UI for customers worked smoothly
- Useful delay and cut-off rules
- No conflicts with other WooCommerce plugins
- Immediate sync with WooCommerce Subscriptions
Cons:
- Not ideal for physical subscription boxes (see limitations)
- Some strings not translated (language issues during checkout)
- Email templates could use start date details automatically
- No support for bundled products yet
Despite some limitations, the plugin solved a big gap in WooCommerce Subscriptions and added value to our store.
Who Should Use This Plugin?
The plugin is ideal for:
- Gift Subscriptions: Let recipients choose when to start
- Courses & Online Classes: Align with school or cohort start dates
- Seasonal Services: Start subscriptions only during active periods
- Product Launches: Allow pre-sales before the official start
- Membership Sites: Provide join-on-your-own-time flexibility
- Rental Services: Sync billing with actual rental start dates
- Digital Content: Unlock access only when the user is ready
Useful Resources
- Official Plugin Page
- Launch and Sell Documentation
- Launch and Sell Support Portal
- WooHelpDesk Installation & Troubleshooting Services
Final Verdict
If you’ve been looking for a way to control when WooCommerce subscriptions start, this is the plugin for you.
Custom Start Date for WooCommerce Subscriptions solves a long-standing limitation in the WooCommerce ecosystem. It adds flexibility, improves the customer experience, and supports many business models that rely on scheduled services.
While it’s not perfect for physical shipments, it’s highly recommended for digital, service-based, or seasonal subscription businesses.
👉 Buy Now from WooCommerce Marketplace: Visit Plugin Page
Need help setting it up? Try our Installation & Troubleshooting Services.
FAQ Section
Q1. Can I let customers pick their own start date?
Yes. You can enable a calendar UI at checkout.
Q2. What happens after the customer purchases but before the start date?
The subscription is marked as “Scheduled.” No access is given until the start date.
Q3. Can I delay the start by a few days or weeks?
Yes. You can set a custom delay in days, weeks, or months.
Q4. Will this plugin work with WooCommerce Subscriptions?
Yes. It is fully compatible and built to extend the Subscriptions plugin.
Q5. Can I change the start date later?
Yes. Admins can update the start date anytime before it begins.
