Is it possible to effectively manage subscriptions on a Webflow website using a hosted checkout from Stripe or PayPal, as an alternative to the Webflow eCommerce plan? Any limitations or drawbacks to be aware of?

Yes, you can manage subscriptions on a Webflow website using a hosted checkout from Stripe or PayPal without using Webflow's eCommerce plan. This is a common setup for creators and businesses looking to minimize Webflow fees or avoid its eCommerce feature limitations.

1. How Hosted Checkout from Stripe/PayPal Works

• Stripe Checkout and PayPal Subscriptions allow you to create subscription payment links hosted on their respective platforms.
• These external checkout pages handle all billing logic, recurring payments, and subscription lifecycle management.
• Link these checkout pages to Webflow buttons, modals, or CTAs via standard URL redirects or Webflow's Link Block element.

2. Benefits of Using Stripe/PayPal Directly

• No Webflow eCommerce required, so you can stay on lower-cost Webflow plans (e.g., CMS or Basic).
• Full subscription logic hosted off-site, reducing complexity within Webflow.
• More advanced billing options (e.g., metered usage, prorated billing, free trials) compared to Webflow's native eCommerce subscription limitations.
• Direct customer portal options from Stripe to manage billing, upgrades, or cancellations.

3. Limitations and Drawbacks

• No native user authentication: Webflow doesn’t support user login/signup out of the box. To create membership-restricted content tied to a subscription, you’ll need to integrate with a third-party solution like Memberstack, Outseta, or Firebase.
• Manual integration: You must manage checkout flow and connect it logically with Webflow’s content (e.g., redirect after purchase or conditionally display content).
• No Webflow dashboard visibility: You won’t see orders or subscription data in the Webflow Designer or Editor.
• Limited design control over checkout UI: Stripe and PayPal hosted checkouts aren’t fully customizable to match your Webflow styling.

4. Best Practices for Integration

• Use Stripe’s customer portal link (with managed session access) to allow users to manage subscriptions.
• Use Zapier, Make (Integromat), or custom webhooks to connect Stripe/PayPal events (like subscription created or canceled) with your CMS or membership logic.
• Add custom status fields and logic via Memberstack or similar tools for gated content if needed.

Summary

You can successfully manage subscriptions on a Webflow site using Stripe or PayPal hosted checkouts without Webflow’s eCommerce. However, limitations include lack of user auth, no native dashboard visibility, and dependency on third-party tools for gated content or automations. It’s a flexible but more hands-on setup.