How can I set up a collection tracking site using Webflow CMS as the back-end, where users can sign up for a paid account and track their collection against a master list hosted in the CMS? Are there any options, preferably not paid, that can accomplish this?

You want to build a collection tracking site using Webflow CMS as the backend and allow users to sign up for paid accounts to track their own data matched against a master list. Webflow doesn't natively support user accounts or custom user databases, but you can achieve this with third-party tools. Free or low-cost options are limited, but here’s how you can approach it.

1. Use Webflow CMS to Store the Master Collection List

• Create a CMS Collection in Webflow to host your “master list,” such as collectible items, games, or books.
• Include fields like name, description, image, category, and unique ID.

2. Add User Accounts with Third-Party Tools

Webflow does not support user authentication natively as of now, but you can enable it with these tools:

• Memberstack (Free tier available):
• Allows gated content, user signups/logins, and user-specific data storage.
• Supports paid membership tiers using Stripe.
• Free version limits features like custom fields and number of members.
• Outseta (Free tier):
• Includes user authentication, billing (Stripe), and a lightweight CRM.
• Better for projects with fewer active users/visitors.

3. Let Users Track Their Own Collection

Since Webflow CMS cannot store user-generated collections per user, you'll need a workaround:

• Use Memberstack or Outseta to manage users.
• Use Airtable or Google Sheets (via Zapier or Make) to manage user-specific collection data.
• Build a front-end interface to let users select items from the CMS list and save them to their collection (stored externally).

4. Integrate Personal Tracking Functionality

• Use a solution like Jetboost (free for limited functionality) to enable real-time user interactions like favoriting or adding items.
• Jetboost integrates with Memberstack to offer personalized views.
• For example, users can "favorite" items from the master list which then becomes their collection.
• Jetboost stores these preferences per member, not in Webflow CMS.

5. Monetize with Paid User Plans

• Set up paid membership tiers using Memberstack or Outseta.
• Connect to Stripe for handling payments.
• Gate collection tracking features or allow access based on the plan level.

6. Workflow Summary (Free/Low-Cost Stack)

• Webflow CMS = Master list of items
• Memberstack (free tier) or Outseta (free tier) = User accounts and payments
• Jetboost (free tier) = User-specific interactions (like favorites)
• Airtable or Google Sheets, optionally = External user-specific storage if you need a full collection log
• Zapier or Make (free tier) = Integrations/automations if needed

Summary

To build a collection tracking site with user logins and a master list using Webflow CMS, use Memberstack or Outseta for authentication, Jetboost for per-user interaction like tracking/favoriting, and optionally external tools like Airtable for storage. These tools offer free tiers and can work together without custom code or heavy fees.