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?

To build a collection tracking site using Webflow CMS, with user sign-ups and paid account access, you’ll need to extend Webflow's core capabilities using third-party tools or workarounds. Webflow doesn’t natively support user authentication or gated content, so free and low-cost options are limited and may require external platforms or custom logic.

1. Understand Webflow’s Native Limitations

• Webflow CMS can store your master list of collection items (e.g., action figures, books, cards).
• Webflow natively lacks user login, authentication, and per-user data storage.
• Memberships and logic features are in beta or limited to enterprise plans and may not support custom user content tracking.

2. Define Key Requirements

To meet your goal, you need:

• A master collection list (built using Webflow CMS).
• User sign-up/login system.
• Ability for each user to track items they've collected.
• Payment/paywall system for premium access.

3. Use Free or Low-Cost Third-Party Tools

Webflow alone isn’t sufficient, but combining it with external tools like Airtable, Memberstack (freemium), or Outseta (free tier) can help.

Option A: Webflow + Memberstack (Freemium)

• User Auth: Use Memberstack free tier to handle user sign-ups/logins.
• Track Collection: Not natively per user, but some use custom code + Memberstack user fields to mark collected items.
• Paid Plan: Memberstack supports Stripe integration for paid memberships.

Free tier supports 5 active members — sufficient for testing.

Option B: Webflow + Outseta (Free Tier)

• User Auth & Payments: Use Outseta to manage sign-ups, user sessions, and subscription plans.
• Data Storage: Outseta includes a built-in CRM; user actions can be tracked via submitted forms or embedded web apps.
• Integration: Embed Outseta’s auth modals and use logic to show/hide collection tracking UI.

Option C: Webflow + Airtable + Glide (Free)

• Web App Off-Platform: Use Airtable to host collection data (sync with Webflow CMS using tools like PowerImporter or Whalesync).
• Glide App: Build a Glide App (free tier available) that allows users to log in, track their collection, and view stats.
• Embed Glide: Use an iframe embed in Webflow to display the app to users.

This method separates the tracking tool from Webflow but allows a smoother workflow for users.

4. Integrate Conditional Visibility in Webflow (Optional)

• Use custom attributes via Memberstack or Outseta to gate pages or sections based on user plans.
• Use CMS conditional visibility to show "Already in Collection" or "Add to Collection" if you're storing status per item (via global JS logic).

5. Consider Budget-Friendly Alternatives

If you want entirely free options with no user cost:

• Use Google Sheets + Glide as the full stack for the MVP.
• Embed the Glide app in Webflow for UI purposes only.
• Skip payment until you need it — then upgrade to Glide’s Pro Plan or integrate Stripe manually.

Summary

To build a collection tracking site using Webflow CMS, pair Webflow with Memberstack, Outseta, or Glide + Airtable. Webflow will manage the master list, while the external tool handles user accounts, subscriptions, and per-user tracking. While Webflow alone can’t support all features, these integrations let you build a functional MVP with low or no cost.