Enhancing Subscription Recognition in Billing Systems

Introduction

This post addresses an issue where a billing system, specifically when using a service like Cashier, fails to correctly identify active subscriptions beyond the default type. We'll explore the problem and provide a solution to ensure all subscription types are properly recognized.

The Problem: Default Subscription Type Bias

In many billing systems, especially those utilizing subscription services, a common practice is to check for active subscriptions using a default type. For instance, a check might look like this:

if ($user->subscribed('default')) {
    // User has an active default subscription
}

This approach works well for standard subscriptions. However, it overlooks manually created subscriptions that use different types or plan slugs, such as 'lifetime' or 'corporate' subscriptions. Consequently, features or content intended for paying subscribers might be incorrectly restricted.

The Solution: Generalized Subscription Check

To address this, the subscription check needs to be generalized to recognize all active subscriptions, regardless of their type. Instead of relying on a specific type, the system should verify if the user is subscribed to any plan.

Here's an example of how to implement a more inclusive check:

if ($user->subscriptions()->active()->exists()) {
    // User has at least one active subscription
}

Alternatively, check against a specific plan slug rather than a subscription type:

if ($user->subscribed('premium-plan')) {
    // User has an active subscription to the 'premium-plan'
}

Another approach could be to iterate through all subscriptions and check their status:

$hasActiveSubscription = false;
foreach ($user->subscriptions as $subscription) {
    if ($subscription->active()) {
        $hasActiveSubscription = true;
        break;
    }
}

if ($hasActiveSubscription) {
    // User has at least one active subscription
}

Benefits of the Generalized Approach

• Accurate Subscription Recognition: Ensures all valid subscription types are recognized, preventing unintended access restrictions.
• Flexibility: Accommodates various subscription models beyond the default type.
• Maintainability: Reduces the risk of overlooking new or custom subscription types in the future.

Conclusion

By generalizing the subscription check, billing systems can accurately recognize all active subscriptions, regardless of their type. This ensures that paying subscribers receive the access and features they are entitled to, improving user satisfaction and preventing revenue loss. When designing subscription checks, always consider the possibility of non-default subscription types and implement a flexible approach that accommodates various subscription models.