One-time purchase

What is a one-time purchase?

A one-time purchase is a single, non-recurring transaction where a customer pays upfront to buy a product or service. Unlike subscriptions, there are no ongoing charges, renewals, or commitments—just a one-time payment for full access or ownership.

In ecommerce, this model is simple and transparent. Customers pay the listed price at checkout and receive the product without expecting future billing. It’s ideal for physical goods, digital downloads, or software licenses that don’t require ongoing access or replenishment. For businesses, one-time purchases offer immediate revenue, while customers appreciate the clarity and no-strings-attached experience.

How does the one-time purchase model work?

The one-time purchase model allows merchants to offer products or services with a single payment. It’s commonly used for retail products, gift items, and standalone software. Unlike subscriptions, it does not generate recurring revenue but may appeal to customers who prefer flexibility.

Example of one-time purchase

Buying a physical product like a backpack or a downloadable ebook with no future charges is an example of a one-time purchase.

Driftcharge Tip

One-time purchases can be a great entry point into your brand. Offer complementary subscriptions or bundles to increase lifetime value without pressuring your customers upfront.

Ganesh Pawar

• 

Ganesh Pawar is the founder of Driftcharge, a subscription management app designed to help Shopify merchants streamline and scale their subscription businesses. With a deep focus on solving real-world pain points—like legacy account page support, flexible subscription options, and advanced analytics—Ganesh is passionate about building tools that drive growth and retention.