5 Simple Steps to Delete and Reprice Your Tiers

Give your patrons time to adjust

• The reason for the change
• How this change benefits them
• A timeline of when they can expect changes (i.e. when the current tiers and associated benefits will no longer be available)

Create your new tier(s)

1. Click on the Page button from the creator menu, then select Edit page from the list. 
2. Click into the tiers link from the page editor menu.
3. Click the Add tier button and create your new tier. 
4. Click the Save button to save your new tier in our system. The minimum information you can add to save a tier is a tier name and price; you can fill out the rest later.  
5. Once saved, you can hide your new tier from your page, by clicking Edit tier button and scrolling down to click the Unpublish button. This will ensure that no patrons join this tier while you finish setting it up. 

#2 Give your new tier access to posts

We highly recommend doing this step before publishing a new tier. Giving new tiers access to your post backlog is ensures that existing patrons have uninterrupted access to your posts. If you publish posts without specifying tiers and opt to publish them as “Patron only” then you can skip this step! Your posts are unlocked for all patrons regardless of tier level, and they’ll be available for new tiers as well.

If you share your posts using the "Select tiers" access option, new tiers you create will not automatically unlock access to these posts, and you’ll need to manually add your new tiers to back catalog posts.

You can give tier access to individual backlog posts with the following steps: 

1. Click the Posts button from the creator menu.
2. Select Published from the list. 
3. Click the Edit link for a post.
4. Under “Select which tiers have access” check the box for your new tier(s).
5. Click the Save button. 
6. We've created this guide to help you with editing your posts: How do I edit or delete a posts?

Note: If you select the option to “Notify patrons of this change” all patrons, including those who’ve already had access to the post will be notified. We do not recommend selecting this option when editing posts to include your new tier(s). 

#3 Unpublish the tier(s) you won’t need

Potential patrons will only see published tiers on your page. Unpublishing a tier, ensures that no new patrons can join and your existing patrons have time to switch without an interruption to their post access. 

Existing patrons pledged to an unpublished tier will be tied to that tier until they edit or cancel their membership, or until you delete the tier altogether. While a tier is unpublished, you can still make posts to target patrons in that tier and encourage them to switch tiers. 

Once your new tiers are ready, follow the instructions below to unpublish former tiers: 

1. Click the Page button from the creator menu.
2. Select Edit page from the list. 
3. Click into the tiers link from the page editor menu. 
4. Click the Edit tier button. 
5. Scroll to the bottom of the tier editor and click on the Unpublish button > Click Unpublish to confirm. 

You’ll know that your tier was unpublished when you see “Unpublished at [ DATE ]” for that tier.

There is no time limit on how long you can keep a tier in an unpublished state, so we recommend waiting until a good number of your existing patrons have switched to one of your new tiers. If you’re noticing a lag in patrons making the switch, pick up the messaging work with plugs in posts and private messages – some people just need a friendly reminder. 

#4 Delete the tier

To delete a tier:

1. Click the Page button from the creator menu.
2. Select Edit page from the list. 
3. Click into the tiers link from the page editor menu. 
4. Click the Edit tier button. 
5. Scroll to the bottom of the tier editor and click on the trash can icon next to the unpublish button. 
6. Click the Delete button to confirm – this is it, so check your list twice to make sure you’re ready for this step!

#5 Message any patrons with a “No tier” status

Once your tier has been deleted, you’ll want to continue your patron outreach for any patrons who still have a “No tier” status.

You can bulk message any patrons with this status in your Relationship Manager (RM). Here’s how:

1. Click the Patrons button from the creator menu. 
2. Click Relationship Manager from the list. Your RM will default to your “Active patrons” as of today.
3. Click the Filters button and check the box for “No tier.” You can also set the Pledge amount to send a message to no tiered patrons in a particular payment range, so you can give them a tailored message for the tier that’s closest to what they’re already paying. Once applied, the filter(s) will be reflected in your RM list. 
4. Click the Message button to bulk message all patrons who are both active and have a “No tier” status. 
   
   

FAQ

My patron says they’ve lost access, what should I do?
Check your RM. You’ll be able to search the patron’s email address or profile name to check which tier they are in, or if they’re a “no tier” patron. If they have a “no tier” status in your Relationship Manager, send them this guide to help them with switching to another tier: How do I edit my membership?

Why do I have to edit every post to grant access to new tiers?
There’s currently no way to automatically grant new tiers access to back catalog posts. With the way that post access works, only the tiers you’ve selected will have access. Because your new tier(s) did not exist when you first published your post, they have to be granted once the tier is created.

Why can’t I move my patrons to my new tier for them?
It’s a security issue. Only patrons can decide which tier to join, and more importantly how much they’d like to be charged. We don’t want any surprise charges for patrons, and it can create a lot of confusion, and frustration if their membership changes without their consent/action. 

How do I get patrons to move tiers?
Giving your patrons a clear timeline of events is the best way to get folks to move to a new tier. Today, it's easy to dismiss notifications, and plan on reading messages "later." This is normal, so it's best to have a communication plan– giving patrons a month prior to the next billing cycle is optimal, and be prepared to remind them. Including a Special Offer with your new tier(s) is a great way to incentivize patrons to move fast. 

What's the difference between unpublishing and deleting a tier?
Unpublishing a tier only hides the tier from your page. Patrons who are in that tier, are still technically in that tier even if it's unpublished. Deleting a tier, completely removes it from your public page and your account.

How do I make the announcement?
We recommend making announcements in any spaces that your patrons are likely to find it– making a post is a great way to ensure all patrons have access to the information, and sending private messages with bulk messaging via your Relationship Manager adds a personal touch that can often inspire patrons to take action sooner. 

How much time should I give patrons?
A month's notice before the next billing cycle is optimal, so in the first few days of the month, after payments have processed. This gives both you, and your patrons time to prepare. 

If I retire my tier, what should I price my new tier at? 
You know your patrons best, and you know what it costs you to continue creating, and make income. If you're retiring a tier, we recommend setting your sights higher– if you're offering more exclusive benefits, or just more, it's worth more. Retiring a $1 tier? Think of what a $5 tier would offer. It might be better to have a few high-impact tiers that are priced higher, than a ton of tiers with very slight differences.