Value of Automated/Subscription Billing?

[Trodda]

We already take credit card payments on our site and are looking to implement an automated credit card billing solution. Customers will first opt in, and their cards billed an amount whenever their balance reaches a low threshold.

Anyone got any historical data to support implementation of such a solution?
e.g. credit revenue revenue increased by X% after 1 year. or # of transactions increased by X% etc.

[RailMan]

repeat billing is brilliant - its a no brainer - if you have any form of site that can use repeat billing, use it

[Trodda]

Yea, I know it and you know it, Railman. But management (bless their hearts).....want numbers!

[RailMan]

in that case management need replacing with competent and intelligent management - replacing with people who can see the blindingly obvious

like i said, it's a no brainer - they don't need numbers at all
it doesn't cost any more to use repeat billing so why ask for numbers?

do they want customers to make one single payment (for say one month) and maybe never pay again? or would they prefer people to make 12 payments in a year (without any hassle)? maybe they'd like people to stay on as members for 2-3 years or more?