
Proof to Product 422 | How Athletic Brewing Doubled Subscriptions — And How You Can Apply It with Katie Hunt
Dec 9, 2025
Explore how Athletic Brewing revolutionized their subscription model by transforming it into a VIP lifestyle experience. Discover how they foster community through exclusive perks rather than mere discounts. Learn about the impact of user-generated content and how preorder inventory enhances customer loyalty. Katie shares actionable D2C strategies, from low fees to early access benefits, and suggests a VIP club for wholesale partners with enticing perks. This approach encourages businesses to adapt and innovate for greater success.
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Membership As A Lifestyle, Not A Discount
- Athletic Brewing positioned subscriptions as a VIP lifestyle experience rather than a discount program.
- That reframing drove a 100% increase in D2C subscription sales in 2025 by making membership about belonging and perks.
Charge A Small Fee And Lead With Perks
- Charge a small annual fee and lead with non-financial perks like early access, surprise drops, and member events.
- Emphasize community benefits in marketing and only mention savings as a secondary message tied to larger orders.
Exclusivity Fuels UGC And Hype
- VIP framing fuels user-generated content and social momentum around limited flavor launches.
- Members create unboxing videos and reviews that amplify demand and make launches feel exclusive.
