In business it can be easy to focus on individual sales, and talking about “the deal”. But companies who focus beyond individual transactions, and more on building ongoing relationships with those making the transaction, tend to be in business longer. Which is why those building customer-centric businesses in today’s environment are finding success offering subscription-based products and services.

Amir Elaguizy, CEO and co-founder of subscription commerce platform Cratejoy, shares his thoughts on why subscription business models are taking off, how they differ from more traditional transaction-focused business models, and how they are inherently more suited to capitalize on social networks like Instagram and Pinterest.