Set up trial periods
Trials let a subscription start before the first regular charge. They affect checkout copy, support questions, Subscriptions reporting, and how finance interprets early campaign performance in Financial Overview.
Use trials when buyers need time to experience the product before the first paid renewal, and when support can explain trial end dates clearly.
When trials make sense
| Use trials when | Be cautious with trials when |
|---|---|
| Product value is clearer after onboarding | Checkout cannot explain first charge date clearly |
| Subscription retention strategy depends on trial conversion | Support is not ready for cancellation and billing questions |
| You can monitor trial status in Subscriptions | Margin is tight and chargebacks may rise without clear renewal copy |
| Trial length matches the product promise | You are also changing billing period during launch |
What trials affect
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Plans and offers | Trial length and post-trial billing attach to the offer |
| Checkout | Buyers need trial and renewal expectations near payment |
| Subscriptions | Trial status appears separately from active paid subscriptions |
| Overdue handling | Failed first charge after trial creates support load |
| Financial Overview | Trial activity can distort early revenue interpretation |
| Refunds and disputes | Buyers may dispute the first charge if renewal timing was unclear |
Setup workflow
- Confirm the product should use a subscription plan, not one-time pricing.
[Screenshot: Pricing model — subscription plan selected for the product.]
- Choose the billing period that applies after the trial.
[Screenshot: Plan settings — billing period set for post-trial renewals.]
- Open the plan or offer trial settings in plans and offers.
[Screenshot: Offer trial section — trial length field visible.]
- Define the trial length and billing behavior after the trial ends.
[Screenshot: Trial configuration — duration and first charge rule saved.]
- Save the offer and connect it to the intended checkout link.
[Screenshot: Offer saved — linked checkout link row visible.]
- Review checkout copy for trial start, first charge date, and cancellation expectations.
[Screenshot: Checkout builder — trial and renewal copy near payment action.]
- Publish checkout and preview mobile layout.
[Screenshot: Mobile preview — trial terms readable above pay button.]
- Test the buyer path from trial start through first charge when possible.
[Screenshot: Test subscription checkout — trial purchase submitted.]
- Confirm the subscription appears in Subscriptions with the expected trial state.
[Screenshot: Subscriptions list — trial status shown for test buyer.]
- Monitor trial conversions and overdue subscriptions after launch.
[Screenshot: Subscriptions filters — trial converted vs overdue counts.]
- Review trial reporting in Financial Overview before judging campaign performance.
[Screenshot: Financial Overview — trial vs paid revenue separated in report.]
What to verify before launch
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Buyers understand when the first charge happens | Reduces disputes and support tickets |
| Checkout shows trial and renewal terms clearly | Especially on mobile. See mobile checkout preview. |
| Support can find trial status in Subscriptions | Speeds ticket handling |
| Cancellation policy for trial users is documented | Pairs with subscription cancellation |
| Campaign links point to the trial offer intentionally | Avoids campaign attribution gaps |
| Delivery or access policy during trial is defined | See buyer access |
Best practices
- Keep trial language close to the payment action on checkout.
- Train support on trial status before launch week.
- Review trial and paid subscription filters separately in reporting.
- Use UTM conventions so trial campaigns remain readable.
- Pair trial launches with checkout design best practices.
Common mistakes
- Creating a trial on the wrong offer or checkout link.
- Hiding renewal date below long marketing sections.
- Judging ad performance only by revenue during trial-heavy launches.
- Assuming trial cancellation automatically matches product access policy.
- Explaining failed post-trial charges without checking card payment declines.
FAQ
Do trials affect revenue reporting?
Yes. Trial activity appears separately from regular subscription revenue. Review trial reporting in Financial Overview before judging campaign performance.
Can a trial be used on a one-time product?
Trials belong to subscription offers. Review one-time vs subscription pricing first.
What happens when the first charge after trial fails?
The subscription may move into overdue status and need support review.
Should I deactivate the trial offer after launch?
Use safely deactivate plans and offers only after reviewing links, funnels, and active subscriptions.
Related docs
- Complete a trial-to-paid conversion flow
- Complete a subscription checkout flow
- Create plans, offers, installments, and trials
- Choose subscription billing periods
- Manage subscriptions and cancellation workflows
- Manage overdue subscriptions and retries
- Choose one-time vs subscription pricing
- Pricing and offers overview