Is there a way to do a trial WITHOUT collecting the credit card info?
We really would like people to trial without putting their credit card info in and then sending them reminders about their trial ending and have them pay if they want to continue.
Many of the people that sign up forget or their life changes and do not want to continue. However, since the charge gets processed (cuz many, many people don't actually read their emails), we keep having to refund money and that is costing us money.
I prefer the model purchasing with 14 (or 7) days guarantee of money back... After that time purchase is fixed and no refund available...
I prefer to be clear on purchases (forms). Buy ONLY if you're sure you want/like this product/service. No refund. Any case.
We're adults...
It's a good point to consider. I like getting the payment information up front because it demonstrates real intent to buy and eliminates the tire-kickers who want something for free, but aren't motivated to purchase.
I agree with Jose Luis Duron about no refunds. It costs money to process the sale and it costs money to process the refund. That leaves you holding the bag because someone never considered (or cared) that you're out of pocket for their whim of a trial period.
So a no-payment trial gets around that, but it also gives a trial to people who were never going to be your customers.
I don't offer refunds because I've been burned and lost money too many times in the past from people who weren't customers; they were tire-kickers. I decided that I don't need them, and I'm unwilling to keep paying my payment processor for their actions.
Presently, I have a free tier and a paid tier. You have to start at the free tier. That's the trial. It gives folks a small taste without costing me money to process payment and refunds.
I understand both Jose Luis Duron and William Beem points. In general, I don't think it is ever a good idea for plugins to make business decisions.
There is a very good BUSINESS reason to give an extended trial. The expected rate of people staying in the program is actually low. Those that stay are VERY committed. Those that leave aren't usually ready or it isn't a fit for their life. Once again, it's a business decision that is dependent on the industry and offer, which should not be decided by the plugin.
Wendy Perkins Shoef "Many of the people that sign up forget or their life changes and do not want to continue." In that case you can have a clause on your T&C clarifying that if somebody wants to leave "the program", they have to cancel before the charge or next cycle.
It's a "standard" in the online business industry (infoproducts, digital products, etc.).
BTW, I only shared my POV. Best regards.
Jose Luis Duron Oh yes... we for certain have that stated. I appreciate your comments.
For our case, it's just the reality of people. We get people who do finally commit months or years later. In wellness, people sometimes aren't actually ready when they purchase initially. But when they have a bad taste in their mouth from an unwanted transaction, they aren't likely to return to us when they are indeed ready to make changes in their life.