Use case
You've added a trial to one of your recurring services and want to know how it works for your client: what they pay at checkout, when the regular billing starts, and what they need to do to continue or cancel.
Note: Trials apply when the client pays by card through Stripe. To set one up, see How to create free or paid trials.
What clients see at checkout
Paid trial
The order summary shows the service with (Trial) and the trial amount, which the client pays today. Under Future payments, it shows the regular price, Starting from the day the trial ends, and the Total for renewal. The client enters their card and clicks Subscribe.
For example, a 7-day trial of a $1,200 monthly plan for $49: the client pays $49 plus taxes today, and $1,200 plus taxes every month from the day the trial ends.
Free trial
The order summary shows (Trial) with the trial length, for example "14 days of free trial", and a total of 0. The client still enters their card, but isn't charged until the trial ends. The button reads Start trial.
What gets charged when
Setup fee: if the service has one, it shows as 0 at checkout and is listed under Future payments. It is charged with the first regular payment.
Add-ons: on a free trial, add-ons show at 0 and are listed under Future payments. Add-ons aren't offered on paid-trial checkouts.
Discount coupons: a coupon lowers the paid trial amount only if it has Applies to paid trials turned on.
When does the billing cycle start?
The trial doesn't count as part of the regular billing cycle. The first regular payment is taken automatically when the trial ends, on the date shown next to Starting from at checkout. From then on, the client is billed every period.
For example, if a client starts a 14-day trial on October 2, their first regular payment is taken on October 16.
Is it opt-in or opt-out after the trial?
It's opt-out. The subscription continues automatically when the trial ends, and the client doesn't need to do anything. If they don't want to continue, they must cancel before the trial ends: in Settings > Profile and account > Subscription, they open the menu on the subscription card and click Cancel.
FAQ
What if the client pays by bank transfer?
Trials apply only to card payments through Stripe. If the client picks a manual payment method such as bank transfer, the checkout shows the regular price without the trial.
Does the client get a reminder before the trial ends?
No reminder email is sent automatically today. If you want to remind trial clients, do it from Messages or by email.