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Trial Models That Don’t Suck

Most software trials are broken. Not because the product is bad — but because the timing model makes no sense.

Time-based trials (e.g. 7-day or 30-day) assume a user is ready to evaluate immediately, will stay focused for a fixed period, and will come back daily. That’s not how real life works.

This doc proposes better models, grounded in real usage patterns and user trust.

1. The Problem with Time-Based Trials​

“All the damn trials have run out.” — Me (LinkedIn article)

  • Users often download multiple tools at once while evaluating solutions.
  • They may not need your tool right now, but will need it later.
  • When they return weeks or months later, they’re locked out — and that goodwill is lost.

Trials based on the calendar clock out users before they even start. It’s disrespectful and inefficient.

2. Usage-Based Trials: The Better Way​

Let users access your product for:

  • 200 hours of active use
  • 500 interactions
  • 100 renders / exports / uploads

These trials:

  • Respect the user’s timeline
  • Align with actual engagement
  • Build more trust

Let people evaluate your product until the are regular users of it, until it becomes part of their workflows. This is when it actually has value to them.

3. Hybrids: Smart + Fair​

Some smarter models include:

  • ❌ Time cap + ✅ Usage buffer (e.g. 2 years or 100 hours, whichever is later)
  • ✅ One-time purchases with expiry (e.g. $5/mo for 90 days, like Photopea)
  • ✅ Credits that roll over if paid

Let the user try you. Don’t trap them. Loyalty grows from respect.

Photopea even calls out that there is no subscription, just a one-time payment, thus lowering the resistance to sign up for premium.

Photopea Premium Option

4. Freemium + “Drug Dealer” Model​

Give the base away. Let users get addicted. Charge for:

  • Collaboration
  • Export
  • Volume
  • Automation

If it delivers enough value, then they'll pay to keep it.

Best combo:

  • Freemium core
  • Usage-based premium trial
  • Transparent, flexible pricing

5. Final Note​

Your trial model is part of your brand. If your trial feels like a trap, your product will too.

Build something people come back to — and let them come back. That’s how you earn customers, not just signups.