10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Free Trials or Demos

Looking for new services or software? The best solution is to avail free trials and demos. These methods enable you to explore cautiously and avoid common mistakes. Whether you're trying to dip your toe in virtual assistant service or examine project management software, these trial periods facilitate your decision-making regarding a product that aligns with your needs. However, people are prone to errors that put a restriction to their ability to evaluate the service properly.

This blog throws light on how you can capitalize on your free trials and demos!

Not Defining Your Goals

Having a clear objective- be it trying to save time, increasing efficiency, or solving a specific problem, ensures you focus on the features that matter the most. So, before you dive in, clearly define what you want to achieve.

Skipping the Onboarding Process

Most free trials offer tutorials or onboarding sessions. Skipping these can mean missing out on critical features. Make sure you go through all available resources so you can maximize your trial experience.

Not Testing All the Features

It’s tempting to stick to basic features, but you need to explore everything. Make a checklist and test every feature, even those you might not think you’ll use right away. This gives you a complete view of the product’s potential.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

There is a common proverb - “The early bird gets the worm”.

So, don't wait till the eleventh hour of your trial to start testing. Give yourself more time to explore the service and make an informed decision. Rushing at the final hour might leave you overlooking key details.

Ignoring Customer Support

Feel free to reach out to customer support. During the trial period, they can -

• offer effective clarifications regarding any confusion
• provide valuable insights and
• guide you through any roadblocks you may encounter.

Overlooking Scalability

Consider your long-term needs. Can the service grow with you? Whether it's cloud storage or a project management tool, make sure the product will scale up if your requirements increase in the future.

Using the Trial Half-Heartedly

A half-hearted trial will give you a limited perspective. It’s important to have proper dedication to fully engage with the product and test it thoroughly. The more the effort, the better your evaluation will be!

Not Involving the Right Team Members

Get feedback from others who will actually use the service. A collaborative testing-strategy helps you attain a well-rounded view whether the service meets your team's requirements.

Failing to Compare Alternatives

Always give yourself options to explore more than one product to compare features, pricing, and support. This enables you to carefully consider the perfectly matched solution.

Forgetting to Cancel or Upgrade

Keep track of the trial expiration date. Set a reminder so you don’t miss your chance to cancel or upgrade, avoiding unexpected charges after the trial period ends.

Free Trial vs. Demo: Which One Should You Choose?

1. Free Trial: Perfect for those who want extended time-period and thorough exploration of the product. Ideal for testing scalability, long-term use, and experiencing all features.
2. Demo: Those who need a quick overview or guided introduction to a product, a demo is highly convenient. Those who have limited time or resources, demos allow them to make a quick comparison of options.

In What Scenarios is a Product Demo More Effective than a Free Trial?

Here are some scenarios when a demo proves to be more effective than a full trial:

• Limited Time: Demos offers a fast-paced guide of the product.
• Limited Access is Sufficient: A demo is ideal, if you just want to have a brief understanding of how the product works.
• Limited Resources: Demos are economical, requiring less time or money investment upfront.

Industries That Benefit from Demos More than Free Trials

Some industries benefit more from demos due to their nature:

• Enterprise Software: Complex tools can be too much to handle. A demo helps you perceive the production in a nutshell.
• Consulting or Service-Based: A demo can set precise parameters before committing, for those looking for personalized services.
• High-Cost Products: In industries like manufacturing, demos help prospects evaluate the product’s fit without requiring full access.

Conclusion

Free trials and demos offer the perfect opportunity for evaluating products and services before switching allegiance. By avoiding common mistakes and knowing the right time to choose a trial over a demo, you can make smart choices that benefit your business or personal needs.

If you’re considering a virtual assistant service, avail MyTasker’s exclusive trial. It’s the perfect way to experience how we can streamline your tasks and make your life easier.