So, what motivated you to click the 'START YOUR TRIAL' button?
You've clicked the button, there's action on-screen, maybe an email or 2 have just arrived and you're in......
Great, but why did you start the trial in the first place?
For some people it might be the result of a purposeful search for a specific business or problem solution. For others it may be as result of a recommendation or perhaps even a casual scan online for possible future business improvements. Whatever the reason, the trial has started and the clock is ticking on the free period of use but the key question to ask yourself is, 'what do I now to make the most of the trial time remaining?'
Ways to maximise the benefits of your software trial
Uppermost in the majority business peoples' minds are usually questions such as:
- How much is it going to cost?
- Do I understand it?
- Will my field based staff understand it?
- Does it do what I'm looking for?
The first question is probably the easiest as it will usually be displayed somewhere on the software vendor's website or onscreen as part of the trial sign-up process - just make sure you have asked about any costs you are unsure about.
Just a word of caution before writing a solution off as 'too expensive' or thinking 'I'm sure I can get this cheaper elsewhere'. The truth is, until you have tried it and given it proper go, you just won't know if it is a good fit for your business. The trial is free which means there is no payment due from you, so the least you can do is use it and find out, you may be surprised!
A software solution that is 'free forever' or extremely cheap rarely works out in the end; important features may be missing and only available in a paid-for version, vendor support is often not available because in revenue terms, new unpaying users aren't bringing much to the table.
And similarly, where's the incentive for the vendor to build and foster a long-term working relationship with you that helps you solve bumps in the road you may encounter? Experience and good advice have a value to you and shouldn't be taken for granted as being 'free'.
As for 'will people understand it?' - again, there is simply no substitue for getting the solution into the hands of the staff - office, admin AND field - that would be using it day in and day out as part of their usual activities and get their honest feedback. Guessing or deciding on their behalf could turn out to be a terrible mistake and a hasty one at that.
Here's our top tips!
- To carry out a proper trial is a time & resource commitment – are you prepared, willing and have the capacity? If not, don't waste your time until you are ready.
- To adopt the solution commercially at the end of the trial is a financial commitment - are you prepared to pay, have you asked all the questions to make sure there are no unexpected extra costs down the line, how long are you locked in for and what does it look like financially to scale the solution up or down with more/less users or stop altogether?
- Decide what a successful trial outcome looks like. Is it a simple thumbs up from future staff users after they've used it during the trial? Have you tried it and been successful on live customer facing jobs? Have you identified any shortcomings and discussed possible options with the vendor? Indeed, can you even speak with the vendor?!
- Give the trial process your full support from the outset and don't leave it to others and just show up at the 11th hour with your own objections, be part of the trial journey. Decide which staff will be involved and sit down with them at the end and listen to their feedback.
- Be honest and fair with the vendor, don't simply stop communicating with them if you decide their's is not the solution for you. Feedback for them is vital if they are to improve their offering. The trial may be free to you but the vendor has many costs still to pay for even if you walk away at the end of their free offer to you. It's frustrating and potentially could create distrust if you go back to them later on.
Most trial set-up and onboarding processes are automated to ensure they work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But ultimately there are people creating and supporting the solution, and just like you, they need to make a living.
The take away message for a successful trial
Use the trial period to find out for sure the solution will benefit your business. Involve your staff and get their views. Communicate with the vendor and look to build a relationship - it doesn't have to be life long, just enough to help out when you need it to. Be fair and honest - all of us in business would welcome more of that!
Good luck!