Introduction

In this summary, we explore the different free trial options available for users and workspaces within a platform, focusing on how to effectively manage and restrict free trials to prevent misuse.

The transcript provides insights into the distinctions between free trials for new users versus free trials for new workspaces, along with practical strategies to control these features.

This guide aims to clarify these concepts, highlight key settings, and suggest best practices for platform administrators.

Key Concepts and Settings

1. Free Trial for New Users

• Definition:
  A new user is someone who registers with a new email address and has not previously created an account on the platform.

• How it works:

  • When a user signs up with a brand-new email, they are eligible for a free trial.

  • The free trial is granted only once per user during their initial account creation.

  • This applies regardless of how many workspaces the user creates afterward.

• Practical Example:

  • A user creates their first workspace and activates the free trial.

  • If they later create additional workspaces, these are not eligible for a new free trial.

  • Instead, subsequent workspaces default to the free plan after the initial trial expires.

2. Free Trial for New Workspaces

• Definition:
  A workspace is a separate environment within a user account, often used for different projects or teams.

• How it works:

  • Every time a new workspace is created, it can be configured to automatically have a free trial.

  • This setting can be applied globally or restricted to only new users.

• Implication:

  • If enabled, multiple workspaces can each have their own free trial, even under the same user account.

  • This can potentially be exploited if users repeatedly create new workspaces to extend free access.

3. Managing and Limiting Free Trials

Practical Demonstration and Settings Adjustment

• Creating a new workspace:

  • When a user creates a second workspace, it defaults to the free plan if the initial free trial has expired.

  • To prevent abuse, platform administrators can restrict free trials to only new users.

• Switching between options:

  • Option 1: Enable free trial for new users only

    • Ensures that only the first-time user gets a free trial, regardless of how many workspaces they create later.

  • Option 2: Enable free trial for each new workspace

    • Grants free trial access per workspace, which can be exploited if not carefully managed.

• Implementation tip:

  • To close loopholes, administrators should prefer the "new users only" setting, preventing users from repeatedly exploiting free trials by creating new workspaces.

Summary

Summary of Best Practices:

• Limit free trials to new users to prevent repeated exploitation.

• Configure platform settings accordingly, based on your business model and user management strategy.

• Monitor workspace creation patterns to identify potential abuse.

• Communicate clearly to users about trial limitations to maintain transparency.

Final Thoughts

Managing free trial options effectively is crucial for balancing user acquisition and business sustainability. By understanding the distinctions between free trials for new users and free trials for new workspaces, platform administrators can implement policies that maximize benefits while minimizing misuse. Proper configuration of these settings ensures a fair and controlled environment, fostering trust and long-term growth.