Are Free Trials for iPhone Downloads, Risky?

12 Feb

What we wonder is : would you be more likely to give free trials a go if you knew you were not going to be charged at the end of the free trial period?

quiz

There are several ways of getting free downloads for our iPhones. Now, by downloads, we mean: music, movies and TV shows, videos, games, wallpapers, ringtones, and software.

Once Apple set up the APPs store in iTunes, it was difficult for developers to make free trials available to us. (The iTunes store is just not set up for it).

TrueFlirt Litespacer2.jpgThe development of free “lite” versions of an app (mostly for games – but there are plenty of other lite apps)) has been one way developers get us to try out their product (but this is an expensive and potentially self defeating way to promote a product – in many cases iPhoners have enthusiastically downloaded the lite version of a game and not purchased the full version).

“Free trials” of other software products on the internet typically take three forms:

1) Download the software and get limited-time free trial. At the end of the free trial period the software ceases to function and a pop-up of some sort will let us know how to purchase the software).
2) After providing credit card details, the full version of the software is available for free trial for a limited period ( usually from 5 to 30 days). At the end of the free trial period the user is automatically charged the full price of the software unless they cancel their subscription.

3) Download a limited (“lite”) version of the software for free and unlimited use. The full version being available at a price.

MobileMe IconThe purpose of these free trials is to get us to use and appreciate the product and so to eventually to purchase it. The benefit to us is that we do get to try a lot of great free products out. Often only needing the free trial version. The internet is great for this.

But- and here is the rub – the second method is very popular. Apple itself offers free trials of its own software – and it does not offer the “lite” version. Take Mobileme – this is a handy App that Apple has developed to allow our iPhones to be synced to our computers. The free trial period is for an extraordinarily generous 60 days. Then:

After your 60-day free trial, you will be charged an annual subscription fee of $99.00 (plus applicable tax). To avoid these charges, you may cancel your membership at any time during the trial period by going to Account Options section of me.com.

Think you will remember to do this 60 days after you download the free trial? And that, of course, is the risk with these types of free trials! And one reason why many avoid this type of promotion. I know I have paid the price of forgetfulness more than once!