Tactic 20 of 99
The Free Sample
Let them taste it and they’ll want the whole meal.
What it is
You let people experience part of the product for free. Reciprocity plus the endowment effect: once you’ve “had” something, losing it hurts more than never having it.
Spot it
Trials that auto-convert to paid, with cancellation hidden away. Card details demanded for a “free” trial, and the cancel button buried three menus deep.
Counter it
Set a calendar reminder the day you start the trial, for two days before it ends. On that day, ask one question: “Would I sign up for this at full price, today?” If not, cancel, even if you’ve enjoyed it. Losing it stings for a day. Paying for it stings every month.