Trial Periods in SaaS: Why Flexibility Matters

29 April 2025

In the ever-evolving world of SaaS, free trials have become the standard starting point for businesses considering new products. But all too often, these trials are short, limited in scope, and don’t allow users to test what really matters.

At Docmosis, we’ve come to see the trial phase as something beyond a marketing tactic. It’s a critical stage of getting to know the product, so that users can make an informed and confident choice to integrate it with their organisation’s operations.

We believe that businesses should be given the time and flexibility they need to properly evaluate software in their own environment. That means no artificial limits, no stripped-back versions, and certainly no pressure to decide within an arbitrary window.

To demonstrate our commitment to that philosophy, at Docmosis we offer an initial 30-day free trial, which we are happy to extend as needed.

Why some businesses choose to extend

Many SaaS trials last 14 days and often come with feature restrictions or usage limits. It’s an organised and streamlined process for the provider aiming for a quick sales conversion, but it can leave a potential customer with unanswered questions about the suitability of the software.

The truth is, the best way to evaluate software is in real-world conditions.

Projects get delayed. Team members change. Priorities shift. Businesses with complex workflows or compliance-heavy requirements – such as those in banking and finance – need time to demonstrate how a solution performs under their specific conditions. Other businesses might need approval from multiple stakeholders, which naturally can take time.

For many businesses we work with, the need for large-scale document generation is a key consideration, which is why we ensure they can run load tests while trialing the Docmosis software.

We want customers to be able to make an informed decision without the restrictions commonly associated with SaaS trials.

Rethinking what a trial should be

The idea of extending a trial might seem simple, but it speaks to something broader. It reflects a shift away from the one-size-fits-all approach that’s common in SaaS. It’s about recognising that software decisions are made in the context of business priorities, technical constraints, and long-term planning.

At Docmosis, we view the trial period as more than just an opportunity to evaluate the software; it’s a chance for businesses to assess the level of customer support they can expect as an ongoing customer. Whether they’re in the initial 30-day trial, extending their evaluation, or fully onboarded, our technical team offers users the same level of assistance.

Ultimately, the unique trial model at Docmosis is about empowering our customers in their choice. But it also lays the groundwork for a strong relationship from the outset, fostering trust and long-term confidence in the partnership.

It’s an approach that could help other SaaS providers looking to build meaningful, lasting connections with their customers.