Free Trials Online - Tips to Buy With Confidence

Free trials are offered by advertisers to increase awareness of a product and to acquire new customers. If you want hands-on experience using a product or service before you buy, free trials provide a way to compare and evaluate features. Following a few guidelines can help you use free trials smoothly.
First, read advertising closely to determine if the offer is a 'free' or 'risk-free' trials. 'Free trials' typically do not require a purchase commitment, whereas 'risk-free' trials require a purchase followed by a time period in which you can get a full refund for any reason. Advertisers will provide easy access to 'terms and conditions'. Often, this is a link in the footer of the web page with the offer.
Some advertisers may offer a product for free, but charge a small fee for shipping and handling to cover costs. In general, this fee should never be more than $10, but could vary depending on the weight and the value of the product. This is still a bargain, as you are able to try a new product for significantly less than an outright purchase.
There are many reasons why legitimate advertisers will ask for a credit card number upfront before beginning the free trial; this does not mean the card will be charged. First, advertisers want to attract qualified, interested buyers. Confirming a credit card establishes that a potential customer has the means to purchase the product. Also, merchants can use credit card systems to confirm address information, another way to validate any information provided by a potential consumer.
Carefully note usage terms for the 'free' period. Most trials are good for a certain time period, or a specific number of uses. Using a free reminder service widely available on the internet is a good idea to remember to cancel if no longer interested in the product. Also, confirm if the trial will auto-renew or if payment requires manual intervention to continue.
Free trials are a great way to gain confidence about a product or service before you buy. Taking a couple of minutes to fully understand the terms and conditions of a trial offer will yield a smooth experience.