Good Things Take Time

Last week, I was invited to contribute articles to a few fintech magazines. It felt like a small victory - a sign that consistency pays off.

For months, I’ve been writing, researching, and sharing my thoughts online, and now, people are starting to notice.

The fintech space in India is buzzing, and growing at a rapid pace, and being part of that conversation is opening new doors for me.

It’s proof that sticking with something, even when the results aren’t immediate, can lead to real rewards.

But it hasn’t all been easy. Finding the right people to connect with is trickier than it seems.

And then there are those who act like you owe them your time or attention just because they showed up. That’s where boundaries become essential.

You don’t have to say “yes” to every request. You don’t have to bend over backward just because someone expects it. In business - and in life - you get to set the rules.

And speaking of rules, there’s one area where too many SaaS companies drop the ball: transitioning from a free trial to a paid plan.

Done wrong, it’s a trap that can lead to angry customers, disputes, and even legal trouble. So let me share why this happens and how to get it right.

The Free Trial Trap That Can Get You Sued

Free trials are a fantastic way to hook new users - until they backfire. For example - a customer signs up for your SaaS product, loves it, but forgets to cancel before the trial ends.

Their card gets charged automatically. Seems like a standard process, right? Not quite.

They check their bank statement, spot a charge they don’t remember agreeing to, and suddenly they’re furious.

Next thing you know, they’re filing a dispute, demanding a refund, or - in the worst cases - threatening legal action.

And even if your terms of service mention auto-renewal, plenty of customers don’t read them.

And in some regions, charging without explicit, active consent is illegal. A vague “you agreed to this in the fine print” defense won’t always hold up.

So, what starts as a simple free trial can spiral into a costly chargeback or a courtroom headache.

The good news? You can avoid this mess entirely with a few smart, straightforward steps. Let me break them down for you.

How to Protect Yourself (and Your Customers) During Free Trials

The secret to a smooth free trial process is prioritizing clarity and consent. Here’s what I recommend you do:

1. Require an Explicit Opt-In Before Charging

Don’t assume customers want to keep going after the trial. Make them actively choose to subscribe by checking a box that says something like:  

Example - “I agree to be charged $X/month after the trial ends.”

No pre-ticked boxes. No sneaky fine print. Just a clear, unmissable choice.

This is about fairness. When customers opt-in deliberately, they can’t claim they were blindsided, and you’ve got a solid record of their agreement.

2. Send a Reminder Before Charging

A few days before the trial ends, send a simple, friendly email:  

Example - “Your trial ends in 3 days. If you want to continue, update your payment details here.”

This small gesture cuts down on “surprise” charges and the disputes that follow.

It’s a proactive way to show customers you’re not trying to pull a fast one.

Plus, it gives them an easy chance to opt-out if they’re not sold yet. Transparency like this builds trust - and reduces headaches.

3. Offer a No-Questions-Asked Refund Window

Even with reminders, some customers might miss the charge. So, offer a safety net:  

Example - “Not happy? We’ll refund your first payment within 7 days.”

This will help defuse frustration before it escalates. If a customer feels tricked or trapped, they’re more likely to fight back with a chargeback or a complaint.

But if you give them an easy out, you lower the tension and keep the relationship intact.

Bonus: it’s a goodwill move that might win them back later.

These steps do more than just protect you from legal risks because they also turn a free trial into a trust-building opportunity.

When customers see you’re upfront and respectful, they’re more likely to stick around. A free trial should feel like a gift, not a gotcha.

TL;DR Checklist

Now here's a quick rundown to keep your free trials drama-free:  

• Require explicit opt-in: Make customers actively agree to post-trial charges.  

• Send a reminder: Notify them a few days before the trial ends.  

• Offer a refund window: Give them 7 days to back out, no hassle.

Follow these, and you’ll dodge the traps while keeping customers happy.

Clarity and Consent: The Foundation of Lasting Success

In business, just like in life, good things take time.

Whether it’s grinding away at articles until fintech magazines take notice or guiding trial users into loyal customers, consistency is key.

But so is clarity. Setting boundaries - with pushy connections or unclear trial terms - lets you control the game.

When you’re upfront about what you offer and what you expect, you build trust. And trust is what turns fleeting opportunities into lasting wins.

So, here’s my final takeaway: don’t say “yes” to everything, and don’t leave your customers guessing.

Set the rules, communicate them clearly, and respect the power of consent. Do that, and the best things won’t just happen - they’ll stick around.