> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://trybee-try-before-you-buy.gitbook.io/trybee-try-before-you-buy-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://trybee-try-before-you-buy.gitbook.io/trybee-try-before-you-buy-docs/trybee-try-before-you-buy/how-to-configure-the-trial-period-in-trybee.md).
# How to configure the trial period in TryBee?
### Getting Started with TryBee: Enable Risk-Free Shopping in Minutes
**TryBee** empowers **Shopify merchants** to offer a structured **Try Before You Buy** experience, **reducing** purchase hesitation, **lowering** cart abandonment, and **increasing** conversion rates. By allowing customers to **test products** at home for **7–30 days** with a small upfront charge, you create **trust-driven buying** experiences while maintaining **full control** over **payments, inventory,** and **returns.**
**Ready** to **supercharge** your store?🤔 Follow this **quick setup** guide to launch **TryBee** in **minutes.**
### Setup Requirements
Before activating **TryBee,** ensure the following **prerequisites** are in place:
* An active **Shopify store** (any plan).
* **Store Owner** or **Admin access** (required for permissions and theme integration).
* [**TryBee**](https://apps.shopify.com/trybee-try-before-you-buy) installed via the **Shopify App Store**.\
* A configured **payment gateway** (e.g., Shopify Payments or Stripe) to securely process deposits and post-trial charges.
### Step-by-Step Onboarding Guide
Once installed, the **TryBee** dashboard presents a **guided onboarding** flow. Each step builds the **operational foundation** of your **trial program.**
### Step 1: Configuring Your Try Before You Buy Plan
When you click **Setup Plan**, you are redirected to the **Try Before You Buy Plan page.**
It is where you define the **operational structure** of your **trial program**, including **trial timelines**, **authorization limits**, **product eligibility**, and **customer purchase rules.**
Each section below determines how your **Try Before You Buy** experience **functions** for **customers** and how **payments** are authorized and captured.
1. #### Trial Settings:
Configure the **trial periods** and **authorization timeline**
This section defines the complete lifecycle of a **trial order**, from **order creation** to **final payment capture** or **return completion.**
* **Pre-Trial Period**
(From order creation to trial beginning)
The **Pre-Trial Period** acts as a **buffer** between **order placement** and the start of the **customer’s trial.**
* This **duration** typically accounts for **shipping** and **delivery time.**
* The **trial clock** begins once **delivery** is **confirmed.**
* If **delivery confirmation** is not detected, the trial will **automatically** begin after the defined **pre-trial duration.**
* **Trial Period**
This is the core **“try at home”** duration.
* Defines **how many days customers** can **test** the product.
* During this period, only the **checkout fee** is **charged.**
* If the customer does not **initiate a return** before the **trial ends**, the **remaining** balance is **automatically captured.**
* **Return Period**
The Return Period begins after the **trial period ends**.
* Specifies the **maximum number** of days **allowed** to complete the **return process.**
* This gives customers a **structured grace window.**
* If the return period is **disabled** (checkbox selected), customers must **return items** within the **trial window** only.
Important:\
The total authorization duration =\
**Pre-Trial Period + Trial Period + Return Period**
This total determines how long **payment authorization** remains valid before **final charge or release**.
* **Total Authorization Period**
**Displayed automatically** at the bottom of the section.
This is the combined duration of all **configured timelines.** It ensures your payment gateway maintains **authorization coverage** for the entire trial lifecycle.
2. ### Try Before You Buy Rules:
This section controls **purchase limits** and **prevents misuse.**
**Maximum Products Per Order**
Defines how many **trial-eligible products** a customer can include in a **single order.**
* The limit is displayed to customers in the **Try Before You Buy popup.**
* The restriction is **enforced** during **checkout.**
3. ### Pay Just X Now:
Configure the **upfront checkout charge**
This section determines what customers **pay at checkout** when selecting **Try Before You Buy.**
You can choose between:
* **Percentage (%)**
* **Fixed Amount ($)**
**Checkout Charge Amount**
Set the amount customers must **pay at** **checkout.**
Example:
* 20% of product price Or $5 fixed charge
This amount is:
* Charged immediately at **checkout**
* **Refunded** if the product is returned
* **Deducted** from the total if the customer keeps the item
How it works:
* The **customer pays** the defined portion **upfront.**
* If they keep the **product → remaining balance** is automatically charged at the **end of the trial.**
* If they **return the product** → only the defined **fee rules apply** (based on your configuration).
**Strategic consideration:**\
A small upfront fee **reduces fraudulent orders** while keeping entry friction low.
## 4. Selected Items
Choose which products are **eligible** for **Try Before You Buy**
This section determines **product eligibility.**
You have two options:
* ### Include All Products
**Enables** **Try Before You Buy** for your entire catalog.
* Every product becomes **trial-eligible.**
* Ideal for stores fully committed to **trial-based selling.**
* ### Include Specific Products
Allows selective activation.
* Only **chosen products** will display the Try Before You Buy option.
* Useful for testing the feature with **specific categories** or **high-margin products.**
* Helps **reduce inventory risk** during **initial rollout.**
**Note:** If you experience an error while selecting **Specific Products,** scroll to the top of the **Try Before You Buy Plan** page and click **Cancel Subscription**. After confirming the cancellation, **recreate a new campaign** and configure the product selection again. This typically resolves **temporary configuration conflicts.**
After completing these steps, click on **Save**. Once **saved**, your **Try Before You Buy** structure becomes active and immediately applies to selected products.
### Step 2: Select Products Eligible for Trials
Defining **product** **eligibility** allows you to control **inventory exposure**, monitor performance, and strategically introduce the Try Before You Buy model before expanding across your full catalog.
If **product eligibility** was already configured in a **previous step,** you may skip this section and simply click **Mark as Done**. Otherwise, follow the steps below to proceed.
#### Configuration Instructions:
1. Click **Select Products** to access the eligibility settings.
2. Choose how you would like to **apply the trial feature**:
3. **All Products**: **Enables Try Before You Buy** across your entire store catalog.
4. **Specific Products or Collections:** Limits eligibility to selected items or collections, allowing for **controlled rollout** (e.g., apparel, beauty, premium products).
5. **Review** your selected items to confirm **accuracy.**\
6. Click **Save** Settings to apply changes instantly.
A phased or category-based rollout enables you to evaluate **operational efficiency**, **monitor customer behavior,** and optimize the **trial structure** before scaling store-wide.
### Step 3: Activate the “Try Before You Buy” Button
**Note:** This step is **optional**. If the **widget/block** is **not visible** on your storefront, complete the **following steps** to properly display it on the frontend.
This step **enables** the **customer-facing trial** option on **eligible product pages,** making the Try Before You Buy program **visible** and **accessible to shoppers**.
#### Activation Instructions
1. From the **TryBee dashboard**, click **Activate Extension**.
2. You will be redirected to your **Shopify Theme Embed** settings.
3. Locate **TryBee** in the list of available app embeds.
4. Ensure the **toggle** is **switched ON.**
5. Click **Save** to apply the changes.
Once **saved**, the **Try Before You Buy button** will **appear** on all **eligible product pages.**
Activating the **extension** ensures customers can clearly see and select the **Try Before You Buy** option while **browsing your products**.
### Step 4: Add the Product Page Block
Ensures prominent **placement** of the **trial button**, especially on custom or heavily modified themes.
**Steps:**
1. From the TryBee dashboard, click on **Add Block.**
1. It will redirect you to the **Default Product Page.**
3. Click **Add Block → Try Before You Buy.**
4. Position it above or below the **Add to Cart button**.
5. **Save** your changes.
Strategic placement **increases visibility** and improves **trial engagement.**
### Step 5: Add the Customer Account Block
Adding the **Customer Account Block** gives shoppers **clear visibility** into their **active trials**. From their account area, customers can review trial status, track payments, and manage return requests, reducing support inquiries while **improving transparency** and trust.
#### Activation Instructions
1. From the **TryBee Dashboard**, click **Add Customer Account Block.**
2. You will be redirected to the **Order Status / Customer Account** customization page in Shopify.
3. Under the Apps section, locate **TryBee**: **Try Before You Buy.**
You will see two available blocks:
* TryBee: **Order Status**
* TryBee: **Customer Portal**
4. Click the **“+”** icon next to **each block** to add them to the layout.
5\. Click on **add to** **order status** to add **TryBee Order Status** and then **Save** it.
6\. Click on **Accounts** to add the **TryBee Customer Portal page** and then click on **Save**.
5. **Position** them appropriately within the page structure.
#### Optional: Add TryBee to the Customer Account Menu
To improve accessibility:
1. Select the **Customer Portal block**.
2. Click **Add to Menu.**\
3. **Save** your changes.\
This ensures customers can directly access the **TryBee portal** from their account **navigation menu.**
Once enabled, customers will be able to:
* **View active** and **completed trials**
* Monitor **payment timelines**
* **Initiate** or **track returns**
* **Manage** their **Try Before You Buy orders** independently
Properly configuring this section strengthens the post-purchase experience and supports a self-service workflow for trial management.
### Final Verification
Before going live:
1. Open an **eligible product page** and confirm the **trial button** is **visible.**
2. Simulate checkout to **validate fee logic.**
3. Check the TryBee dashboard to confirm test trial data appears correctly.
Once **verified**, your program is **fully operational.**
### You’re Ready to Launch
With **TryBee configured,** your store can now offer structured home **trials** that convert **cautious browsers** into confident buyers. Monitor early performance in the dashboard and refine **product eligibility** or **fee structures** as needed.
If you **need assistance**, you can contact our **support team** directly through the **in-app chat** within the dashboard or [**schedule a call**](https://calendly.com/talk-to-specialist/30min) with one of our **experts** for **personalized guidance.**