Overview

Thinking about trying Big Cartel? Whether you're exploring the platform or you've already started your trial, this guide explains how the trial works, what's included, and what to expect before choosing a paid plan.

How does the Big Cartel trial work?

Big Cartel offers a 7-day free trial of the monthly Platinum plan, giving you full access to its premium features so you can build your shop, start selling, and decide if it's the right fit for your business.

Here's how it works:

• Your trial begins as soon as you sign up and add a valid credit card.
• Your credit card is required to start the trial, but you won't be charged until your 7-day trial ends.
• During your trial, you can upgrade, downgrade, or switch to an annual billing interval at any time.
• If you decide Big Cartel isn't right for you, simply cancel or downgrade before your trial ends to avoid being charged.

What's included in the trial?

Your trial includes access to all of the features available with the Platinum plan, so you can experience everything Big Cartel has to offer before subscribing.

During your trial, you can:

• Access all 12 shop templates
• Accept in-person payments using the Big Cartel mobile app
• Connect print-on-demand services like Printful, Printify, and Art of Where
• Use third-party integrations
• Track inventory
• Add more products and product images
• Connect a custom domain
• Sell digital products and subscriptions

You'll be able to build your shop just as you would on a paid plan, making it easy to decide whether Platinum is the right fit for your business.

Can I start selling during my trial?

Yes! Your shop is fully functional during your trial.

You can:

• Accept orders from customers
• Connect Stripe, PayPal, or both to process payments
• Launch your shop and begin selling immediately

If you later choose to downgrade to the free plan, keep in mind that you'll lose access to Platinum-only features. Any features that aren't available on your new plan, such as custom domains or digital products, will no longer be active until you upgrade again.

What happens when my trial ends?

If you don't make any changes before your trial expires, your monthly Platinum subscription will automatically begin, and the credit card you provided when starting your trial will be charged.

If you choose to downgrade instead:

• Your order history and shop data are preserved.
• You'll retain access to any features included with your new plan.
• If you downgrade or your payment fails, premium features will be disabled until you upgrade again.

If you close your shop entirely, your shop data is not preserved.

Choosing a plan after your trial

When your 7-day trial ends, billing begins for the monthly Platinum plan unless you've changed your subscription beforehand.

You have plenty of flexibility throughout your trial and beyond:

• Upgrade or switch billing intervals: You can change to an annual plan or another paid plan at any time during your trial.
• Downgrade: Downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
• Upgrade later: Paid plan upgrades take effect immediately and are prorated based on your current subscription.

You can change your plan whenever your business needs change.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a credit card to start a trial?

Yes. A valid credit card is required to start your free trial. You won't be charged until your trial ends.

How long is the trial?

The Big Cartel trial lasts 7 days.

Can I cancel my trial?

Yes. You can cancel or downgrade at any time during your trial before your first payment is processed.

Will I be charged automatically?

Yes. Unless you cancel or downgrade before your trial ends, your credit card will automatically be charged for the monthly Platinum subscription.

Can I change plans during my trial?

Absolutely. You can upgrade, downgrade, or switch to annual billing at any time during your trial.

Can I use my own domain during the trial?

Yes. You can connect and use a custom domain during your trial. If you later downgrade to the free plan, your custom domain will be disconnected until you upgrade to a plan that supports it.

Can I start selling immediately?

Yes. Once you've connected a payment processor like Stripe or PayPal, you can begin accepting orders right away.

Can I extend my trial?

We don't currently offer trial extensions. If you need more time before subscribing, you can continue using your shop on the free Gold plan to explore the platform at your own pace. Keep in mind that some premium features included with the Platinum trial aren't available on the free plan.

Learn more

Looking for help getting your shop set up? Check out these guides:

• Getting started
• Adding products
• Choosing a template
• Setting up payments
• Setting up shipping
• Comparing Big Cartel plans

Still have questions? We're here to help. If you have any questions about your trial, choosing a plan, or setting up your shop, don't hesitate to contact our support team. We'll be happy to point you in the right direction and help you get the most out of Big Cartel.