I’m also thinking that the price disparity plays a part. Going from $4.95 to $142.05 is big jump. Those two prices points attract totally different customers.

Whereas maybe a $27 product that goes on a $4.95 trial, people don’t feel the ‘pinch’ too much when the 2nd payment comes along.

I have never tried this type of promotion. I think it is good for ‘membership’ sites or physical products (as you say) because if the buyer doesn’t want to continue, you actually cancel something and the buyer loses out.

Did you have a higher refund rate than normal with the trial?

Maybe turn your ‘downloadable’ product into a physical one.

Andrew