> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.unibee.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding multi phase subscriptions

# Understanding Multi-Phase Subscriptions

Multi-Phase Subscriptions allow a single subscription plan to move through multiple pricing stages over time. A plan can start with a trial, continue with one or more introductory phases, and then move into the main recurring plan.

This page explains the concept, the supported phase types, and the core rules.

## What it is

A Multi-Phase Subscription is a subscription plan that progresses through multiple stages in a defined order. Each phase can have its own duration, price, and billing behavior.

A simple example timeline looks like this:

| Phase              | Duration | Price      |
| ------------------ | -------- | ---------- |
| Trial              | 14 days  | Free       |
| Introductory phase | 3 months | \$9/month  |
| Main plan          | Ongoing  | \$29/month |

## When to use it

* Offer a free or paid trial before the main subscription starts.
* Create discounted introductory pricing for the first billing periods.
* Run launch, early-bird, or promotional pricing campaigns.
* Show customers a clear subscription timeline before and after purchase.

## Supported phase structure

| Phase type         | Description                                                   | Position                          |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Trial phase        | Optional first phase. Can be free or paid.                    | Always first if configured.       |
| Introductory phase | Optional promotional or onboarding phase with custom pricing. | After trial and before main plan. |
| Main plan          | The standard recurring subscription plan.                     | Always last.                      |

## Common use cases

| Use case                    | Example                                                     |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Free trial to standard plan | 14-day free trial, then \$29/month.                         |
| Paid trial to subscription  | 7-day paid trial for $3.99, then $29/month.                 |
| Introductory discount       | First 3 months at $9/month, then $29/month.                 |
| Multiple promotional phases | Trial, early-bird pricing, then standard recurring pricing. |

## Rules and limitations

* Only one trial phase is allowed per plan.
* A plan can include one or more introductory phases.
* The trial phase always appears first.
* The main plan always appears last.
* Introductory phases can be reordered before activation or publishing.
* After activation or publishing, the phase order becomes fixed.

## Next steps

* Learn how to build the timeline in [Creating Multi-Phase Plans](/documentation/multi-phase/creating-multi-phase-plans).
* See what customers see in [Customer Experience](/documentation/multi-phase/customer-experience).