> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/en/dashboard/dashboard/user/paying_user.md).

# Active buyers

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See how many purchasing users are actually active. The trend in active buyers gives you a quick diagnosis of your store's current state.
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## What are active buyers?

* Do you know MAU (Monthly Active Users)? It refers to the number of unique users who used a service during a month, and it's widely used in commerce, games, and other businesses that need visitor analysis.
* Laplace calculates and visualizes '**the number of unique users who purchased at least once during the period**': think of this as 'active buyers'.
* MAU usually covers only a single month, but Laplace calculates active buyers not only for a given month but for any period you choose.

{% hint style="info" %}
**How do you know a user is unique?**

Laplace uses its own advanced algorithm to combine various user information (ID, email, etc.) and identify each individual user as accurately as possible.
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## How to use the chart

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For common board features such as the date range, filters, and card menu, see [Using the dashboard › Analysis board guide](/guide/en/dashboard/dashboard.md#board).
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1. In the left rail, go to **Dashboard** › **User Analysis** in the navigation panel › **Active buyers**. In the first row of the filter bar, choose the date range and unit.

   ![Active buyers board: filter bar date range · unit](https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1769780d2b7d69691fd5ee9a48904725eb374930%2Fdashboard__dashboard__user__paying_user__01.png?alt=media)

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* **Unit:** Available as **Daily** · **Weekly** · **Monthly** · **Quarterly** · **Yearly** (default **Monthly**).
* **Date range:** Select the period of data to visualize. By default, the last 3 months (the 1st of two months ago \~ today) are shown.
  {% endhint %}

2. In the **Only show what?** row, select **Sales channel** · **Brand**.

   ![Only show what? row: Sales channel · Brand · Advanced filter](https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b63fffb3f87ae362c0f2d6afbd5f4dfcc2f0ab08%2Fdashboard__dashboard__user__paying_user__02.png?alt=media)
3. Set the churn criterion in **Churn window** at the end of the first row of the filter bar. The default is the last 3 periods (3 months if the unit is **Monthly**).

   ![Churn window field](https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c926467ccc7f90038e26551e7a8a1fa7ecb0bc4f%2Fdashboard__dashboard__user__paying_user__03.png?alt=media)

{% hint style="info" %}
If the churn criterion is 3 months: users who haven't purchased in the 3 months up to the selected month are classified as churned. e.g.) With a 3-month churn criterion and May 2022 as the reference month: a user who purchased in January 2022 and has no purchases since is not an active buyer as of May 2022 (churned).
{% endhint %}

4. In **What to chart?**, choose the metrics to chart and the **Chart** type. The table below shows the same values by period.

   ![Active buyers · Payment User Number card: chart and table below](https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4d8c924ccc48b9357bca7b89039c107a9309bbb4%2Fdashboard__dashboard__user__paying_user__04.png?alt=media)

{% hint style="info" %}

* The table shows **Active buyers** · **Payment User Number** · **First purchase user count** · **Repurchase user count** · **Churned users** · **Expected churn rate** by period.
* By default, the chart draws active buyers as a line.
* Ratio metrics such as **Expected churn rate** are shown with **%**.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**I'm not sure how to set the churn criterion**

The churn criterion can be set in various ways depending on your business. The most effective is a criterion that matches your store's 'purchase cycle'. For details on purchase cycles, see the [Purchase cycle analysis guide](/guide/en/dashboard/dashboard/user/order_cycle.md).
{% endhint %}

## Request help from your dedicated manager

Having trouble using the dashboard?

Contact us through the inquiry page below or by email. Your dedicated manager will help you.

> 💬 [Contact us on our website](https://www.analytics.laplacetec.com/contact)

**Email:** [**product@laplacetec.com**](mailto:product@laplacetec.com)