Promises are devices used to build and maintain trust; however, they can also damage trust and reputation when broken. This study investigates “partial promises”. Partial promises are non-binding statements, considered as escape routes that provide wriggle room for individuals who are doubtful about fulfilling their promise or have no intentions of doing so. They are an alternative mechanism to build trust. Building and sustaining trust during ambiguous interactions and constantly changing external environments is challenging. This is an economics experiment that investigates individuals trusting behaviour and we aim to provide an alternative mechanism to build trust during times of uncertainty.