OT- Selling Software Rant, "can i try before i buy" aka get it for free? Options

[JB 914]

RANT ON

Ok this has been bothering me for a long time. Why is it that people expect to get software for free? a "trial version" that they attempt to use forever?

I work for myself and develop medical practice management software. I feel i have a good niche solution. It's not for every doctor, but, it works as advertised, it's affordable and customizable.

If i go to a doctor i can't ask "Gee doc, tell you what. i'm just not sure how i'm going to feel about your consult. Why don't you give me a "trial consult" at no charge. I'll pester you with phone calls and emails over the next two weeks about your treatment/recommendations. If i like you, i'll make sure to tell all my friends" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

there is a expectation in society that software is "free"

I'd be willing to bet that i have 2 times as many actual users vs. paid users. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

I've done everything i can to protect the software without making it a total PITA to use/install.

Unfortunately some of my software is "add in" to existing software. Which leaves me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sheeplove.gif) for users that want a 5 finger discount. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

My experience is when a user asks for a "trial" they are simply asking for "free"

Users that say "If i like it, i'll tell all my friends". Translation: I don't want to pay.

Trial versions turn into "trial questions" and "trial customization"

RANT OFF

[orthobiz]

If i go to a doctor i can't ask "Gee doc, tell you what. i'm just not sure how i'm going to feel about your consult. Why don't you give me a "trial consult" at no charge. I'll pester you with phone calls and emails over the next two weeks about your treatment/recommendations. If i like you, i'll make sure to tell all my friends" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Hey, I like that doctor example! As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see people all the time who come in for treatment and advice and either don't pay or have expired insurance, etc. etc. ?Cost of doing business?

Because I render a service, it's hard to reel it in and take it back. Although, I did think of an ortho repo service: if you don't pay for that total hip, I come to your house AND TAKE IT BACK! (gotta be a movie in there somewhere).

Does your software run on a Mac? Maybe I'd be interested. And I'm at a stage in my life where I have registered copies of every little thing AND I couldn't live with myself if I ripped someone off (happened too many times to me to do that to another human being).

I feel your pain.

Paul

[JB 914]

If i go to a doctor i can't ask "Gee doc, tell you what. i'm just not sure how i'm going to feel about your consult. Why don't you give me a "trial consult" at no charge. I'll pester you with phone calls and emails over the next two weeks about your treatment/recommendations. If i like you, i'll make sure to tell all my friends" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Hey, I like that doctor example! As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see people all the time who come in for treatment and advice and either don't pay or have expired insurance, etc. etc. ?Cost of doing business?

Because I render a service, it's hard to reel it in and take it back. Although, I did think of an ortho repo service: if you don't pay for that total hip, I come to your house AND TAKE IT BACK! (gotta be a movie in there somewhere).

Does your software run on a Mac? Maybe I'd be interested. And I'm at a stage in my life where I have registered copies of every little thing AND I couldn't live with myself if I ripped someone off (happened too many times to me to do that to another human being).

I feel your pain.

Paul

the software is all Windows based. you can check it out at HERE