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> OT- Selling Software Rant, "can i try before i buy" aka get it for free?
JB 914
post Jul 4 2007, 11:03 AM
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Daddy! Finish my car NOW!!!
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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
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Brando
post Jul 4 2007, 03:32 PM
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BUY MY SPARE KIDNEY!!!
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You test drive a car before you buy it, right?

Maybe you shouldn't give out free or trial software, but let them see an already working example? Maybe a loaner laptop with one lowly 'user' account for a week
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JB 914
post Jul 4 2007, 03:54 PM
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QUOTE(Brando @ Jul 4 2007, 02:32 PM) *

You test drive a car before you buy it, right?

Maybe you shouldn't give out free or trial software, but let them see an already working example? Maybe a loaner laptop with one lowly 'user' account for a week


i have many reference sites. we also do "live" demonstrations online. So, they can ask "how do i do......" and we show them. I consider that a "test drive". The get to ask what it can do and we show them live how it works.

Remember this is Medical Software. It has a specific market and usage. It's not "Super Registry Washer Plus" that basically seperates you from your $$$

When you test drive a car will the dealer let you use it for a month? Then if you like it you pay them? Plus you get to call the dealer and get them to help you program your XM Radio and program all the radio stations in for you. plus you get them to tweak a few other things. They do all that for free right?

Brando, when you gonna come drink this budweiser i'm saving for you? i've had it in the fridge for a few years now..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)
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Posts in this topic
JB 914   OT- Selling Software Rant   Jul 4 2007, 11:03 AM
Blood red 914-6gt   TRy to embed something in it that will render the ...   Jul 4 2007, 11:08 AM
SirAndy   TRy to embed something in it that will render the...   Jul 4 2007, 11:20 AM
JB 914   TRy to embed something in it that will render th...   Jul 4 2007, 11:32 AM
JB 914   TRy to embed something in it that will render the...   Jul 4 2007, 11:22 AM
Blood red 914-6gt   OH :blink: , well, I feel your pain....kinda. Hope...   Jul 4 2007, 11:31 AM
brer   why should I pay for something that is a total pie...   Jul 4 2007, 01:36 PM
JB 914   why should I pay for something that is a total pi...   Jul 4 2007, 02:03 PM
michaelt55   Hmmm...this isn't Amazing charts" softwar...   Jul 4 2007, 02:07 PM
JB 914   [quote name='michaelt55' date='Jul 4 2...   Jul 4 2007, 02:08 PM
McMark   I know exactly what you're talking about. Thi...   Jul 4 2007, 01:44 PM
smontanaro   Give the software away (or drop the price way down...   Jul 4 2007, 01:48 PM
JB 914   I'm not really looking for ways to help sell i...   Jul 4 2007, 02:07 PM
orthobiz   If i go to a doctor i can't ask "Gee do...   Jul 4 2007, 03:07 PM
JB 914   [quote name='JB 914' post='919513' date='Jul 4 20...   Jul 4 2007, 03:15 PM
Brando   You test drive a car before you buy it, right? Ma...   Jul 4 2007, 03:32 PM
JB 914   You test drive a car before you buy it, right? M...   Jul 4 2007, 03:54 PM
Brando   i have many reference sites. we also do "liv...   Jul 4 2007, 04:12 PM
JB 914   And no, stealerships won't do that for you. ...   Jul 4 2007, 04:25 PM
dakotaewing   And no, stealerships won't do that for you....   Jul 4 2007, 04:38 PM


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