Comments on: eDS http://nslog.com/2004/04/14/eds The Weblog of Erik J. Barzeski Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:40:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Chuck Ross http://nslog.com/2004/04/14/eds#comment-8429 Chuck Ross Wed, 14 Apr 2004 18:13:21 +0000 http://nslog.com/2004/04/14/eds/#comment-8429 I don't know if Aladdyn uses eSellerate, although I think they use a different service (Digital River?). Their service has this option, but it's opt-in, which I think is a better idea. Personally, I like that you have a demo which is downloadable anytime and can be activated by using the right serial number. I don't see why the ability to download software that you've already purchased should be an extra charge, and I've never opted into Aladdyn's, although I purchase pretty much every major upgrade they release of StuffIt. Rather, I make sure that I have the downloaded installer in a safe place and make sure I have a backup of it. I t think the opt-out method is disingenuous. I suppose the service is actually useful to some people, but my guess is that most don't even notice that they are purchasing it. If I were publishing software for general download (which I'm not), I would simply go with your method of offering a demo that becomes fully functional with the right serial number. Any of your customers can download a replacement any time. Chuck I don't know if Aladdyn uses eSellerate, although I think they use a different service (Digital River?). Their service has this option, but it's opt-in, which I think is a better idea. Personally, I like that you have a demo which is downloadable anytime and can be activated by using the right serial number. I don't see why the ability to download software that you've already purchased should be an extra charge, and I've never opted into Aladdyn's, although I purchase pretty much every major upgrade they release of StuffIt. Rather, I make sure that I have the downloaded installer in a safe place and make sure I have a backup of it.

I t think the opt-out method is disingenuous. I suppose the service is actually useful to some people, but my guess is that most don't even notice that they are purchasing it.

If I were publishing software for general download (which I'm not), I would simply go with your method of offering a demo that becomes fully functional with the right serial number. Any of your customers can download a replacement any time.

Chuck

]]> By: Unsanity.org http://nslog.com/2004/04/14/eds#comment-8430 Unsanity.org Wed, 14 Apr 2004 16:57:40 +0000 http://nslog.com/2004/04/14/eds/#comment-8430 <strong>Evil or Not Too Evil?</strong> Our order processor, eSellerate (part of MindVision) decided to add a new "feature" to our store called the eSellerate Download... Evil or Not Too Evil?

Our order processor, eSellerate (part of MindVision) decided to add a new "feature" to our store called the eSellerate Download...

]]> By: Erik J. Barzeski http://nslog.com/2004/04/14/eds#comment-8428 Erik J. Barzeski Wed, 14 Apr 2004 16:51:17 +0000 http://nslog.com/2004/04/14/eds/#comment-8428 How's this for some math. FTPeel costs $19. We are "taxed" between 10 and 15% for eSellerate's services. That means we net at least $16.15 for each sale of FTPeel. If 16 people come to eSellerate's page intending to buy a $19 FTP app and 15 buy FTPeel + eDS, but one of them turns away without buying anything because they're "shocked" by this $4.99, we make less money ($17.15 * 15 = $257.25 vs. $16.15 * 16 = $258.40). How's this for some math. FTPeel costs $19. We are "taxed" between 10 and 15% for eSellerate's services. That means we net at least $16.15 for each sale of FTPeel.

If 16 people come to eSellerate's page intending to buy a $19 FTP app and 15 buy FTPeel + eDS, but one of them turns away without buying anything because they're "shocked" by this $4.99, we make less money ($17.15 * 15 = $257.25 vs. $16.15 * 16 = $258.40).

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