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Sold Out Before Launch!!!

by lakshaybehl
30 replies
Has anyone tried this-

You put up your sales letter during the pre-launch and start telling visitors that they pay now and get product at a 50% discount for buying within the pre-launch phase and they will be given access to the product on the launch date .. eg 00.00.0000 at 0000 hours and if they choose to buy later, they will get at double the price they are getting now!

Does this work?

Can this work?

Is this strategy good?

Have you tried it?

I must say that it didn't just pop up in my head. Someone else said this to me. they even went ahead and said that I could ask JV partners to start sending the traffic and make the sales.

Please note that I am asking this question for a product related to IM niche! but I am interested in knowing what you think about other niches as well.

Thanks for your time in advance!
#launch #sold
  • Profile picture of the author Kalidasa
    I haven't tried this, but Ilike it. I'm going to try it for the membership site I'm launching soon.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Hi Lakshay,

      Well, you've asked what we think about it. If I buy a product and need to PAY NOW then I also want ACCESS to the product NOW. My thinkings:

      - Why let me give credit to somebody who I do not know?
      - What business is in it for me to pay first?
      - Will I get to it altogether for what I paid?
      - The product that I don't see only yet is worth its price?

      So, I'm probably not buy from you.

      Greetings,

      Sandor
      _______________
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      • Profile picture of the author Collette
        Sandor's right on the money.

        You can sell out a product before launch BUT you need kick ass credibility with your list to do so.

        Usually, this requires that you have either:

        (a) built credibility with your list over a long period of time or,

        (b) you have an unassailable reputation in your market.

        For example, talking about the IM market, John Reese is one of the top-level marketers who could pull off such a "sold-out" pre-launch.

        You're probably better off offering a huge pre-launch discount, and then amending the sales letter after the cut off date to reflect that X number of people have already snapped up this product "sight unseen!"

        This strategy ramps up the sense of urgency. It also hits your prospect on two levels: What do these people know that I don't? and Damn! I need to move on this so I don't miss it!
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        • Profile picture of the author Sirius Lin
          Prelaunch sales offers are always a sticky issue. I've seen some launches get push back time and again, and the people who joined during the prelaunch phase basically get short-changed. So unless I know you either by reputation or personally, I won't be so eager to jump into a prelaunch sales.

          ~ Sirius
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        • Profile picture of the author zapseo
          Bullpuckey!

          People buy stuff all the time "ahead of time", before a product is available.

          If people are willing to buy a product already, why wouldn't they buy it
          "ahead of time" in order to get it for 1/2 price?

          Has no one never heard of a pre-publication offer?

          Immediacy is nice, but it's hardly the only thing that determines whether a sale is made.

          SOME of the items mentioned are definitely components of great sales copy, such
          as credibility, but there are so many dimensions to a sale that credibility is only one.
          A kick-ass offer for a kick-ass product can drown out credibility concerns. It happens
          all the time -- especially in the IM and bizopp niches.

          So, let's take some of these comments:

          1 Why let me give credit to somebody who I do not know?
          2 What business is in it for me to pay first?
          3 Will I get to it altogether for what I paid?
          4 The product that I don't see only yet is worth its price?
          1. So...you've never bought a product from someone you don't know?
          2. What business?...he stated it... half-off the price
          3., 4. Do you know that whether you get the product immediately or in a week?

          Collette states...
          You're probably better off offering a huge pre-launch discount
          Hmmmmmm...isn't that what he's doing? Isn't 1/2 off a huge pre-launch discount?
          -- But the addition of adding what essentially is a sales counter would definitely amp up the urgency.

          Oh well, back to work!

          Live JoyFully!

          Judy Kettenhofen, Profit Strategist/Copywriter
          NextDay Copy
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          • Profile picture of the author Collette
            Originally Posted by zapseo View Post

            Bullpuckey!

            People buy stuff all the time "ahead of time", before a product is available.

            If people are willing to buy a product already, why wouldn't they buy it
            "ahead of time" in order to get it for 1/2 price?

            Has no one never heard of a pre-publication offer?...

            So, let's take some of these comments:...

            Collette states "You're probably better off offering a huge pre-launch discount "

            Hmmmmmm...isn't that what he's doing? Isn't 1/2 off a huge pre-launch discount?
            -- But the addition of adding what essentially is a sales counter would definitely amp up the urgency.

            Oh well, back to work!

            Live JoyFully!

            Judy Kettenhofen, Profit Strategist/Copywriter
            NextDay Copy

            Perhaps I should have added a disclaimer that I'm merely posting my opinion - and not suggesting that I have the ultimate authority on this subject.

            My apologies.

            Additionally, my suggestion was that IN ADDITION to offering the hefty discount (yes, remarkably, I grasped that 50% off is a huge discount!), lakshaybehl use the results of his pre-sale for his subsequent copy.

            I don't believe I suggested that it was impossible for him/her to sell out his pre-sale.

            Personally, I've NEVER bought on a pre-sale from anyone who had not established a baseline of credibility with me. And I'm used to working with markets that are neither gullible nor uninformed. So my standards for credibility have to pass the baseline 'smell test'.

            Also, in my own experience, one of the components of a "A kick ass offer" is... credibility.

            Now, if you will excuse me, I have some Bullpuckey to shovel.
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            • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
              How about this:

              1. Offer the 50% pre-launch discount.

              2. Make it clear they won't pay a dime until the moment the product launches.

              ...Here's the biggie...

              3. Take them to PayPal, and make them sign up for a $0.00 purchase, on the understanding that their account will be debited for the 50% pre-launch price at launch time.

              4. Take the cash and deliver the goods the instant you go-live.

              This way, those who take part get the goods as soon as they pay - with a super discount, and everyone has the right to cancel beforehand (not good, but it takes away the risk)

              Winner?

              Steve
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              Not promoting right now

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              • Profile picture of the author Sylvia Meier
                I agree with Steven's method. By having them do a prepayment that will make a payment for 50% on launch day, they are getting the product without so much of the risk. That way if the launch gets delayed or any number of factors they can cancel that actual payment. I think otherwise, they really have to know your name. Some big names I am sure would be able to sell out in prelaunch, but with more unknown names, i think a lot of it would depend on how well you are known, how long they have been on your list, the cost of the product and numerous other factors. The only way to know for sure would be to try it. If it works, go for it again on your next product, if not go back to the drawing board and see what you can do next time.

                Sylvia
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                • Profile picture of the author Collette
                  Steve - Kick ass solution!
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                  • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
                    Originally Posted by Collette View Post

                    Steve - Kick ass solution!
                    Thanks!

                    Plus, of course, you'll capture their email addy, so you have a major opportunity to build 'em up into a frenzy of excitement...(which lessens the risk of cancellation)

                    PLUS:

                    ...if you make 'em an affiliate, and get 'em telling their friends, before you know it, you've got a viral launch on your hands!

                    Just make sure the pre-launch price is limited in quantity. Don't wanna be giving away 50% of your bottom line to everyone.



                    Steve
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                    • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
                      Originally Posted by Steven Fullman View Post

                      Thanks!

                      Plus, of course, you'll capture their email addy, so you have a major opportunity to build 'em up into a frenzy of excitement...(which lessens the risk of cancellation)

                      PLUS:

                      ...if you make 'em an affiliate, and get 'em telling their friends, before you know it, you've got a viral launch on your hands!

                      Just make sure the pre-launch price is limited in quantity. Don't wanna be giving away 50% of your bottom line to everyone.



                      Steve

                      Yes Steve!

                      That's exactly what I have been thinking about!!

                      And yes! I think it is basically about the credibility of the person who's putting tgether the offer.

                      But if I can get a big name Internet Marketer whose relationship with their list is so triong that they are actually doing more than $3/subscrber/month with a list of over 50,000 people, then this is a given fact they they can pull it off very easily.
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              • Profile picture of the author JasonKing
                Originally Posted by Steven Fullman View Post

                How about this:

                1. Offer the 50% pre-launch discount.

                2. Make it clear they won't pay a dime until the moment the product launches.

                ...Here's the biggie...

                3. Take them to PayPal, and make them sign up for a $0.00 purchase, on the understanding that their account will be debited for the 50% pre-launch price at launch time.

                4. Take the cash and deliver the goods the instant you go-live.

                This way, those who take part get the goods as soon as they pay - with a super discount, and everyone has the right to cancel beforehand (not good, but it takes away the risk)

                Winner?

                Steve
                Ooh... I like this...

                And before you offer them the pre-launch discount...

                Offer them a sample of the product beforehand...

                I like...

                -JasonKing
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              • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
                Originally Posted by Steven Fullman View Post

                How about this:

                1. Offer the 50% pre-launch discount.

                2. Make it clear they won't pay a dime until the moment the product launches.

                ...Here's the biggie...

                3. Take them to PayPal, and make them sign up for a $0.00 purchase, on the understanding that their account will be debited for the 50% pre-launch price at launch time.

                4. Take the cash and deliver the goods the instant you go-live.

                This way, those who take part get the goods as soon as they pay - with a super discount, and everyone has the right to cancel beforehand (not good, but it takes away the risk)

                Winner?

                Steve
                Or give them instant access to the member's area as soon as they give me their $0.00 with some samples of the actual videos already uploaded!

                Also have them sign up as an affiliate and give them all the tools sop that they can start putting the word out about the product... OOH my mind is racing with thoughts!
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            • Profile picture of the author Keith Kogane
              You have to watch out though, because acording to FTC rules, you can't accept money for something that doesn't exist. Now if you have a set release date and the stuff is in production, that's cool. But if not, don't sell ANYTHING that doesn't exist because you'll end up with more fines than you can pay or in a cage. No joke.

              Even so, I'm don't even play a lawyer on TV, so get advice from your counsel before you do anything like selling something that doesn't exist yet.
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          • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
            Originally Posted by zapseo View Post

            Bullpuckey!

            ... So, let's take some of these comments:

            1. So...you've never bought a product from someone you don't know?
            2. What business?...he stated it... half-off the price
            3., 4. Do you know that whether you get the product immediately or in a week?
            Dear Judy,

            I'd like to be short, don't want to trouble you, and want to use our time more profitable way. English is my third language besides german and hungarian, so I'd like to know, what does it mean 'Bullpuckey'. Would you be kind enough to enlighten myself according to it? I would not like to think of bad one.

            Please, don't get me wrong but do you think that I need to excuse myself because I expressed my asked opinion? I think I don't give to someone any reason to offend me.

            I have good reasons to say what I say. Beeing engineer since 1965, I was offline business owner since 1990, and am online since 2006. So, probably I have some experience to form my opinion about things.

            Re:

            - 1. 2. Yes, I bought many eboks, reports, softwares, courses, seminars in worth of over $30.000 in my first year online. I leant in many times the seducer for overhyped promises. But this is my sin, myself left it to be fool.

            - 3.4. I've learned a lesson on my hard way that I'll never buy without right access to the product, and I buy something only if I need it to my business. I want to see if the product deliver what promises.

            All the best,

            Sandor
            __________________
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            • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
              Originally Posted by sndboy View Post

              what does it mean 'Bullpuckey'.
              lol I think you'll find she was saying bullshit in a more polite way

              Kymi
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              • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
                Originally Posted by Kim Standerline View Post

                lol I think you'll find she was saying bullshit in a more polite way

                Kymi
                Thanks Kymi, I gave a thought to this, too. This is a polite draughting really. Obviously I deserved it.
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            • Profile picture of the author zapseo
              Originally Posted by sndboy View Post

              Dear Judy,

              I'd like to be short, don't want to trouble you, and want to use our time more profitable way. English is my third language besides german and hungarian, so I'd like to know, what does it mean 'Bullpuckey'. Would you be kind enough to enlighten myself according to it? I would not like to think of bad one.

              Please, don't get me wrong but do you think that I need to excuse myself because I expressed my asked opinion? I think I don't give to someone any reason to offend me.

              I have good reasons to say what I say. Beeing engineer since 1965, I was offline business owner since 1990, and am online since 2006. So, probably I have some experience to form my opinion about things.

              Re:

              - 1. 2. Yes, I bought many eboks, reports, softwares, courses, seminars in worth of over $30.000 in my first year online. I leant in many times the seducer for overhyped promises. But this is my sin, myself left it to be fool.

              - 3.4. I've learned a lesson on my hard way that I'll never buy without right access to the product, and I buy something only if I need it to my business. I want to see if the product deliver what promises.

              All the best,

              Sandor
              __________________
              "Nobody, who did not enter, gained a competition yet."A.Bennett
              Sorry, Sandor.
              Chalk it up to miscommunications tangled up in language barriers.
              It was not intended as a personal attack but rather a spirited comment on possibilities.

              I certainly had not intended to make people defensive, but rather hopefully to engage people in an active discussion. I apparently fell flat on that note! (Back to the drawing board, LOL.)

              I apologize for failing to achieve that, and ask your forgiveness if I have upset you in any way.

              So, I don't think you were a fool, I think you were fooled.
              And the fact that you were fooled demonstrates that bright people can be fooled.

              Congratulations on your resolve to not be fooled again.

              With the kinds of persuasion technology out there -- keeping your money in your pocket while being exposed to a plethora of sales vehicles using top-notch sales techniques can be like trying to stand and walk in hurricane-force winds.

              Do I condone such activity?

              No, not if it sells products to people that are not useful to them.

              But my preferences on ethics don't blind me as to what is possible.

              Again, my apologies.

              Live JoyFully!

              Judy Kettenohfen, Profit Strategist/Copywriter
              NextDay Copy

              PS Who is happy to see Fullman champion capturing email addresses in pre-launch.
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              • Profile picture of the author Peter Bestel
                Ohhh! Sold out before lAunch - I thought it said lunch ! I was about to congratulate you Lakshay.

                Yeah, anyway...
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                • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
                  Originally Posted by Peter Bestel View Post

                  Ohhh! Sold out before lAunch - I thought it said lunch ! I was about to congratulate you Lakshay.

                  Yeah, anyway...
                  Its OK... But soon you might have to congratulate me when I do the launch!


                  -Lakshay
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                  • Profile picture of the author Chuck Evans
                    We do this all of the time when we are getting a new product ready for launch. We call it "Pre-Booking" and have never had any issues.

                    We offer a discount for ALL pre-orders and then keep the customers that bought informed on a weekly basis about the status and if there is any change in the launch date.

                    By pre-booking we also know how many units we will need initially which to control inventory.

                    Granted we sell physical products but the same principles apply.

                    We did the same thing when we were putting on "traveling shows." Run the ad, give a number to call and reserve your spot and get the early bird discount. This way we knew how many attendees were going to show up.

                    There was always a few extra, but we knew that would happen.

                    chuck
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                    • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
                      Hi,

                      There are actually people doing this and have been for years (in IM).

                      I'm not going to name them, but I know a 'Guru' who used this model to pay for the product creation.

                      He promoted the "pre-launch" and the basically waits for enough people to order it to pay for it's development.

                      If not enough people order - he refunds them and says there was a problem with the delivery and doesn't create it.

                      I've seen it work to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars before any product was even made.

                      Andy
                      p.s - This is not a model I use myself as I have been let down in the past relying on other people for things I've promised to deliver, so I like to have it finished before asking people to buy.
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                      nothing to see here.

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              • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
                Originally Posted by zapseo View Post

                ...With the kinds of persuasion technology out there -- keeping your money in your pocket while being exposed to a plethora of sales vehicles using top-notch sales techniques can be like trying to stand and walk in hurricane-force winds.

                Do I condone such activity?

                No, not if it sells products to people that are not useful to them.

                But my preferences on ethics don't blind me as to what is possible.
                Hi Judy,

                I agree on what you say. Please, I misunderstood yourself presumably, I am sorry for it. I'm not a perfect. Let us draw a veil over the past and let us be watching into the future.

                Have a great day,

                Sandor
                ________________
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    • Profile picture of the author ConversionTime
      Originally Posted by Kalidasa View Post

      I haven't tried this, but Ilike it. I'm going to try it for the membership site I'm launching soon.
      I think this would work really well for a membership site, youll want to get people in and if the threat of a 50% price hike does get them in then you haven't done enough pre launch.
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      • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
        Originally Posted by Dvgeoster View Post

        I think this would work really well for a membership site, youll want to get people in and if the threat of a 50% price hike does get them in then you haven't done enough pre launch.
        Well... membership sites don't exactly have to be recurring billing right?

        My experience says that if you have a recurring billing system, then in most cases the probability of the prospect becoming a customer is much lesser!

        So yes as I have said, i can have a members' area to which they have a "lifetime kind of " access but the product gets uploaded only when it is formally launched!

        Actually an hour ahead of the launch to create some extra buzz and some more sales before the launch!
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        • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
          And what about the JV partners?


          I think many people forgot that part!

          A lot of JV partners join you in your pre-launch.

          they will be more than happy to get instant sales without having to wait for the actual launch!
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          • Profile picture of the author Takuya Hikichi
            I had one project I sold 51 sales in about four day span period. It was only $9 book and the catch was that if you didn't act by the fourth day (official sale day), it went up to $25.

            Mailed to about 2900 subscribers and 50 came through during the first three days and only 1 was order after the price went up.

            For some reason, the person who bought at $25 was one of the 50 customers who bought also during the initial pre-launch phase. He must have been a junkee who would buy everything on the market.

            I went out of my way to contact him, saying I would offer him refund for the duplicate order but he didn't bother replying me. So he probably didn't remember he bought anything at the $9.

            I felt funny taking his money twice and it was a product didn't even state refund policy and I was going to offer but he didn't respond.
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            • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
              Originally Posted by Takuya Hikichi View Post

              I had one project I sold 51 sales in about four day span period. It was only $9 book and the catch was that if you didn't act by the fourth day (official sale day), it went up to $25.

              Mailed to about 2900 subscribers and 50 came through during the first three days and only 1 was order after the price went up.

              For some reason, the person who bought at $25 was one of the 50 customers who bought also during the initial pre-launch phase. He must have been a junkee who would buy everything on the market.

              I went out of my way to contact him, saying I would offer him refund for the duplicate order but he didn't bother replying me. So he probably didn't remember he bought anything at the $9.

              I felt funny taking his money twice and it was a product didn't even state refund policy and I was going to offer but he didn't respond.
              hehehe.. some of them are just junkies!

              I seriously love them... but on a more serious mote, I'dd just make sure he stays on my list of buyers and gets notified every time somehting new is out1

              but yes, your experience is encouraging!

              i was thinking of a 20 day pre-launch period though!

              so as you can see I'm talking real build up and anticipation!
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