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What marketing software would you pay $100 for?

by Joe Ray
31 replies
Recently a couple of Warriors asked me to develop a custom software for them.

It seems like some marketers don't want to pay more than $100 for a custom solution, regardless of the complexity level.

I wonder if I overvalue my time and skills or these clients don't understand what it takes to develop a software.

What type of custom software solution would you expect to get for $100?

Maybe I need a reality check.
#$100 #marketing #pay #software
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom B
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

    Recently a couple of Worriers asked me to develop a custom software for them.

    It seems like some marketers don't want to pay more than $100 for a custom solution, regardless of the complexity level.

    I wonder if I overvalue my time and skills or these clients don't understand what it takes to develop a software.

    What type of custom software solution would you expect to get for $100?

    Maybe I need a reality check.
    You will get a lot of people in this niche that want a lot for very little. My advice is to not do business with them. It isn't worth your time. They are the people that need a reality check. These people are typically newbies who are not and, more than likely, will not be successful in business anyway.

    Your best bet is to find people who understand the value. These are typically people who have a successful business.

    Or you can create a program and sell PLR rights to it for $100.

    Don't do custom work for $100. You will end up bankrupt.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Ray
      Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it.

      Yes, you're right. I should start the conversation with the "What is your budget?" question. I don't like to ask this question first, but seems like I should.

      I usually try to understand the problem first and look for the most efficient approach to solve it. Then, I email back and forth with the client, explaining the proposed solution. This could be a time-consuming process, especially when I try to explain technical solutions to nontechnical people. I mean, this could take hours in some cases.

      Then, after all this, they offer $100. This is no fun!
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      • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
        Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

        Yes, you're right. I should start the conversation with the "What is your budget?" question. I don't like to ask this question first, but seems like I should.

        I usually try to understand the problem first and look for the most efficient approach to solve it. Then, I email back and forth with the client, explaining the proposed solution. This could be a time-consuming process, especially when I try to explain technical solutions to nontechnical people. I mean, this could take hours in some cases.

        Then, after all this, they offer $100. This is no fun!
        Better still... stop doing virtually ALL custom work.

        Instead, identify a common need... then develop a solution that you can sell multiple times (a product). Incorporate a lot of options so that the buyer can "customize" the solution to fit their (semi)unique needs.

        THEN create a sales page and sell 100 (or more) copies at $100 a pop!

        100 copies x $100 = $10,000
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        Sid Hale
        Coming Soon... Rapid Action Profits (Pro)

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        • Profile picture of the author Tom B
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          Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post

          Better still... stop doing virtually ALL custom work.

          Instead, identify a common need... then develop a solution that you can sell multiple times (a product). Incorporate a lot of options so that the buyer can "customize" the solution to fit their (semi)unique needs.

          THEN create a sales page and sell 100 (or more) copies at $100 a pop!

          100 copies x $100 = $10,000
          There is a reason I have been a customer of Sid's for 9 years or so. I can't even remember exactly how long but suffice to say a long time. haha

          Sid's RAP script is worth every penny and let's me focus on the products that I want to build and sell.

          The amount of time Sid's script save me is immeasurable. It seems many people lose sight or don't value their time much and instead focus on cost.

          Joe, I do the same thing Sid laid out.

          I typically start out with an idea, build it, and try to sell it. It doesn't have to be perfect before you start selling it, but you need to try and sell it to see if the idea is worth pursuing.

          Then if it sells, I take the feedback from customers and continue building on it.

          I've been building out one product line for probably 10 years now and the ideas never stop coming. In fact, I have a couple product lines that came out of that one product.

          Dang, this has been the most I posted, on this forum, in 4 or so years.
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          • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
            Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

            There is a reason I have been a customer of Sid's for 9 years or so. I can't even remember exactly how long but suffice to say a long time. haha
            Since 18 Dec 2008 at 20:57:39 -- LOL
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            Sid Hale
            Coming Soon... Rapid Action Profits (Pro)

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        • Profile picture of the author Joe Ray
          Hi Sid,

          Thanks very much for your reply.

          Yes, I definitely agree with you that making software products instead of custom work is definitely a better idea. I am aware of this for a while now, but this brings up an other issue.

          You said "identify a common need... then develop a solution" which makes perfect sense. My issue/question is that apparently most (if not all) problems are solved already and most of the software solutions for common needs are available for free.

          Please let me know your thoughts on this.

          Thanks again.

          Joe
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          • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
            Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

            You said "identify a common need... then develop a solution" which makes perfect sense. My issue/question is that apparently most (if not all) problems are solved already and most of the software solutions for common needs are available for free.

            Please let me know your thoughts on this.


            One of my most successful products solved a problem that someone had already solved... I just developed a far superior product.

            You may/may not have heard of $7 Secrets. It sold for... you guessed it - $7.

            It took me about 3 months to develop a replacement script that accepted all the script variables via regular web forms and store their values into a MySQL database so that customers didn't have to physically edit the PHP code to set up the script on their site, and to create a 150+ page user manual.

            Besides using web forms for all the script variables, I also added a lot of features that $7 Secrets didn't have:
            1. Auto Optin feature so that customer optins would be collected automatically from all customers
            2. Higher commission rate for JV partners
            3. Split testing of multiple sales pages for the same product
            4. Multiple downloads from a single purchase
            5. etc...

            Of course, I wasn't about to compete on price with a product that was clearly superior - but I really had no idea how much I could ask for my new product.

            I set the initial pricing at $37 and over the course of the next 3 months I rather rapidly increased the price to it's current level of $197 per copy.

            I'm still selling that product 10 years later (even though Jon Leger sold off his $7 Secrets business in less than a year).

            I think that's not too bad for a problem that someone else had already solved and successfully marketed.
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            Sid Hale
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      • Profile picture of the author RichBeck
        Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

        Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it.

        Yes, you're right. I should start the conversation with the "What is your budget?" question. I don't like to ask this question first, but seems like I should.

        I usually try to understand the problem first and look for the most efficient approach to solve it. Then, I email back and forth with the client, explaining the proposed solution. This could be a time-consuming process, especially when I try to explain technical solutions to nontechnical people. I mean, this could take hours in some cases.

        Then, after all this, they offer $100. This is no fun!
        Starting with, "What's your budget?" is not the way to go...

        It could be $70,000... and it could way too little.

        First, you need to do Roadmapping sessions (creating User Stories) with the Client to define exactly what they want to build. I bill these hourly with a three hour minimum... when I have time to do Consulting.

        They don't have the money to pay for Roadmapping? Great!

        You avoided wasting time on someone who cannot afford your services. :-)

        One more thing....

        I'd recommend never giving "free" Consultations... It "trains" people to not respect your time and expertise.
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        • Profile picture of the author Joe Ray
          Starting with, "What's your budget?" is not the way to go...

          It could be $70,000... and it could way too little.

          First, you need to do Roadmapping sessions (creating User Stories) with the Client to define exactly what they want to build. I bill these hourly with a three hour minimum... when I have time to do Consulting.

          They don't have the money to pay for Roadmapping? Great!

          You avoided wasting time on someone who cannot afford your services. :-)

          One more thing....

          I'd recommend never giving "free" Consultations... It "trains" people to not respect your time and expertise.
          Yes, I tend to agree with you now. I wasted a lot of time on free consultations. It doesn't make sense.

          Thanks for your advise anymore.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
        Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post


        I usually try to understand the problem first and look for the most efficient approach to solve it. Then, I email back and forth with the client, explaining the proposed solution. This could be a time-consuming process, especially when I try to explain technical solutions to nontechnical people. I mean, this could take hours in some cases.

        Then, after all this, they offer $100. This is no fun!
        Hey Joe - You are doing this backwards. Your approach is fine for offline where you know the business you are dealing with is legit and likely has good financial resources and a reasonable budget. Online you have no idea so it has to be a more mutual interview process.

        Once the prospective customer states what he wants (and you have perhaps asked some questions if it was not clear enough) then you should quote a range it will cost (or ask what their budget is) and then subsequently ask if that is what they had in mind. if they show the slightest hesitance then end it (if you know your range covers near the lowest you would take). You NEVER EVER get into detailing "technical solutions" either. What it sounds like you are doing is starting the job without payment in acting like a free consultant (one of the reasons I turn away 70% of the people asking me to Skype especially if they are Imers).

        $100 is ridiculous for just about any programming job but as others have said you need to target elsewhere for programming jobs. The market that this forum is mostly made up from is cash poor and so unrealistic they think almost anything is just a matter of a wordpress theme and some plugins and they will think for a certainty their day dreaming that they can compete with facebook with that theme and those plugins is completely reasonable.
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        • Profile picture of the author Joe Ray
          Hey Mike, Wow! Thanks. Your reply makes a lot of sense.

          Yes, in the past I worked for offline clients. I worked on big development projects for reliable companies, usually with a team.

          You're absolutely right! My approach doesn't work online. Thanks for sharing your valuable experience. I appreciate it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
    The value is in the solution that the software solves.

    It's not possible to tell you if what they wanted was worth $100, I don't know what it was.

    If it's a little tiny app, maybe it is only worth $100 or less.

    What was it? Without giving away the farm that is.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom B
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      Originally Posted by Enfusia View Post

      The value is in the solution that the software solves.

      It's not possible to tell you if what they wanted was worth $100, I don't know what it was.

      If it's a little tiny app, maybe it is only worth $100 or less.

      What was it? Without giving away the farm that is.
      How many software programs have you created?

      There is a lot that goes into software development besides the programming.

      I was making 100 an hour the last job I had as a software consultant/developer. I can't think of any software that would take only an hour to build, test and document. At least something ready for mass consumption. Probably a week if we are talking something really simple.

      Anyone who thinks they will get quality custom software created for $100 is in la-la land. I don't care what the idea is or how simple they think it is.

      What the software solves is a mute point. He isn't developing the program for himself to sell. We are talking about hiring an experienced developer to create a custom solution.
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  • Profile picture of the author wolfmmiii
    "I wonder if I overvalue my time and skills or these clients don't understand what it takes to develop a software."

    What does this have to do with whether it's worth $100 or not???

    I don't get the question...
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom B
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      Originally Posted by wolfmmiii View Post

      "I wonder if I overvalue my time and skills or these clients don't understand what it takes to develop a software."

      What does this have to do with whether it's worth $100 or not???

      I don't get the question...
      He is talking about unrealistic expectations from people like those that frequent this forum. The same people who expect $7 custom articles or $7 wso's that will make them millionaires.
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  • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
    Hey Joe

    Make it more of a legit post if you turned off the signature!!

    Jason
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    • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
      Hey Jason,

      Why don't you get off this kick?

      Originally Posted by Regional Warrior View Post

      Hey Joe

      Make it more of a legit post if you turned off the signature!!
      I think your own sig file shows often enough around here, that it's kind of "pot kettle black".

      There is nothing wrong with the OP's post - NOR his sig.
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      Coming Soon... Rapid Action Profits (Pro)

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      • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
        Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post

        Hey Jason,

        Why don't you get off this kick?



        I think your own sig file shows often enough around here, that it's kind of "pot kettle black".

        There is nothing wrong with the OP's post - NOR his sig.
        Sorry Sid
        Dont have one!! and if I did it would have been to the newbie forum on here

        And I only mentioned about the sig so that is does not look like sig spamming even if it does

        Jason
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
          Originally Posted by Regional Warrior View Post

          Sorry Sid
          Dont have one!! and if I did it would have been to the newbie forum on here

          And I only mentioned about the sig so that is does not look like sig spamming even if it does
          Jason, about a month ago you posted about how much a WSO was. At that time you had a signature and it wasn't to anything on the forum. It was to an external business.

          I know, because I thought about being a jerk and telling you to take down your sig before you ask questions like that.

          But I didn't. Because I try not to be a jerk.

          Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    My advice is target another niche besides IM.

    IM is notorious for refunds and sharing stolen content on black hat forums.

    Target another niche, example, look at Scrivener (Google it), they target an evergreen niche (writing), I have no doubts they have extremely low refunds and have traffic that doesn't have a problem paying money for the software.

    Another software evergreen niche (personal finance) with money to spend is youneedabudget (Google it).

    Research those two examples, they generate organic links/traffic/buyers.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Ray
      My advice is target another niche besides IM.

      IM is notorious for refunds and sharing stolen content on black hat forums.

      Target another niche, example, look at Scrivener (Google it), they target an evergreen niche (writing), I have no doubts they have extremely low refunds and have traffic that doesn't have a problem paying money for the software.

      Another software evergreen niche (personal finance) with money to spend is youneedabudget (Google it).

      Research those two examples, they generate organic links/traffic/buyers.
      Great! Thanks I will check take a look.
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  • Profile picture of the author RichBeck
    Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

    Recently a couple of Worriers asked me to develop a custom software for them.

    It seems like some marketers don't want to pay more than $100 for a custom solution, regardless of the complexity level.

    I wonder if I overvalue my time and skills or these clients don't understand what it takes to develop a software.

    What type of custom software solution would you expect to get for $100?

    Maybe I need a reality check.
    $100 only buys you a tiny fraction of "off the shelf" software...

    Custom software? As Thomas wrote, $100 barely pays for one hour... You couldn't even "nail down" the Roadmap (User Stories) for basic software in an hour... That leaves you $0 for the other steps...

    The funny thing is.... These people have no clue how much work goes in to building a custom solution...

    I'd refer them to Software Development Is NOT Like Digging A Ditch. It is an excellent overview for the "layperson."
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  • Profile picture of the author Isandy
    The solution is easy, you just need to have a price chart or a site with the different prices of your services.

    When people see this site that says "For Custom Solutions" the minimum to be charged is $800.00 (For example)

    The freebie seekers, the ones that are in la-la land and people who need a reality check will get the f**k off and don't even bother to ask you
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisniel
    Actually you can keep me with other mob that will say for $100 I want every feature in it + artificial intelligence + life time updates + bla bla bla

    In software industry you are never going to satisfy custom requirements never ever do that. let me give you my example

    Last year I was working for 1 IT industry and company was developing one ERP software. They had 2 small clients and also in relationship with our boss. Our boss committed them that he will manage to full-fill all their requirements.
    but over the period of time their requirement was so many that my boss shut down the development of that software. and made sold it via white-lebelling.

    I hope this will help you somewhere.
    Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

    Recently a couple of Warriors asked me to develop a custom software for them.

    It seems like some marketers don't want to pay more than $100 for a custom solution, regardless of the complexity level.

    I wonder if I overvalue my time and skills or these clients don't understand what it takes to develop a software.

    What type of custom software solution would you expect to get for $100?

    Maybe I need a reality check.
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  • Profile picture of the author atrbiz
    KeywordTool.io is about $88/month and well worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Pettit
    Long Tail Pro (Cloud Version) without a doubt
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve L
    Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

    Recently a couple of Warriors asked me to develop a custom software for them.

    It seems like some marketers don't want to pay more than $100 for a custom solution, regardless of the complexity level.

    I wonder if I overvalue my time and skills or these clients don't understand what it takes to develop a software.

    What type of custom software solution would you expect to get for $100?

    Maybe I need a reality check.
    Either they have a low average lifetime customer value and can't afford to pay you that much or they're just cheap. Either way you need to find a different client. Anchor your cost to their potential upside!
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    I'm often amazed at the amount of someone else's time and effort I can buy for $100.

    A good example is Optimizepress. Even figuring $20/hr for my time (I don't) it's probably saved me at least $5000.

    I agree with developing and selling numerous licenses.

    Brent
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    Get Off The Warrior Forum Now & Don't Come Back If You Want To Succeed!
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    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Brent Stangel View Post

      I'm often amazed at the amount of someone else's time and effort I can buy for $100.

      A good example is Optimizepress. Even figuring $20/hr for my time (I don't) it's probably saved me at least $5000.

      I agree with developing and selling numerous licenses.

      Brent
      I love optimize press, takes a day or so to learn, if you re not tech minded, but its awesome Does what a marketer needs, all in one.
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    email marketing software.

    Since email market is STILL and ALWAYS has been the best way to market, and make sales online.

    Hope this helps.
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