Is This Smart Marketing By A Company Or A Bit Unethical?

Unknown03

Banned 16 years ago

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Craig Fenton 16 years ago

Hi Unkown03:

Thanks for quick reply.

I like the thought you put into the answer because it is easy to think something is or isn't but the way you used the word "borderline" may sum it up.

I am sure they are not breaking any law in any country by making you wait 35 seconds to be able to use the trial button but it is a fine line between what you can get away with and what any of us would feel good looking in the mirror.

I should have pointed out that with all the software I ever used on a trial basis this is the first time I came across the particular tactic.

Have a fantastic Saturday!
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Johnathan

16 years ago

A lot of companies do that (i.e., look at winzip.com).

Since it is 'still' a trial, it seems like an ok method. It is basically trying to 'remind' you that your trial period is coming to an end, and go ahead, purchase it. PS, if you are still using it on day 30 -- obviously seems you are finding some value out of it -- maybe you should purchase it

PS -- I should say -- do they *say* you need to wait 35 seconds? If not -- then that actually is wrong... If they say 'you just need to wait 35 seconds now'... well, obviously, they want you to buy the product

Originally Posted by Craig Fenton

Hi Warriors:

Hope the week went well.

I am curious if you feel this is good marketing to gain a sale or a bit unethical from a software company.

They offer a fully functional 45 day trial and for the first 29 days each time you open the software the only thing that pops up is "If you are happy with the product By Now." If you click out of that you have a choice to Use Trial Period or to Still Buy Now.

On day 30 through 45 when the software is opened the Use Trial is blocked out and you only can click on Buy Now. However if you wait 35 seconds the Use Trial becomes clickable.

How do you feel about the idea? I am not sure that it leaves a good taste in my mouth.

I will say this about the product, it worked as they stated, it has a track record, and others are satisfied but..............

Please tell me how you react as a consumer, marketer, and business owner.

Thanks as always and enjoy the day.

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Craig Fenton 16 years ago

Hi Jonathan:

Thanks for quick reply. Never is it mentioned that if you wait 35 seconds you will still have a choice to use the trial or purchase.

It is interesting because they obviously feel the good/neutral feedback is higher than the negative.

Enjoy Saturday!
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a2zwebs

16 years ago

I personally would like it better if they let it be open until the trial period is over. But still showing a "usage" or "daily" timer is ok...

Then when the trial period is over, give only the option to "buy now".

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Unknown03 Banned 16 years ago

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- Craig Fenton 16 years ago
  
  Hi Unknown03:
  
  Thanks for posting again. It is interesting that you bring up rethinking about their tactic. I decided today to ask several people that I talked with on the phone. I should say yesterday since it is Saturday eastern time already. Out of 8 people (non use the software) 6 thought the method was distasteful, 1 was so-so about it, and one mentioned that if the product performed up to expectations and impartial reviews were good to excellent they could let the one issue go.
  
  Enjoy the day.
  
  Thanks
  
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Aronya

16 years ago

I really don't see it as unethical, but it DOES sound like an amateurish way of implementing it.

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Kevin AKA Hubcap 16 years ago

IMO that's borderline *but* when you sign up you know you have a free 45 day trial. The fact that the company is trying to "squeeze' money from its customers may not be the best business move.

I ownder how many potential customers, after trying and liking the software, decided not to but because in their mind the company is pushing the limit.

I think it would be better if they restated the benefits that the software provides. They could even offer a 10% discount if you purchase now.

Kevin
P.S. I very rarely purchase a piece of software if it doesn't have a fully functioning free trial.
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- Craig Fenton 16 years ago
  
  Hi Kevin:
  
  Thanks for the post.
  
  I would be fascinated to have stats on before the company tried the prevention of hitting the Use Trial button for 35 seconds what there percentage of people that tried the product but did not buy, what percentage tried and purchased ,and what percentage asked or received money back. What are the stats today? Did they end up with more conversions and a bit of customer dissatisfaction (not serious)?
  
  It is a tough call. I know from the start I couldn't do things their way.
  
  Have a great weekend.
  
  Thanks
  
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Lokesh Sharma

Banned 16 years ago

In my opinion, this is nothing unethical...
30 days are actually enough for a consumer to decide if the software is their thing or not!

If someone doesn't buy something which's been tried and tested for last 30 days and still want to continue with the trial version - It actually shows that he/she just want to "exploit" the trial!

Regards,
Lokesh Sharma

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Unknown03 Banned 16 years ago

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- Kay King 16 years ago
  
  Would you like it better if it just stopped working after 30 days? That's the alternative.
  
  This is exactly what winzip now does - and the time time you have to wait increases to quite a long wait with time. However, if you are willing to wait, you can keep using it. The idea is to make it inconvenint to use the product after the 30 days period. I see nothing wrong with that - they are in the business to sell the product, not provide unlimited ongoing free use.
  
  In my opinion, anyone who uses a product for 30 days and THEN purchases it should not be asking for their money back. 30 days is long enough (if it's a full use trial) to make a decision on the usefulness of the product.
  
  kay
  
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Is This Smart Marketing By A Company Or A Bit Unethical?

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