Trial Idea

I have been thinking about a idea for Appworld lately. Not taking it seriously because it probably would never happen. But here it is:
What if apps in appworld all came with a trial for them? Do you think more apps would be purchased?
It doesnt even have to be a long trial. For me i can usually tell within the first five minutes to half hour whether or not the app was worth it and will benefit me.
I am not against buying apps. Spending a few bucks here or there is nothing big. I can think of worst ways to spend money. The thing that really pisses me off is when I pay a couple bucks for a app and it turns out to be utterly useless. So if there was a option for a 30 minute trial I think a lot of people would benefit from it.
Take for instance the email++ app. I read some good things about it and went to appworld to check it out. Downloaded the free trial. It turns out the app really isnt for me and just deleted it. No harm no foul and I am not short a few bucks now.
So what do others think? Would this be a handy function for some or am I just ******** about a personal problem?

I agree, wholeheartedly. I think more folks would buy more apps if they could try them out.

I'm not even a little opposed to purchasing an app I like or can use.

What I am opposed to, however, is purchasing it (because there's no trial), finding out it won't work or don't like it, then having to go through a whole lotta drama to get the money back. This has stopped me from buying apps that have no trial to them.

Originally Posted by vpblaze

I have been thinking about a idea for Appworld lately. Not taking it seriously because it probably would never happen. But here it is:
What if apps in appworld all came with a trial for them? Do you think more apps would be purchased?
It doesnt even have to be a long trial. For me i can usually tell within the first five minutes to half hour whether or not the app was worth it and will benefit me.
I am not against buying apps. Spending a few bucks here or there is nothing big. I can think of worst ways to spend money. The thing that really pisses me off is when I pay a couple bucks for a app and it turns out to be utterly useless. So if there was a option for a 30 minute trial I think a lot of people would benefit from it.
Take for instance the email++ app. I read some good things about it and went to appworld to check it out. Downloaded the free trial. It turns out the app really isnt for me and just deleted it. No harm no foul and I am not short a few bucks now.
So what do others think? Would this be a handy function for some or am I just ******** about a personal problem?

I was thinking the same thing. I hate blowing good money on apps I can't use. A trial period would allow me to try what I am afraid to buy.

I agree completely. Only tonight I read about 'Detoday' app by accident. I went to BB app world and saw they offered a free trial so downloaded it.

If there wasn't a free trial, within three days I would have forgotten about it. Now when the trial is up I will deffinately buy it as I know already its a big help.

i agree. most of the times i look seriously at an app and dont purchase it its because theres a possibility i will never use it after the purchase.

Great idea, much like Android Market where you automatically have a refund period of 15 mins.

I definitely agree too... I think its a great marketing strategy and its really up to the developers but not all of them think it's worth it.
Maybe by creating threads about that will incite some to do it :P

Its mostly that kind of apps only that I get on my playbook...

I second that. Personally had such experience a couple of times- you buy something and immediately uninstall it, wrong expectations :o May be some short time for refund ( triplefan, [#6] ) makes very much sense.

I think it would force developers to make better apps, too. No one will be dooped into buying an app that sounds cool on paper but has problems running if they notice when they trial. It seems like a win-win situation to me. More quality apps, more purchases!

I'm looking to develop some apps in the next few months with a partner of mine. This is something we have already discussed. Our outlook at the moment will be very much of a trial app that does everything you need it to do for 24hrs. So you can take it for a 'Test-Run' - After that, the app will lock all settings albeit the basic content, allowing the app to still be used - but without all the advanced and feature rich content. To re-open the content, users would have to purchase the app.

Hopefully the new CrackBerry App (http://tiny.cc/2q7sd) will incorporate this into CrackBerry's App store !!! Any app purchased thru the app gives user 30 minutes to decide if likes it and get a refund .....

In the end I think developer would see more apps downloaded. More times then not a app is worth a buck or two. I am just not willing to risk buying twenty crappy 2 dollar apps and not be pleased.
With the android market, is there any catches to the 15 minute refund? Or is it a honest and simple "I downloaded the app and hate it, so I am going to click refund now." I had no idea they incorporated a refund.....

Originally Posted by iBenRowe

I'm looking to develop some apps in the next few months with a partner of mine. This is something we have already discussed. Our outlook at the moment will be very much of a trial app that does everything you need it to do for 24hrs. So you can take it for a 'Test-Run' - After that, the app will lock all settings albeit the basic content, allowing the app to still be used - but without all the advanced and feature rich content. To re-open the content, users would have to purchase the app.

On a side note, I think this would be a very professional way to create and distribute a app. It gives the user the chance to 'test run' it as you say. Then if they dont like it then no hard feelings and they arent out anything. If they do like it, then they are going into the purchase with happy spirits and looking forward to using the app. :D

but then Kevin won't buy $500 Clock apps any more!! :p

I would kill for this.... seriously. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's emailed a developer prior to purchase with a few questions, only to be lied to so I'd make the purchase. I have no idea how to go about getting a refund if the developer won't offer one :(

I like the idea, but how about going just a tiny bit further? If I don't buy the app, I want it removed from my uninstalled list.

Originally Posted by hytran

I like the idea, but how about going just a tiny bit further? If I don't buy the app, I want it removed from my uninstalled list.

OMG, that's on my list of pet peeves as well!
Thanks for saying that!

Originally Posted by Juggalo20

I would kill for this.... seriously. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's emailed a developer prior to purchase with a few questions, only to be lied to so I'd make the purchase. I have no idea how to go about getting a refund if the developer won't offer one :(

Well, don't kill anyone, lol.
I've had a recent experience purchasing an app. It didn't work.
Contacted App world, who (after days of waiting) told me to contact the developer.
Contacted the developer, who prompty told me to contact app world.
And so the ride begins.

Finally, I called ATT, who escalated my call to BB CS. They contacted the developer, let them know, and then refunded my credit card.

It's the long way around, and I couldn't give 2 hoots about 3 or 4 bucks. But after a while, it becomes "the principle of the thing".

Hey, I'm not lookin' to rip you off, but I don't wanna get short changed either.

....and I thought I was the only one who thought a trial period on apps and games was a excellent idea. I've been saying and posting this idea in various threads for approx 3 months. This Is a very good idea because all games and apps are not for all users and a trial period could determine if its for you or not for you

I don't agree. Do you ask for a taste of a coffee before buying one? Why should buying apps be any different? Buy it, if you don't like it move on and don't whine about your $0.99.

I dont think many people are whining. Just brain storming something that would be ideal. It also comes to quality control. With a trial for apps it motivates the developer to design a app that is going to make people want to buy the full version. Instead of not caring whether or not people like it.

And then there's the possibility that if they do like it, they'll tell their friends.
Of course, if they don't like it, they'll tell all their friends.