New Design Software? - Lateral-g Forums

CarterHickmanDesigns · #1 10-21-2009, 06:01 PM

Ok guys and gals, as some of you know I designed the Digital Paint Booth software for House of Kolor. We are looking at our next version and trying to decide if we keep the software as a desktop application or move it to a web application. The desktop version would be a one time price and the online version would be a month price that would be lower than the desktop pricing. So my question to you is what would you like to see? What do you think would be best for your situation. Any suggestions?

So reply to this post with which version you would like to see.

Thanks
Carter

Jr · #2 10-21-2009, 06:11 PM

Carter,
Will the desktop version be the same as the online version? If they will be the same version, what will be the difference in price?

You should send me a copy of the software, and I will try it for you.

E.rodz · #3 10-21-2009, 06:17 PM

would either format be able to load a perticular car not in the database? I would love to be able to load in different cars that are not the everyday builds.

ironworks · #4 10-21-2009, 06:17 PM

If it was online could it be more elaborate? so a more expensive program but less money to the end user?

**DOOM** · #5 10-21-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironworks

If it was online could it be more elaborate? so a more expensive program but less money to the end user?

Great question Rodger..

**GregWeld** · #6 10-21-2009, 07:07 PM

I'll throw out a "quandary" for you.

Single version is currently $49.99

Full version is $299.99

As a 'car guy' -- I'd gladly spend $50 for this program to mess around with - but I'm not spending $50 for a ONE car version. So (IMHO) you've limited your sales from the get go. And I'm not going to use HOK - I'd prefer PPG... so there's another "limitation" to me -- or rather -- an "objection" to making the purchase. In sales - you want to remove as many "objections" as you possibly can. Perhaps this program already allows you to use other mfgs paints. I don't have the program so don't really know what I'm talking about here.

There is an old saying in retail: Sell to the masses - and live with the classes - Sell to the classes and live with the masses...

Meaning - Do you want to make a little money off each "copy" -- and sell zillions (where the "law of large numbers" kicks in) or do you want to hit a home run off each copy and just sell a limited number?

Now -- if you look at the iPhone "apps" -- the key to the developers selling zillions -- is to make them .99 or 2.99... and they're generating HUGE returns for the developers (again - the law of large numbers). But this is a different type product - and I know that.

So --- I'd say -- distribution is far cheaper done over the "net"... and make it a subscription style software - at like $39.99 PER YEAR - with automatic renewal... but with unlimited cars and use per year. And I'd advertise this product! PERSONALLY I'd never heard of it until this thread -- and it looks VERY INTERESTING to me!

I'm not trying to be a 'smart ass' here - or trying to run your business. I'm just tossing out some "ideas"... Can you tell I'm from the marketing side of the business world?? ;>)

Lots of companies make a "professional version" of their software - that carry substantial prices - but also can require substantial "support" and back end... but that DO MUCH MUCH MORE than the consumer version. I would "assume" that HOK has a version for it's distribution channel??

Has any advertising been done on this product? I'm only asking because I take all the car magazines and I can't remember seeing anything on it before..

**GregWeld** · #7 10-21-2009, 07:11 PM

BTW -- I just watched the DEMO on the website -- this is WAY KOOL!!

How did I miss it....

**GregWeld** · #8 10-21-2009, 07:14 PM

Carter ---

Found one more of those "objections" that I would assume would go away with a web based version.

I'm a 100% MAC guy! I see you don't support OSx...

CarterHickmanDesigns · #9 10-21-2009, 07:21 PM

Once again you are killing me!!!!!!!! I am a 100% mac guy myself, well except for when coding on the software. But yes the online version would work on anything that has a web browser.

Carter

Musclerodz · #10 10-21-2009, 07:46 PM

Let's put it this way Carter. A guy at home building his car would probably love to get full online access for 30 days to do his own car. A shop who would need constant use would probably prefer a one time fee. Look at it like the HOK program now. Guy at home is probably not willing to pay for it as it is not cheap ( I think $600?), but if that guy could use the program for say a week or month, you may potentially sell way more than expected and service both markets in the process.