What is Most Important when Buying or Trying New Software
19 December 2008
12 Comments So Far, Join In!
Earlier this week, I posted about the easiest way to make money, is to save it! There were quite a few comments that left me wondering… What is MOST important to YOU when buying or evaluating and new piece of software, a plugin, or even a web based service like WordTracker.
The thing is… there are SO MANY on the market today… when you start looking at them, which can cause script blindness… what are the KEY things that jump out and help you with a decision? We all know how lopsided the affiliate marketing reviews can be! :-)
{democracy:11}
Mark
Previously Published Articles You May Like to Read:
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- Free WordTracker Trial – Limited Time Offer
- Save on Gas – Supplement your Income with a Profitable Niche Market
- Build A Niche Store Review – Part 1 – My First Store!
- Using Wordtracker to Develop your Build a Niche Store Categories




Don’t know how to vote ? I’ll be back.
Hi Mark,
I was going to choose my own option, but it was too long, so I just voted for “Easy to Use”, and figured I’d leave a comment.
For me, the number one reason to try a script/service/product is that it has to solve a problem I’m actually having … for me these are usually not enough content, and not enough time.
… and obviously, stuff that adds to my bank account. But, even with reading reviews and testimonials, you don’t always know that until after you try it out.
I’ve had pretty good “luck” with a few things, including themes I bought from your site. There have also been a few things I’ve purchased, and really never used/read again.
… fortunately, my BANS earnings are my “education/reinvest” money, so I don’t stress too much about trying out a “dud”.
Ultimately, even the bad stuff is a learning experience.
Todd
You asked what the most important “factors” (plural) are, but we only got to choose one option. Given the opportunity, I would have chosen several. My top three choices are (in no particular order):
#3 – Ease of Installation – 1-2 Clicks is Best!
#4 – Has to be Easy to Use – I Don’t Want to Spend Hours Learning!
#6 – Positive User Reviews – If Others Like…
I’ve spent money on great programs that have been ridiculously hard to install. It doesn’t matter how great it is – if I can’t install it, I can’t use it.
I’ve spent money on programs that either don’t come with any instructions, or have instructions that take hours to read, and days to comprehend. I prefer to use something that I can figure out on my own. RTFM is NOT my motto.
I’ve spent countless hours looking for reviews on programs before I buy them. Sadly, probably 95% of the reviews I find are totally biased towards padding their pockets. They say whatever they think it will take for me to click the “Buy it now” button, instead of giving honest reviews.
It is frustrating not being able to find honest reviews as I’ve spent money on programs that turn out to be a waste of time and finances. Then, I need to spend more time asking for a refund, and following up to make sure I get it.
Rochelle
I don’t mind paying for software that is going to save me the task of hours of boring and soul destroying keyword research.
I use Software such as Market Samurai for this, I find this a fantastic program that saves me hours of work and frustration, I didn’t mind paying for this when it first came out and It’s constantly improving making it money well spent.
Rudy
The most important thing for me when purchasing a plugin or script is that the thing actually works the way it’s suppose to.
Nothing more than aggravating that to spend hours trying to figure out what I am doing wrong only to find out later it was the script that wasn’t doing what it has been claimed to do.
I don’t mind spending the money.
I don’t mind spending the time.
To be honest, if it doesn’t do what it claims to do then the rest don’t really matter ;) Just my 2 cents worth
Yeah, I got the same thing as James.
It must do what it should do without any additional hassle from my side. And of course, some kind of dev or forum support.
Cheers,
The Moneyac
Interesting question. I think I look for a few things. Cost is important always, but if I can justify a cost to myself (for my own projects) or my employer, then it isn’t the number one feature.
I’d have to say customization. In the day and age where Google cache’s everything, I have to be able to make my apps/sites as unique as possible. If I end up having a page that looks like thousands of others, I have failed.
1. A solid return policy
2. User reviews.
1. Good return policy
2. Solid user reviews.
For affiliate marketing tools I want something that will make me more money in the long run than it costs and if its a time saver then if it makes it easier for me to make money with it I will buy it.
It should have great effect on what i do. If it doesn’t affect me much then.. I wouldn’t buy it.. Next is its interface should be easy including installation and uninstallation.
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