New Design Software?

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

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]

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. :thumbsup:

[E.rodz]

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]

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

[DOOM]

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]

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..


:cheers: :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

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

How did I miss it....

[GregWeld]

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...
:cool:

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

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]

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.

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

Thanks all who have responded! Awesome info.

Mike, currently I offer a $50 single vehicle version that is unlimited use of the vehicle and a $300 version that is all the vehicles I have in my database.

Please let me know more thougths, this is a tougher business decision than I thought. Both version use completely different technology so its either one or the other

Carter

[awr68]

Carter, can you use the Desktop Application on multiple PC's...I have three myself at home.

Personally, I prfer for you to do my renderings and design work! ;) :lol:

See ya in a couple weeks!! :cheers:

[Musclerodz]

Thanks all who have responded! Awesome info.

Mike, currently I offer a $50 single vehicle version that is unlimited use of the vehicle and a $300 version that is all the vehicles I have in my database.

Please let me know more thougths, this is a tougher business decision than I thought. Both version use completely different technology so its either one or the other

CarterAt that price, one time fee is a no brainer.

[ccracin]

Carter,

Depending on resources and down load speeds, I would say the desktop version may be preferable. You may have people become disappointed in your software simply because they have a crappy internet connection. I know when I am at someones house with poor service, I am frustrated to no end. I then have a bad opinion of the site I'm on as well because I'm not sure if it is the service or site. I wouldn't think you would want to take the chance. By the way, long time no talk. Were you in Columbus? I'll have to give you a call.

Later,

[nvr2fst]

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

Mac here also. So you'd run it through a parrallel window system? Most apps I have including our payroll are done this way. Plus its cost effective for me on existing software in lieu of buying all new Mac software. But sometimes its a pain in the ...
Dave

[Flash68]

I have been moving as much as I can from my actual laptop to all web-based solutions... (google apps/docs for one business), calendars (google calendar replacing outlook), quickbooks online, etc etc... I dont like transferring (if possible) things to another PC/laptop when its time to upgrade or if something goes wrong.

This is why I prefer everything in the online web-based version - even if its a little more expensive and a recurring fee.

[V8TV]

The web version is also always updated. I say do the cloud app, I like the annual subscription fee, but how about a 3 car license for $50 and unlimited for $300?

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

Thanks guys for the feed back, exactly what I was looking for. Just saw some info on broadband coverage and it is not as high as I thought. So I still do not know which way it will end up.

Carter

[GregWeld]

Another good marketing "ploy" is the old --- 30 day free trial... where you get a "demo" CD but have to unlock it's full potential if you really want to use most of the features...

It's the old - set the hook.... then real 'em in.