Alright, so I plan to start offering preorders for my software (SonicMailer Pro). What sort of discount should be expected when preordering software? Do I need to provide a release date? At this time I do not have one, but I would be very surprised if we couldn't release it by the end of the year... Anything else to consider?
Are you serious? I'll just answer that with why would people pay for office when open office is free? Besides, that isn't at all what this topic is about. I'm looking for input on what I should do.
I wouldn't collect pre-orders. I would collect email addresses for notification of development updates (promotion), a discount when the soft is released (the carrot), and the ability to purchase first. Write some half decent copy, capture emails, and now when you launch, you can give all those people who wouldn't pre-order another chance to buy your product, and assemble a pretty nice mailing list early in the game. Think about how to maximize your opportunities and provide value to your customers to build interest and loyalty.
Well, it isn't a brand new product. Just a new, major version update. So, current customers will want to know about it and may want to preorder additional licenses(s) at the discounted rate... I was thinking of also providing a discount as soon as it is released, but a smaller discount. So, those that pre-order would get the biggest discount and still be notified as soon as it gets released and be able to download it that very same day
You don't have a hard and fast launch date, so collecting pre-orders is just going to create more work for you, trying to update all of those people standing in line, shaking fistfulls of dollars at you, asking "where is it?", "are we there yet?" Setup the email list, and email your existing customers to inform them that the new version is coming, and they will be entitled to a (token) discount by signing up for the new mailing list. Then you provide information at your discretion. And I would maximize the list to generate as many sales on launch day as possible. But thats me.
I could certainly do something like "Not ready to purchase yet? Provide your e-mail below and we'll notify you as soon as the software is released. You'll also be provided a discount code for your purchase" but don't you think offering a preorder would allow those who wish to, to purchase the software at the largest discounted price?
I want to put up a page (or maybe pages)... what I was thinking of was outlining the new features/improvements and then giving some screenshots. Would you want to see anything else? How many features/screenshots should I put? As much as possible or only the "top/main" ones? Anything else?