How profitable is selling own shareware?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by svajdlenka, Aug 4, 2006.

0
  1. #1
    What do you think? Is some programmer here who make this kind of businness? I started 2 weeks ago with one program, but I am not sure how profitable it might be?
    Thanx
     
    svajdlenka, Aug 4, 2006 IP
  2. kozuch82

    kozuch82 Peon

    Messages:
    266
    Likes Received:
    3
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #2
    Hi buddy,

    CZ here :D. I would be interested too, if anyone can share experience. So far it seems to me you gotta have real GOOD stuff to provide, there is tons of annoying creepy SWs out there...
     
    kozuch82, Aug 4, 2006 IP
  3. eddy2099

    eddy2099 Peon

    Messages:
    8,028
    Likes Received:
    568
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #3
    Welcome here. Well, I am doing my own shareware and putting them on sale on the web since 1998. I am not wealthy from it but it pays the bills and I don't owe anyone any money.

    Well, the key is to always listen to your customers (potential and existing) to see what their needs are. Do not make the program to meet your needs but the needs of your customers. Once you incorporate that in, it is hard for them not to buy if the price is right.

    Make sure you promote your products by first of all listing them in as many shareware repository sites as possible. That should give you quick exposure.

    All the best! It is not an easy road and it took me almost 8 months to make my first sale. Over 14 months to cover my cost. There are good times and bad times so if you can, don't give up your day job.

    Try to make your website look professional and do not mix personal with your business site together.
     
    eddy2099, Aug 4, 2006 IP
  4. nextebizguy

    nextebizguy Peon

    Messages:
    276
    Likes Received:
    12
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #4
    I've thought about software development as well. After seeing millions of downloads for things like spyware removal tools, I just did the math at one dollar a download. ;)
     
    nextebizguy, Aug 4, 2006 IP
  5. ZachG

    ZachG Peon

    Messages:
    378
    Likes Received:
    7
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #5
    If you make good software, I'd say it could be quite profitable.
     
    ZachG, Aug 4, 2006 IP
  6. John Triscan

    John Triscan Guest

    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #6
    The principles of business do not change regardless of the product or service.

    Is there a market for your solution?
    Can you get exposure to that market?
    Can you make them a good offer?
    Deliver on your promise and then repeat and sell more on the back end.

    So the question is not, Can you make money selling software? Has anyone heard of Microsoft?
    The question is, Does your product fullfill a need or want?
     
    John Triscan, Aug 5, 2006 IP
  7. GsMen

    GsMen Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    61
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    108
    #7
    it all depends on how uniqe your software is on the day of releasing it. if your nr xxxxx copycat, forget about it.

    in my opinion, software must be:
    -usable (dont make a product that has only "1000" potenional users)
    -unique
    -good protected
    -met users desirements (LISTEN to them!!)
    -able to bought instantly
     
    GsMen, Aug 5, 2006 IP