Amy Worrall

Indie app devs, what's your policy on people asking for 'codes' (they mean free or discounted copies). I've had a number of messages on Reddit, some of which seem more reasonable than others.

Do you guys have a blanket policy (eg “I don't do it", “I’ll give discount codes but not free copies", etc)?

#indiedev #BuildInPublic

Feb 28 at 3:54pmIvory for Mac
Show threadCarl CFeb 28
@amyworrall So, I don't sell apps, but this has the same feel to me as teens on reddit asking people to buy them games on Steam.
Show threadCesare ForelliFeb 28

@amyworrall The issue with some subreddits, is that’s kind of expected.

Still didn’t do it, but not surprising they’re asking.

I occasionally post promo codes here, not often, and I would not be against giving out a few copies if it build good will and makes the conversation around the app going, but I’d really look into who’s coming from.

Show threadAmy WorrallFeb 28
@cdf1982 I've had a disparate set of reasons. One wants 90% off because his country has lower purchasing power. A few students asking for a discount. One university staff member wants to demo it to his faculty -- but the unpaid version is fully demoable, it just prints with a banner on the output!
Show threadCesare ForelliFeb 28
@amyworrall I really don’t know what to suggest; probably not one of them would buy, but I don’t know if I’d did it anyway…
Show threadBruno ScheeleFeb 28

@amyworrall @cdf1982 Didn’t Connect have a “take purchasing power into account” setting?

As for the faculty member, since Octavo already works as a demo, then that’s all they need to show it to faculty.

Don’t give out codes to randos 🙃

Show threadAmy WorrallFeb 28
@brunoscheele @cdf1982 hmmm does it? I know I could set the per country prices manually but I wasn’t aware of an automatic option…
Show threadBruno ScheeleFeb 28
@amyworrall @cdf1982 Can’t find it. So probably not. I might be remembering a conversation about a management SaaS that does it for you. ☹️
Show threadAndrew YatesFeb 28
@amyworrall almost never. Aside from a giveaway, I think I’ve only given one or two codes out for @alpenglowapp in just under 10 years.
Show threadScott Murray Feb 28
@amyworrall I’m not a dev but this smells like scams. Use codes for your targeted marketing outreach; not as giveaways to randoms who approach you.
Show threadQueen L’AntifaFeb 28

@amyworrall As an indie, I provided free licenses to press and prolific bloggers who were at least somewhat on topic for the users of the app. It’s good marketing.

Everyone else can pay me for my effort.

Show threadobrhoffFeb 28

@amyworrall I gave out some coded when I released Daft Music. Personally I would not waste long codes like a year subscription anymore. Most people just took them and never used the app.

If I would now give out codes it would be max for a month and see it as a extended trial.

Btw stay away from: “Can I have a TestFlight Link so I can help”. Its mostly a thing to get the App for free.

Show threadisaiahFeb 28

@amyworrall my blanket rule is that i give out a lot of freebies. but not usually to randos on reddit.

but it varies a lot on circumstances. students and teachers, i’m especially generous.

i don’t usually have many across the board promotions anymore. those sorts of blanket sales can bring in a lot of new folks. if your sales rely on an active community that can be one way to give it a boost.

Show threadDimitri BouniolFeb 28
@amyworrall If anyone asks in private, I usually just give them a copy… not like it "costs" me anything to have one more happy user that might tell others about it one day.
Show threadDaniel KennettFeb 28

@amyworrall Like most of your other replies: Press, media, and other "legit" people yes, otherwise no. People will do a lot to try and get free software.

However, I am at the tail end of building out a licensing system that'll allow a lot more flexibility - I can grant people longer full-featured trials, do site licenses, student discounts etc. The App Store is very limited in what you can do.