PPC Game Pricepoint (.... and a shameless plug)

[Matt Keys]

http://www.amazinggames.com/Sections/Pr ... /index.htm

Sven has mentioned to me that the site is undergoing a new design.

[bdowell]

[Michael Y]

Thanks a lot!

[randall]

[ChezDoodles]

randall,

Right now I really don't know. This was basically an "experiment" to see how price was related to sales in general and to see if "thinking outside the box" with regard to "established" price levels would mean reaching a broader audience.

There is at least one interesting message that is pretty consistent from all the emails I have received: That a lot of people who would not purchase ANY game at $19.00 is willing to purchase for $5.99 - so we're also reaching a NEW customer base AND that the limit for their decision is in the "Coke and Burger"-area, ie. skip a fastfood meal or a couple of chocolates to purchase a game.

I'll gather statistics in the coming weeks that will help me decide upon what price I think is best for Speedway JAM! and our industry in general, and I'll let you know how this have affected sales, etc.

>Chez

[hasen]

I think this is a great idea but I agree with the point about having loads more 'paperwork' to do being a problem and what about all the support questions you'll get? If you're having so many sales you may need more staff to deal with it all.

Maybe the price is too low? About $10 or so for a top quality game sounds like a better idea to me. I think its a healthy balance between extremes IMO.

[randall]

Is that the BIG concern here? That there will be more paperwork to do? God forbid devs actually have some customer service to focus on. Sven has always had excellent service, and even if he gets slammed with email he can employ some extra help.

I don't expect alot of devs to agree with Svens plan. Our pricing of Snails got alot of shit from developers (even legal threats), but ZERO complaints from the customer. So who do you listen to? The people throwing money at you, because listening to a half-assed, short-sighted dev isn't going to pay your bills.

An experiment, in which Sven has stated several times that he will keep us informed if it worked or not. Even if he DOESN'T come out and say it, the pricing of Speedway Jam will reflect the outcome. Chopper Alley will either remain at $5.99, or go up slightly to $8.99 or jack back up to full price at $20. Regardless, we'll know.

Basically, I'm in full support of Svens pioneering spirit, and courage to do something. Somebody had to spin this industry around, and it wasn't going to be the big-guys.

[Paul]

wait a minute, you got legal threats from over developers!?

[Conan]

Thanks Randall, No-one has had a go at me before on PM & I was beginning to feel left out Anyway I have many happy registered users who have written to me praising my customer support and only ever one complaint and that was for something cause by Microsoft & not me so I can assure you that I know that the customer is King / Queen. All I was trying to say was that there is a point at which reducing the price does not bring more revenue & causes more admin. eg: When I send out a newsletter to users I have 3 languages, 3 online stores and numerous bad e-mail addresses & other stuff to resolve. Doubling the number of people to look after for no extra income will not do so I welcome this experiment to find out whether a lower price does actually work.

[brntcrsp]

bdowell, your budget sounds just like mine...

Me: Ooooh, sweet tasties!

Self: You do know that you'll have to eat Ramen noodles for another few days if you get that.

Me: Shut up, you! Back to your cage!

[randall]

[hasen]

I'm very interested to see the results to of this like the rest of you. Personally I don't think it will work, the price is too low. You'll make more sales but because the price is so low you won't really make any more money. I could be wrong of course, putting it up to even $8.99 could mean a huge decrease in sales compared with this price.

If paperwork is not an issue and it does make more money than raising the price a little then great. As I say I look forward to seeing how it works out.

[Conan]

Just a personal dislike really but I hate prices ending in .99 4.99 9.99 etc etc. I much prefer an honest $10 $20 as a price. Any price ending in .99 is a psychological manipulation trying to make us think the price is lower than it is & even though most people can tell that 4.99 = 5 most people still sell at a .99 price. I for one prefer whole numbers

On the price point thing I am going to try a lower price for the BE300 market as these machines are cheaper than PocketPCs I think there's a valid reason to offer a lower price.

[randall]

Naw, they can afford it because they saved hundreds of dollars. Besides, one guy here will claim how powerful the be-300 is. Even kicking the butt of any ARM PPC2K device. So to harness that kind power takes alot of work and justifies a higher price. Somwhere around $45 sounds about right.

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[T¹]