Pricing of webOS apps?

[chris]

I'm curious how developers will price apps in the App Catalog. Apple has pushed pricing to the floor on their apps. Most of them cost 0.99 cents. RIM just announced a floor of $2.99 for their apps (which is odd that they would set a floor or pricing). So, where does that leave Palm webOS apps? I guess it would depend on demand, quality of app, # of apps in the store and competition. I wouldn't be surprised if pricing in the iPhone App Store pushes prices down on webOS apps.

Thoughts? Expectations?

[AKITAYO]

In the case of $0,99 per app I think that in business it is called dumping (not regulated for apps ???) In other words bad competition or competitor.

[chris]

In the case of $0,99 per app I think that in business it is called dumping (not regulated for apps ???) In other words bad competition or competitor.

I think the amount of iPhones and iPod touch devices makes it feasible for developers to make a profit. The problem lies with consumers who move platforms expect a wealth of inexpensive apps. Even if Palm sells a good amount of Pre phones, I don't see the 0.99 cent pricing model working for developers. At least those that want to put food on the table.:wink:

[AKITAYO]

Yes, I agree with you. And I was thinking in what will think the original developers of their apps that are now being down priced Of course if the buyer who mfg devices pays them what they asked for their apps and then sell to users subsidized ,there is no problem for them But If they sell these apps in their web site too and have the proper real price??

The launching strategy for Pre in this case could be: including a big bunch of most used apps for free and in the other hand could be: Palm OS apps converted to Palm WebOS for free.

Maybe Palm WEBOS is more simple SDK than we expect . But quality could not be sacrifice by price That´s always a big difference in policy with Palm INC Will see.

[MijoroJordan]

I don't really see the draw of selling apps for 99cents. Yea, maybe you can work with the "long tail" aspect, but it really just seems to kill the market value of apps in general. That's why we're planning on breaking up Mijoro apps into two groups: Simple apps that will be free, and premium apps that will sell for at least $4.99.

The simple apps that we make just for fun. They're handy, but not really up to the bar for what we want to sell. We're going to give those away for free so that you guys can play with them and get some use out of them without having to pitch out any cash.

On the other hand, our paid apps are going to be limited to the ones that add really useful new features to the Pre. Ideally, these are things you'd use on a regular basis, and make your life much easier for having them which is why we're pricing them higher.

For the moment (and we're still working on it / looking for feedback) our philosophy is that if it's a valuable app, it should have an appropriate price. Otherwise, it may be useful or cool, but its still just a fun trinket and should be free.

Does that sound fair to those of you who plan on buying apps?

[glsda]

I don't really see the draw of selling apps for 99cents. Yea, maybe you can work with the "long tail" aspect, but it really just seems to kill the market value of apps in general. That's why we're planning on breaking up Mijoro apps into two groups: Simple apps that will be free, and premium apps that will sell for at least $4.99.

The simple apps that we make just for fun. They're handy, but not really up to the bar for what we want to sell. We're going to give those away for free so that you guys can play with them and get some use out of them without having to pitch out any cash.

On the other hand, our paid apps are going to be limited to the ones that add really useful new features to the Pre. Ideally, these are things you'd use on a regular basis, and make your life much easier for having them which is why we're pricing them higher.

For the moment (and we're still working on it / looking for feedback) our philosophy is that if it's a valuable app, it should have an appropriate price. Otherwise, it may be useful or cool, but its still just a fun trinket and should be free.

Does that sound fair to those of you who plan on buying apps?

Yes this sounds fair to me. I have the 3g iPhone and seldom go to the iTunes store app section to look fro apps. There are too many and it's a waste of time. So if I need an app I do a search in the appropriate forum and or thread at everythingicafe then visit those apps at the iTunes store. The iTunes app store section is like visitng your optomitirsts and he or she says pcik out a frame you like from the 50 to 100 displayed on the wall. I don't see the trees for the forest.

Anyway I like your concept and have never begrudged anyone earning a profit for providing a producd or service. If the app is good it will sell if not it will die. Good luck and I look forward to supporting you when I get my Pre.

[dougster123]

Yes ~Jordan, you are on the right path. Since Treo 600 days (that's when I joined the fray) I recall Palm apps being available this way. In fact, I feel $4.99 would be too low in come cases. I'm not a mainstream user, so I would gladly pay more for apps that suit me. . . but then again, I'm biased - I'm a web guy, so now I can join the party :cool: THANKS PALM !!!

[MijoroJordan]

Yes this sounds fair to me. I have the 3g iPhone and seldom go to the iTunes store app section to look fro apps. There are too many and it's a waste of time. ... I don't see the trees for the forest.

Anyway I like your concept and have never begrudged anyone earning a profit for providing a producd or service. If the app is good it will sell if not it will die. Good luck and I look forward to supporting you when I get my Pre.

I know exactly what you mean. I tried browsing the app store and its such a waste of time. I never knew there could be so many alarm clocks in the Top Apps. Hopefully, Palm will find something better to do to bring the cream of the crop into focus. And thanks for your support.

Yes ~Jordan, you are on the right path. Since Treo 600 days (that's when I joined the fray) I recall Palm apps being available this way. In fact, I feel $4.99 would be too low in come cases. I'm not a mainstream user, so I would gladly pay more for apps that suit me. . . but then again, I'm biased - I'm a web guy, so now I can join the party :cool: THANKS PALM !!!

Thanks, I like to hear that. I think we're going to have a lot of people in your shoes, getting into development, who're going to recognize and reward the work that goes into development. With any luck, that'll keep prices inflated a little and avoid bottoming out at 0.99$

And welcome to the forums, I saw this was your first post.

[benjie]

I have never hesitated to pay for an application that enhanced my productivity. ChatterEmail, HanDBase, Documents to Go, those are just a few that cost a bit more than $4.99. If free, fine, but if I need something, then I have no problem paying for it.

[PapaNoHair]

I agree Mijorojordan: I already have paid a lot more for some of the apps I use on my Centro and I don't mind if the program is needed, works, etc. Hmmm that reminds me: I wonder if my already paying for Documents To Go, etc means I have to pay again for the same app on the Pre. If I were a betting person........