It’s a question we have often discussed in our team meetings – Should Merlin 2 be offered in a boxed version?At the moment Merlin 2 can be purchased online and we are really happy with this method.
However, for stores and shops this method does not work very well. They do not have the possibility to sell (if they can it is rather complicated) the application.
That’s why we get many queries asking us to provide a boxed version of Merlin 2.
Well we thought we’d ask what your thoughts and opinions are – Is a boxed version of a software required these days?
I do not see a need for a boxed version as long as you make it convenient to transfer the license from an old computer to a new one.
Personally I don’t think there is any need. I rarely buy any boxed software, it’s easier and faster to buy on-line. I guess that from a commercial point of view, having Merlin as a boxed version may give it more visibility to a wider audience; it’s only by chance I discovered it and I’m very glad I did! Then again advertising in professional journals may be more cost effective.
if you can get this system in a box, you get it in the 200 apple retail stores. provide training and “certification” with the apps, and have the apple geniuses teach people for you.
from a visibility and sales perspective, you are much better off getting it retailed.
when someone goes to apple’s stores, they are often struck by the lack of real business applications.
missing out on ms project may be one of the few reasons why people don’t switch to mac. go for it fellas!
It depends on what the goals are for the product. If you are aiming for the general consumer market, then it may be beneficial to have a box sitting on a retail store’s shelves. If you are aiming for the business user (which is my guess given who traditionally uses MS Project and other project management systems) then boxed software is unnecessary.
IMO, few business users spend much time looking for software on store shelves. They typically base what they use on industry publications, ads, reviews, case studies, etc. For them purchasing and downloading electronically is usually the preferred method – especially given the size of the download (small).
My two cents.
Guys, this is great feedback.
On one side we too agree with what Ken is saying. We do get queries from Apple stores and such queries starts up the debate in our team all over again. On the other hand we are a business application and are aware that many of those looking to get a PM software will research the website and not go to a store.
Keep send us your feedback, it’s always valuable.
Box it.
You must box your application in order to have mainstream adoption by your core market – Executives and project managers.
For this program to be taken seriously, it must play in the same arena as the big boys.
Hi guys,
Is it possible to go the middle-ground.
Have your demos available to every Apple Store and a link to the website within the demos – Or have an international ‘toll-free number’ that people can call that processes the order.
This way, a person who wants to buy immediately can get the product on CD/DVD, call you from the AppleStore or home or office, give you the creditcard number and have the product. Or a ‘fax-in’ request, a mail-in form or the internet.
Maybe even the AppleStore can call you, with a special payment code, for software they have sold for you…and you issue the code immediately.
This way you could easily ‘get the product out there’ for a fairly cheap price, retain the power to authorise etc and bring users to your site..
While ‘internet sales’ are good, many people will not use them (especially ‘net ignorant’ senior managers) and it is difficult to get a user if there is no acceptable ‘middle ground’.
Hello Wizards.
To me, your real question is not whether to have a boxed version or not, but rather this:
You are assessing whether to move from the “functional appeal” of your product to a more “emotional appeal.”
When companies are willing to challenge the functional-emotional orientation of their industry, they often find new market space.
Functionally orientated industries can often infuse commodity products with new life by adding a dose of emotion and, in so doing, can stimulate new demand. (see Swatch)
*Does your industry compete on functionality or emotional appeal?
*If you compete on emotional appeal, what elements can you strip out to make it functional?
*If you compete on functionality, what elements can be added to make it emotional?
Thank you.
Hi,
I bought the boxed version of Project X from their store (they did not offer an on-line purchase). I WAITED for it, AND had to pay TAXES and SHIPPING.
Project X was available from the Apple Store.. but already I can feel that Merlin is a better product. So, my second point is that being in an Apple Store does NOT mean a product is excellent.
I am now trying out your product and am having a better experience.
SAP is not anywhere out there. I don’t see MS Project at Staples (large Office supplies store). The point is that retail is really for the consumer and generally lighter apps.
Other advantages of on-line:
1. You always get full price for your product. No need for an intermediary to get 20% or whatever.
2. Extra packaging costs, for different countries. Pass on these costs savings to the customer. Or spend it on advertising on the right websites and magazines e.g. MacWorld.
3. No legal issues with Customs in various countries.
4. On-line is better for the environment. Save trees, no waste of energy to move boxes.
5. On-line is faster and simpler.
I suggest that the money you would put into a boxed version, you put into web and print advertising, and hiring additional support personnel so your support can always be top-notch.
Cheers!