What Type Of Software Is This?

The other day while at the book store, I came across some accounting software CDs strewn with other CDs and books in garage sale box.

How can any self respecting businessman (even a small one at that) pick up a copy of this cheap sale accounting CD from the box for his business to use? He'd think "what type of accounting system is this that would end up in a garage sale?"...and he's not even heard of free software yet! If he did, he'd probably figure "What type of software is this that you can just click and get it for free on the Internet?"

In most cases, this thinking "..what type of..?" continues and applies to the person on the other end - the guy promoting it. It goes "what type of person are you to promote something that cheap (that ends up in a garage sale box) to me?". It follows "What type of company are you representing? Or do you even have a company?"

Even small business owners have self respect when they shop for budget items.

The guy selling free software tried "No sir. This is open source program, very popular and respectable. Do you know Apache? It's also free.."

Businessman "You mean the one with war paint on his face fighting Custer in the movie?". Thanks to Hollywood, some things just get stereotyped.

For those of us who promote open source applications the above scenario though hilarious, is not unreal.

If we think about it, what do people actually buy from a garage sale box? Most likely something for a hobby, say something you want to learn about but a new book costs a bomb. Maybe a recipe book, taichi and of course the fast outdated tech books. We're talking about something 'light' or outdated that ends up in the garage sale box. Certainly not for something that's as important as accounting software for any business to use.

Perhaps open source businesses need to emphasize on the word solutions instead of free or open source. Package the software into a decent looking box. Show the customer that there are costs by itemising, 'software cost' foc, show a charge for download, copy, packaging, transport and include training, upgrade, email, telephone, etc support services, add them up and show a 'total solutions' cost. Stack the costs up against proprietory solutions and very likely open applications looks a better option for the customer. The idea is to show that there is a cost for the solution you are selling - just like any other product. The marketing campaign may be capped by putting it as a summer offer - normal say USD400 now only USD199.

James NK Khoo is the owner of Qwenkay Information http://www.qwenkay.com a company providing accounting and content management systems software support. He is also the publisher for Go Uncle Web http://www.gouncleweb.com, a practical online business and web oriented guide. James has been in the commercial and industrial sector for many years.

If you need solid practical advice with accounts/bookkeeping or a budgeted yet decent website, contact him at james@qwenkay.com

---

Better Links Directory

Doesnt Anybody Work Here? Nametags Impact Employee Communication

Walmart was the first business to require all its employees... Read More

Create Win-Win Deals With Your Competitors

In the competitive world of the 20th century, we generally... Read More

What Every Employee Should Know About How to Prevent Customer Service Conflicts

There are five techniques that have been proven to be... Read More

Turning Customer Mistakes Into Raving Fans

When you make a mistake with a customer, should you... Read More

Customer Service, Italian Style

Nowadays, we complain nearly all of the time about how... Read More

Finding Out Why a Potential Customer is Calling On You

Our challenge as the business owner/sales person answering the telephone,... Read More

The Logic of Emotion!

Homebuyers are an interesting study. Watching people make their home... Read More

Writing The Book On Great Customer Service

Q: One of the big chain bookstores recently opened up... Read More

Listening to Customers - 5 Tips

In a strange juxtapositioning of articles, this month's UK '... Read More

We Got It Wrong: Never Under Promise & Over Deliver

You know how it is, you believe something for so... Read More

Automating Your Help Desk Workflow

Do you know you can open, answer, close and report... Read More

It Is All About Customer Service!

In this day of terrible customer service, it should come... Read More

Revealed ? A Simple Formula For Success! Exceeding Expectations

Delight = Customer Expectation plus 1. This was the simple... Read More

Over Deliver - The Key to Customer Satisfaction

Client satisfaction starts with meeting or beating the contractual obligations... Read More

Proofs of Delivery and Logistics: Speeding Throughput and Avoiding Pitfalls

It should be a straightforward business scenario: making sure that... Read More

Sorry, No Customer Service After 4:00 P.M.

A few months ago, I wrote about ingenious styles of... Read More

Is your Online Business Customer-Friendly?

Customer service is increasingly seen as one of the most... Read More

Client Service as a Competitive Advantage

As someone who has been heavily involved facilitating strategic planning... Read More

One of the Secrets of a Great Customer Experience

A few weeks ago we conducted our annual "Customer Experience... Read More

Developing A Customer Complaint System

Background The company was experiencing an increase in the number... Read More

Transforming Disgruntled Customers into Your Biggest Advocates

"I am writing to complain about the widget I bought... Read More

Dont Forget your Existing Clients

Quest for new clients shouldn't ignore those who pay the... Read More

Managing Your Business When One Client Takes Alot of Your Time

How often has your schedule been thrown out of whack... Read More

What You Need to Know About CRM

1. It's all about the customer. Some companies focus too... Read More

Customer Service and Call Center Outsourcing, Whats The Buzz?

The buzz is all about customer service and call center... Read More