I think the only developers that need to be scared are the ones that put out blatantly awful software, betting on the fact that people will buy it and then not have a recourse when they realize the mistake they made.
Especially with no free trials or other such models for the App Store, a policy like this is needed. Most of the time, buying apps is a shot in the dark. Even if the app gets reviewed highly, everyone has their own personal tastes and it may not be a good fit for some people. The only way to know if you'll like an app is to lay down cold hard cash on it, and when you do get disappointed, then what? So sorry, but you're just out of luck?
Now as far as Apple keeping its cut goes, I could see some ruffled feathers over that. Ultimately, Apple's keeping the lights on, though, and hosting apps and providing bandwidth for downloads costs money, whether the app gets returned or not. I really don't think Apple's 30% cut is much out of range of what hosting your own app with your own bandwidth on something like S3 would cost you. Maybe it's a little more expensive, but they do have to pay those reviewers.
Long and short is that good quality apps will likely never be affected by this. Even if due to individual taste, someone doesn't care for your app, I doubt they'd demand a refund, as long as it was a good quality app. But those developers who peddle their dilapidated wares on the App Store beware. It may just cost you in the long run.
"Pocketgamer.biz writes this isn’t actually a new policy, and according to one of their developer sources, this has been in the contract for a while. […] It’s also unclear as to how many customers have actually ever asked for a refund."
After reading Pocket Gamer's take on this story, it sounds like the whole thing has been blown out of proportion by Techcrunch.
According to CNet's Tom Krazit: "An Apple representative said […] the company does not charge the developer an additional 30 percent during the refund process."
As a former employee of a major carrier, I will tell you the number of people who call for refunds on applications/features they have downloaded in not insignificant. This policy can result in lost revenues even for legit apps from reputable companies. A significant % of the customer base likes to get something for free…and in this economy, you are seeing people scrutinzing their bills even more, looking to trim where they can. The 30% commission that Apple says they have the right to retain is also bad form.
Apple
I think the only developers that need to be scared are the ones that put out blatantly awful software, betting on the fact that people will buy it and then not have a recourse when they realize the mistake they made.
Especially with no free trials or other such models for the App Store, a policy like this is needed. Most of the time, buying apps is a shot in the dark. Even if the app gets reviewed highly, everyone has their own personal tastes and it may not be a good fit for some people. The only way to know if you'll like an app is to lay down cold hard cash on it, and when you do get disappointed, then what? So sorry, but you're just out of luck?
Now as far as Apple keeping its cut goes, I could see some ruffled feathers over that. Ultimately, Apple's keeping the lights on, though, and hosting apps and providing bandwidth for downloads costs money, whether the app gets returned or not. I really don't think Apple's 30% cut is much out of range of what hosting your own app with your own bandwidth on something like S3 would cost you. Maybe it's a little more expensive, but they do have to pay those reviewers.
Long and short is that good quality apps will likely never be affected by this. Even if due to individual taste, someone doesn't care for your app, I doubt they'd demand a refund, as long as it was a good quality app. But those developers who peddle their dilapidated wares on the App Store beware. It may just cost you in the long run.
The Android Market has a 24 hour return policy not 30 day.
http://www.google.com/mobile/android/market-policies.html
Please check your facts.
Nick, thanks I've corrected that.
"Pocketgamer.biz writes this isn’t actually a new policy, and according to one of their developer sources, this has been in the contract for a while. […] It’s also unclear as to how many customers have actually ever asked for a refund."
After reading Pocket Gamer's take on this story, it sounds like the whole thing has been blown out of proportion by Techcrunch.
"Apple needs to clarify what this policy actually refers to and why exactly they would need to still take their 30 percent cut."
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10205293-37.html
According to CNet's Tom Krazit: "An Apple representative said […] the company does not charge the developer an additional 30 percent during the refund process."
As a former employee of a major carrier, I will tell you the number of people who call for refunds on applications/features they have downloaded in not insignificant. This policy can result in lost revenues even for legit apps from reputable companies. A significant % of the customer base likes to get something for free…and in this economy, you are seeing people scrutinzing their bills even more, looking to trim where they can. The 30% commission that Apple says they have the right to retain is also bad form.
Another Iphone blunder. The competitor should happy with this