Consignment Software Deception

How can a software program advertised for $99/month or '$85 to start' end up costing several thousands of collars? Read on.

Software vendors claim to be 'experts in consignment' on the one hand then claim innocence or ignorance when they knowingly deceive you about their products, prices and policies.

It takes very little effort to post all relevant information up front and center prior to purchase. If you've been shopping for software, then you already know that vendors with high prices and hidden fees purposely avoid disclosure.

Decide for Yourself

The following is a list of 'schemes' currently being practiced by some consignment software vendors. Simply ask each provider if he is part and parcel to some of these spoofs, but then, your questions may only beget more of the same.

Give the Appearance of Competitive Pricing

Websites of the most expensive software are purposely designed to draw attention away from long-term cost. False grandiose claims of 'competitively priced' are bannered while actual cost is buried on sub pages. That's the illusion. In fairness to you, right along side those half-truths should be a complete listing of all money you might have to pay over time to use each program.

At the turn of the century, profit margins for consignment software vendors were fat. Programs cost $1,000 to start and users were denied service if annual service fees weren't paid.

When new competition showed up in 2002 at half the initial price and no annual fees, the good ole boys first tried to ignore it. When they saw that wasn't going to work, they tried berating and finally they tried to give the appearance of having lowered prices by devising 'lite' versions of their full-version software.

'Lite versions' are not an unusual format but what is not acceptable is stripping 'essential' features from a full version then charging big fees to add them back when users discover the need for them 'later' - typically after the money-back period.

Vendors know that shoppers are in a hurry and shoppers get confused. Shoppers often start looking only at the price splashed on the home page and judge cost from there, not having the time or inclination to look closer. Vendors take advantage by giving the appearance of 'low cost' while lying in wait with big add-on fees.

Updates Are Free!!

This strategy is worn out and should insult your intelligence. If you don't pay annual service fees (as high as nearly $400/year - half the cost of the software!) you won't get 'free updates' and by the way, you won't get service either.

Free Consignment Software!

One vendor (who does not provide 'free software') tried advertising 'free consignment software' in Google Adsense and Yahoo Sponsored Ads. He stopped when his ruse was exposed.

Another vendor was advertising 'Consignment Software $85' in Google Adsense. He must have figured out that he was only alienating website visitors who took the bait only to find that the '$85' was per month.

Identity Misrepresentation

Most consignment software programs are offered by individual programmers. Most are honest about their identities but a few try to come across as 'software companies'. One went so far as to refer to himself as a "CEO with offices in New York and Miami" when in fact he runs his 'business' out of a condo.

Frankly most people would not knowingly spend hundreds of dollars for a software program if they knew support for the software relied upon the longevity of one person.

Summary

You'll find that vendors who offer a great product at a great price are honest and straightforward. You'll find all pertinent facts related to your buying decision prominently displayed on their websites. There will be no disclosures after the fact - no surprises, no shenanigans. Part of your consideration might be, "Do you want to do business with and depend upon someone who thinks he or she has to deceive you to get your business?"

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