Bill, I have a vertical market application. Version 1.0 was out in 1989.
Historically, clients pay a monthly lease fee which covers support and updates. I also allow clients to go to a permanent lease where they pay a monthly multiple (up front or spread over a few months) and annual maintenance and support The model has provided a reasonable income for almost 20 years. A number of my clients have been around for 15 - 19 years. One is on a permanent lease which began in 1994 or so. I decided this model - back then when I had 3 children less than high school age. I could not afford the feast or famine routine. The three are through college. Around 2000 - which would have been 30 years of marriage - my wife decided we needed a divorce. It was out of nowhere (we had just bought land and were planning an upscale home.) Anyway, it hit me hard and for almost 5 years I felt sorry for myself and chased every attractive woman within 25 miles. The business was put on auto pilot. For the most part, I did maintenance only - maybe 5 hours a week of hands on effort. As good as the model is - it wound down. Bill - the attributes you enumerated for a sales assistant are on the money. Oh yea - I am cranking it back up and the opportunity is tremendous. Along the way I became involved with a very attractive and personable woman. She loves new environments - she loves to meet new people. There are potential clients who are not ready to jump and she calls them every week - at a prearranged time. They love to talk to her - especially the women. Kids, school, husbands, no topic is out of bounds. On occasion she cannot call as arranged - and they wonder if there is a problem! I have to laugh - it took over a year to develop an understanding of the software - but when there is a technical question - she determines if "Mr. Lindner" is available! Geee! Gil - the model does become a relationship where you and the client participate for common benefit. I have found everything you mention correct. If I may add - my clients know their business I do not. So we encourage them to recommend changes and improvements. Works very well. Just my 2 cents. Carl Lindner -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Arnold Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:55 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: VFP product marketing Michael, > > <snipped> That is the reality I deal with in my market, especially > > now with a major downturn in the automotive market. > > > > I think that we all take a hit with this "downturn" in the > market. How to find an advantage...hmm.....I still think the "pay as you > go" monthly fee idea is better than the few thousand for the one time purchase. As it happened, we landed a customer yesterday on this (monthly payment) basis. Frankly, I'm not thrilled with the approach, but we must be flexible. Bill [excessive quoting removed by server] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
