Hello all.
I'm hoping someone from Stardock might see this post and respond to it. I recently purchased Object Desktop (Standard) and enjoy the quality programs developed by Stardock. I've used the free versions of Object Dock and CursorFX but wanted to expand and use some of the other programs - with all features included.
As far as the reason for my post, I'd like to ask a couple questions about Stardock's packaging strategy for Object Desktop. I have a few comments/opinions to go along with my questions as you'll see...
- There are 6 programs included in the Standard OD package and 17 in the Ultimate. That's quite the spread but that's a separate issue. My question is - has Stardock ever thought of letting customers have control over which programs they get as part of each package? In other words, why not let customers purchase one of the 2 packages and then let them choose which specific programs they want as part of their package? Because I have experience in marketing, I can understand why Stardock may want to make some programs 'mandatory' as part of each package - i.e. - to increase sales for specific software, etc. With that said, you could still 'force' customers to take 3 or 4 mandatory programs and still afford them the opportunity to choose 2 or 3 on their own.
- Not only will this provide flexibility to the customer, it will actually help Stardock track sales and track customer interest in certain products - which will then lead to increased efficiency on the back end when deciding which programs to further develop - and how much time to spend doing it, which to possibly drop (or leave as-is) or which ones to highlight or promote more aggressively.
- In today's world, no matter the commodity, consumers want choice; and they want to feel like they're in charge of what they're buying. Allowing customers, like me, to choose which specific products we want will only serve to make us happier and more loyal to your company going forward. We're looking for value - especially in today's economy - and having at least 3 products forced on me that I'll never use is not what I call value. Had I purchased the 2-3 products that I will use separately, I would have paid more than the Standard package.
- As I mentioned earlier, I have been an Object Dock user for quite some time and enjoy the program. However, I'm only using the free version of the software. I was well aware that O.Dock was not included in the O.Desktop packages - which is the subject of this question. Why isn't Object Dock included in either of the O.Desktop packages? From what I've seen in my research during the time I've been using O.Dock, it's a very popular application and many users can't wait for the development of version 2.0 to be completed. I have a hard time understanding why this program isn't included in the O.Desktop packages - especially the Ultimate package.
- Is Stardock really that money-hungry? With all due respect, that's the perception given by not including it as part of either package. It's also very likely why many people choose RocketDock instead of pulling the trigger on purchasing a package from Stardock.
- Going back to point #1 - if I had the flexibility to choose my software, I could have been 100% satisfied with my overall purchase. Currently, while I love the 3 programs I'll actively use, I'm also only 50% satisfied with my purchase. Unfortunately, as stated earlier, I didn't have any other option. Had I purchased the 3 programs separately, I would have paid more!
- Why are free programs included in the list of applications for each package? For example, BootSkin Vista is listed as a free program on Stardock's website - and it's also listed as free within Impulse - yet it takes up a spot as one of the programs purchased in the O.Desktop packages. Should 'Theme Manager' end up being free once it's available separately, you can add that to this list too. As it stands today, I don't see what extra features it offers that require an added cost.
- Even my son - who's 9 years old - saw the list and said 'Dad, why is a free program listed like you have to pay for it? ... Why didn't they let you have a different program?' If a 9 year old can see through this marketing ploy - an attempt to force customers into spending more money to get what they want - what do you think adult (paying) customers are thinking?! I can answer that for you - they're thinking 'forget it!' or 'pirated software, here I come!'
Admittedly, I've asked a few direct questions and made some pointed comments regarding Stardock's sales strategies. To be fair, I believe Stardock is a great company with very talented developers. I have yet to use an application that wasn't a high quality product. Some of them are next to useless (Soundpackager, Deskscapes) - 
- but, none-the-less, are top-notch in quality.
It would be nice, however, to see Stardock take a different approach to sales. In an economy where every dollar counts (is more important than ever), consumers must be able to clearly see the value in their purchase(s). If they don't see the value - or in this case, see several applications they'll never use along with software that is otherwise free - they will choose not to make a purchase at all. The only reason I chose to make a purchase was because I was given a small sum of money as a birthday gift. If I had to spend my own money - earned money - I wouldn't have made the purchase...just as I hadn't done in the past. There are too many free alternatives out there today that can accomplish the same things.
Thank you in advance for reading and responding to a message that ended up being way too long. My apologies for that. I hope you are able to see my point of view - whether you actually share my feedback within your organization or not. I believe Stardock to be a quality company and wish all of you the best of luck in the future.
Thanks!
~DT4eva58
