Why don't Indians buy software?
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
They're probably finding something for free or various things that do the same things for free.
That's called seagull management (or sometimes pigeon management)... Fly in, flap your arms and squawk a lot, crap all over everything and fly out again... by _Damian S_
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
The developers are usually located in India, whereas the purchase team is usually in the US or Canada (for a lot of Indian IT companies that do outsourced work). So while it's an Indian dev who evaluates the software, the sales order is always from the US or Canada. Not unusual at all. As to the guy who told you they went with another product, well I don't know about that.
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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The developers are usually located in India, whereas the purchase team is usually in the US or Canada (for a lot of Indian IT companies that do outsourced work). So while it's an Indian dev who evaluates the software, the sales order is always from the US or Canada. Not unusual at all. As to the guy who told you they went with another product, well I don't know about that.
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Sorry, I think you misunderstood. We sell a small business product, it's not a development tool there are no developers involved, usually plumbers, electricians, computer repair shops etc. It's a software package used by small businesses to run their service business. Think commercial off the shelf software only distributed entirely online. Our sales are *very* strong in the U.S. and Canada so that doesn't account for it either. This is a pattern that has developed over a decade now, it's not a one time thing. It's mystifying.
There is no failure only feedback
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
As well as what Nish said, there's also a thread in some development companies (and this relates to any country) of downloading software to see what it can do so that you know what the competition is doing. That way, they can develop software that does at least all that yours can, along with new features.
I'm not a stalker, I just know things. Oh by the way, you're out of milk.
Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads
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As well as what Nish said, there's also a thread in some development companies (and this relates to any country) of downloading software to see what it can do so that you know what the competition is doing. That way, they can develop software that does at least all that yours can, along with new features.
I'm not a stalker, I just know things. Oh by the way, you're out of milk.
Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads
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Sorry, I think you misunderstood. We sell a small business product, it's not a development tool there are no developers involved, usually plumbers, electricians, computer repair shops etc. It's a software package used by small businesses to run their service business. Think commercial off the shelf software only distributed entirely online. Our sales are *very* strong in the U.S. and Canada so that doesn't account for it either. This is a pattern that has developed over a decade now, it's not a one time thing. It's mystifying.
There is no failure only feedback
Ah alright, I thought your product was aimed at developers. If it's a business product, it's no wonder your tool sells so poorly in India. Indian businesses are not run anything like they are in the US/Canada. Unless you've lived and worked there, and understand typical Indian business process flow, it would be unlikely that your product will be helpful to anyone in India. I am sure there are tons of local products that would do the job closer to what they want (even if they may not be as stable as your product).
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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We thought of that but we are getting hundreds of downloads from India a *week*. There just aren't that many companies in this market.
There is no failure only feedback
Then you need to expand your question to ask what competitor they went with, and why they went with them. Find out what you need to do to make your product attractive in this market - it could be something as simple as the competition has a local office with local support.
I'm not a stalker, I just know things. Oh by the way, you're out of milk.
Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
Because they "evaluated" it for reasons of producing a competing product. Try emailing those devs from an "anonymous" email and ask them if they have a product similar to yours. That will tell you something.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams "Let me get this straight. You know her. She knows you. But she wants to eat him. And everybody's okay with this?"
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We thought of that but we are getting hundreds of downloads from India a *week*. There just aren't that many companies in this market.
There is no failure only feedback
John C wrote:
getting hundreds of downloads from India a *week*.
Not surprising in a country of 1 billion+ people.
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
My somewhat different perspective. Rahul says, "I bought XYZ software of ABC company for $55.99. Quite good application!" Manoj says, "You are stupid. You PAID for software!!? Come on man, everything is available for free on Internet." Rahul probably won't buy any software next time. Will tolerate nagging screen that says it is not genuine.
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The developers are usually located in India, whereas the purchase team is usually in the US or Canada (for a lot of Indian IT companies that do outsourced work). So while it's an Indian dev who evaluates the software, the sales order is always from the US or Canada. Not unusual at all. As to the guy who told you they went with another product, well I don't know about that.
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
As to the guy who told you they went with another product, well I don't know about that.
As if you know the other 999,999,998 :)
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
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Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
As to the guy who told you they went with another product, well I don't know about that.
As if you know the other 999,999,998 :)
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
:laugh:
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
There, now you too are disappointed there wasn't a punchline.
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Ah alright, I thought your product was aimed at developers. If it's a business product, it's no wonder your tool sells so poorly in India. Indian businesses are not run anything like they are in the US/Canada. Unless you've lived and worked there, and understand typical Indian business process flow, it would be unlikely that your product will be helpful to anyone in India. I am sure there are tons of local products that would do the job closer to what they want (even if they may not be as stable as your product).
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Ok, I fully understand that but why do they continually download our product and request full trial license keys? Are they just getting an idea of what is possible and what features to look for but ultimately will buy local?
There is no failure only feedback
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Ok, I fully understand that but why do they continually download our product and request full trial license keys? Are they just getting an idea of what is possible and what features to look for but ultimately will buy local?
There is no failure only feedback
Your product is very likely more professional looking than any of the local products. So their first instinct is to somehow convince their managers to approve your product so they can use what seems to them a better product. But the higher ups usually look for actual usable functionality - which the local apps will do better than yours will. This is my best guess.
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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There, now you too are disappointed there wasn't a punchline.
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We were going over our analytics the other day and a question came up: "Why don't Indians buy software?". We sell a small to medium sized business application online and we have regular sales in over 70 countries. In our web analytics we see India quite high on the list of countries where people download our software, very high, like fifth out of all countries, as well Indians regularly request a full trial license from us to fully test our software so we know they are engaged and interested. The mystery is that in over a decade in business we still have zero sales to India, not one single one. This despite thousands of downloads by Indians. The countries below India in downloads, even *way* below India still account for a large amount of sales. It's not piracy, we monitor that regularly. We've contacted the Indian people who requested a license as we do everyone and we always get an answer like "We thoroughly checked it out and decided to go with another package". Is there some kind of cultural thing we're not getting? Is it that they will always try to find a local equivalent if they can? Does anyone have a theory as to this mystifying behaviour?
There is no failure only feedback
They do (or at least that's our experience, albeit in a different sector - dev tools). For us by far the worst major country for sales is (no surprise) China. I'd be really surprised if piracy isn't a significant factor in that case though; I know our online merchant is really strict about credit card orders from that part of the world.
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Your product is very likely more professional looking than any of the local products. So their first instinct is to somehow convince their managers to approve your product so they can use what seems to them a better product. But the higher ups usually look for actual usable functionality - which the local apps will do better than yours will. This is my best guess.
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Oddly we sell really well all over the world, I'm not exaggerating when I say that, from Anguilla to Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso to Turkey, you name it, India just stands out as being it's own thing entirely and I'm still a bit confused as to why.
There is no failure only feedback
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Oddly we sell really well all over the world, I'm not exaggerating when I say that, from Anguilla to Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso to Turkey, you name it, India just stands out as being it's own thing entirely and I'm still a bit confused as to why.
There is no failure only feedback
India has 1000s of software shops (many of them run out of one room home offices). So there will be cheap alternatives for pretty much every piece of business software you can think of. Of course there may be significant compromises in quality/stability etc. but because they are so cheap, users get value for money.
Regards, Nish
Latest article: Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com