Comments on: Apple refund clause: Bad for developers?

A clause in the App Store contract regarding refunds to customers could require developers to pay an extra fee that lets Apple still make money off returns.

[zoodled]

Another solution is to adopt the try before you buy model. The app is given away on the App store for free for 30 days. If the user likes the app, they must go directly to your site and purchase the full version of the app. 30% of free is nothing.

[anilsudh]

This will make the developers double check the quality of their apps before putting it out.

[lyonsnet]

I was under the impression you couldn't return software, and I would assume the same would apply here.

Do you think Microsoft is going to allow someone to return an opened copy of Vista if the customer felt it didn't live up to their hopes and dreams.

[scweezil]

Cnet debunks it's own BS:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10205293-37.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

[NearChaos]

Do Google, RIM or Nokia charge these fees for their app stores? Do you think Palm will?

Personally I think it's a bad deal...I'm sure Apple's cost of doing business are very low, and even 30% of $2 application is too much. If you personally got a merchant account you might be paying $0.35 plus 3% for transaction fees, but I guarantee you Apple isn't paying that much. And it's not like someone has to reshrinkwrap the box and put it back on a shelf.

I've never cared for the way Apple does business, and I think that despite the success of the iPhone over the last two years, either they will be changing their policies or their competitors will eat them alive. Look at the new DRM free music as an example...I'll still buy my music from Amazon, instead of forking over money to Apple.

[JaneiPhone]

Apple does not care where you buy your music, as long as you are listening on an iPod. They are in the hardware business, not the music business.

DRM was designed and insisted on by the music industry for their benefit.