Ask HN: Why are people so reluctant to pay for software?

Here are a few thoughts, hope these make sense...

$5 software? Many of such priced programs don't really do all that much, they are kind of like a plug in or widget in older programs and OSs. Unless it is fairly unique I probably wouldn't jump, just because it is usually available without costs or other strings in the open source community.

For more comprehensive programs - I've bought software and will do again. I usually use the heck out of a program I purchased for at LEAST 5 to 10 years - or longer.

I don't rent software - if I bought it I expect it to work as purchased until I decide not to use it anymore. I can understand technically it may no longer work with newer computers/OSs, but I may want to keep using version 1 on some dinosaur PC when version 20 comes out.

The software can be transferred to new machines, I bought it I want to move it from old computer X to newer computer Y, I better have a way to do it.

Don't mess with with program features with free bug-fixes/upgrades. Too many times I had a perfectly good program running when the company does some sort of upgrade or bug fix that just dropped features. Usually its some shady marketing ploy along with "Oh, you can do that along with a bunch of other stuff by buying the pro version now!" (Apple, Adobe, Microsoft) Sometimes you don't know about it until you switch systems and the only download option is the new hobbled version.

I guess the main thing is give me installation media (or a download of a full off-line installer) and product key, and I'm set. The trend to buy stuff dependent on the long-term existence of the company or their activation servers is not comforting.

App store stuff is dependent on the app store still being able to service your device over time as well as you continuing to list the item or keep it available for reinstallation.

Real world example of non techies; most successful authors stick with the same typewriter, computer, or word processor throughout their career because the device has proven it's ability and now never gets in the way of the writer putting their thoughts to paper. Their world can come crashing down when their preferred device breaks, because they have to leave the "Making money by just doing my thing" mode to "OMG I am so lost with this new crap!" mode. People don't just keep buying new versions of the same stuff, especially productive people.

Software is too volatile.

If the software is good to start with, it is loved, but then the developers will decide to change it. Users have very little say in this, especially when the company behind it is beholden to some other kind of power instead of their damned users. People either live with the changes or they move on. I always move on. I am merely one person, so my word doesn't mean anything. Most people live with the changes. Or the company will gain new users who don't know how good things used to be and the old users stop mattering.

Recently, there was a paid app that came out with a new version of their paid app, so they made an update that rendered the previous version useless and they offered users a coupon to buy the new one.

You can miss me with that. I'm not paying for a double cheeseburger that can become two pieces of bread with ketchup on it that's been stepped on at any given time.

The buying software vs a cup of coffee conversation is so old, it even has detractors.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6468783 (2013)

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4393817 (2012)

Software payments seem to fall under either a periodic subscription model or a one-time purchase model. Both involve inconvenient workflows - setting up an account with each provider, handing over payment details to each provider, tracking payments on provider's website.

My other problem is that software usage is not consistent - I may need something badly this week but never again.

I'd be paying more and for more things if there was a smooth pay-per-use micropayments solution. Load up a wallet at start of the month. Every provider has a standard pay tip button which should be as easy to integrate anywhere as a "share this on twitter" link. Click the button, enter amount, and that's that. Software, news, content websites would all benefit. I think mobile games have solved this in a way through in-app purchases.

Selling to consumers is hard mode, try selling to business or at least a professional, it is a lot easier