Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!wuarchive!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!att!cbnewsi!ejy
From: ejy@cbnewsi.att.com (eugene.yurek)
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.programmer
Subject: Re: Borland C++ 2.0
Message-ID: <1991Feb18.180132.17072@cbnewsi.att.com>
Date: 18 Feb 91 18:01:32 GMT
References: <1991Feb18.165403.3938@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 36

From article <1991Feb18.165403.3938@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>, by scott@blueeyes.kines.uiuc.edu (scott):
> In article <26972@uflorida.cis.ufl.EDU> jdb@reef.cis.ufl.edu (Brian K. W. Hook) writes:
>>Here is something interesting:
>>
>>I called Borland about the upgrade, and the guy asked me for my certificate
>	...
> 
> I don't think they really care what you bought...
> 
> Last week when I ordered BC++ 2.0 I was asked for my upgrade coupon number.
> I explained that I hadn't received it yet, and prepared for a minor hassle
> getting her to take my order. I needn't have worried - the order clerk just 
> added me to the system, took my order for the $99 upgrade from my TC++ 1.0 
> Pro, and that was that. No hassle, no problem, no fuss. I even had my original 
> disks out to give her the serial numbers, but she never asked for them.
> 
> My guess is that they make enough money selling the packages at the upgrade
> price that they don't have to be ultra-persnickety-careful about who they
> sell to.
>	...
> 
> 
> -- 
> Scott Coleman                                                      tmkk@uiuc.edu

Software manufacturers make MORE money by selling upgrades than by having
some other person (dealer, mail-order place, ...) sell the original product
for them.  At $99.00, Borland makes $99.00 in-hand (less duplicating fees).
A product that costs $99.00 in the retail market probably makes the company
that wrote it $50.00 to $60.00 (or less).


--
Eugene J. Yurek				Internet: ejy@honasa.att.com
AT&T Bell Laboratories			    UUCP: ...!att!honasa!ejy
Holmdel, NJ				   Voice: (201) 949-3753