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From: dnebing@bgsuvax.UUCP (David Nebinger)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps
Subject: Re: All Commercial Software Developers or Companies (pls read)
Message-ID: <7680@bgsuvax.UUCP>
Date: 27 Jun 91 18:21:52 GMT
References: <5363@ryn.mro4.dec.com>
Organization: Bowling Green State University B.G., Oh.
Lines: 39

From article <5363@ryn.mro4.dec.com>, by long@mcntsh.enet.dec.com (Rich Long):
> 
>>MacConnection (and other mailorder houses) will let you return
>>most software within 30 to 90 days if it doesn't meet your needs or if
>>you are unhappy with it.
> 
>  This is WONDERFUL. It's why I patronize MacConnection almost exclusively, and
>  I'm happy to say I haven't had to make use of the return policy very often.
> 
>>What more could you want?  How then can pirating software still be
>>considered ethically correct (I'll put aside the legal argument for
>>the moment)?
> 
>  Nothing, really. It (money-back guarantee) eliminates the standard excuse for
>  software piracy. But it's probably inconvenient for mail-order houses like
>  the 'connection to support those returns.

	The idea of a return policy is not reserved to just software.
It is used in lots of mail-order scenarios used to trap people into
a purchase.  When a purchase is made, the option to send the item back
is there-the companies will refund money if an item is returned.  But 
the secret here is that most people, when something is purchased and
they do not like it, will _not_ take the time to bundle it up and return
it.  This is a fact that the mail-order companies could tell you but don't.
Studies done prove such things.  People consider it to be a learning 
experience and just eat the loss.

	I know that it is slightly different when dealing with software,
but the idea is the same.  I am glad to see that the money-back guarantee
is offered; it will save some people some money.  But it would be simpler
to put a demo together and put it out where people can get their hands on
it.  It is also a better advertisement than some picture of the program and
a list of features put into some magazine.  People would get to work with
the program and decide if it does do what they want it to do, therefore
making an informed purchase.

David Nebinger
dnebing@andy.bgsu.edu