I like a good bargain, and Mac applications are some of the best around, competitively priced, fully of value, some are even free.
Last week we received email about MacZot, a web site with daily bargains on software for your Mac. Good deal or not?
MacZot brings Mac users a new deal in software each day. It’s not a sale price that will last until the end of the month (unless it’s already the end of the month).
The sale price starts today and ends when the next sale begins on another Mac application the next day.
Mac application developers often have a difficult time promoting their goods. Each may have their own web site, new versions get listed on MacUpdate, or VersionTracker, but there’s plenty of clutter online these days.
How do you know which software is worth the money? True “shareware” helps, as do full-featured but time limited demo versions.
MacZot appears to bring something different to the table. Lower prices. That much I like.
Something new every day is good, too, though I sense a problem in that approach.
The founder of MacZot, Brian Ball, summed it up this way, “We’ve partnered with many of the top developers to create a fun atmosphere for discovering rare deals.”
It’s a rare deal that lasts only a day, so that much is true, though the whole “deal a day” approach is certainly unique for software developers.
I understand the dilemma, both for Mac application developers, and buyers. How do buyers know about a good application unless there’s a place that gives at least a description and summary?
Conversely, the experience and skill set required to develop a classy Mac application isn’t necessarily the same as required in the marketing and promotional world.
As Mac360 readers know, we often highlight Mac applications that are somewhat obscure (not heavily promoted) yet are superbly crafted products. But we’re choosey.
We like what we like and what we think other Mac users will like.
Ball also says, “… getting the word out is a whole separate component to the software business. With several million people in countries all over the world adopting the Mac platform, it’s important to get exposure through news and software update sites as well as channels that sell the product.”
With that, we at Mac360 agree, though selling and promoting don’t often carry an independent review, perspective, or analytical eye toward a product.
At this point, it’s always nice to know there’s a site which offers discounts on Mac software.
If you know what you want, and the price drops by 10-percent or 30-percent today only, today is a good day to buy.
MacZot provides the basics. First, it’s one Mac application per day and the price is discounted, though not guaranteed to be the lowest price.
Second, registration is required, and obtaining the product is download only, no packages or CDs through the mail, no refunds. Sometimes MacZot sells out; the Mac software developer agreed to only a certain number of sales and that number was reached (that’s another one that’s unique).
Finally, there’s other issue I have, and it’s minor—the daily trek to yet another site to find a bargain. When we review a Mac application or product on Mac360, the review is there pretty much forever.
Not so on MacZot. The sale price is good only for a limited time. A very limited time. That means you have to check back in to the site every day to see what’s on sale, as RSS links carry only a limited amount of information.
I give these guys credit. They think different. Saving a few bucks on Mac software is always a good thing. Click Here for the MacZot home page.
Is this a new way to buy whose time has come? Time will tell.
Do you buy Mac software online? Where? How often? What guides your purchase? Reviews or Price? Will you visit a web site each day just to check on that day’s bargain? Would you prefer an RSS link to display the day’s offering, or receive an email each day with the daily discounts?
