Which software source do you prefer?

[Srevets]

I'm getting to the end of my 30 day free trial on most of my software and would be interested in knowing where people in the Clie community purchase their software.

The two prominent sources seem to be handango and palm gear, are there others? Why do you like the one you use?  Do you developers prefer us to use one over the other to avoid the administrative headaches or would you prefer to be fully compensated by having the customer deal direct with you?

I saw some threads that touched on this issue, but not one that was solely dedicated to it.  I thought this might be helpful to all.

Regards...

Steve

[rldunn]

I'll buy from the developer if I can, but most of my software comes from Palmgear. I just can't stand the layout of Handango; it seems much easier to see the recent releases and find what I'm looking for on Palmgear.

[jmg_NX21]

I'll prefer direct from the developer... BUT for my next purchase may come from Handango -someone posted a 10% discount code a while ago for the site...

[herpalm]

Palmgear

[spradlinb]

Handango, usually... I've heard some horror stories about palmgear from time to time (although I've ordered from them before and not had any trouble), so I usually stick with Handango if the developer doesn't have a way to order direct from them.

Cheers.

[RetAF]

I normally use Palmgear, or the developer themselves. Just a habit that I have developed over the past three years or so of Palm platform usage.

[mdicembre]

I have used both without difficulty (Customer support for both have been very responsive). However, I prefer PalmGear more and more due to its layout. Additionally, it seems that more software is listed on PalmGear than Handango. Has anyone else noticed this?

[mashoutposse]

Palmgear to confirm the name of the author and the correct spelling of the software title, then I use this information to find my way to the developer's site. Not only am I more likely to get the most up-to-date version, but I save the author about 30% in Palmgear commision fees.

[cbulock]

I like PalmGear because it's so much easier to find what your looking for and they seem to have much more listings than other sources. I usually purchase right from PalmGear since I feel they deserve the share of the sale they recieve for hosting the files and making the purchases easy.

[clieZilla2]

palmgear

[rbeauch]

Palmgear

[rhart00]

I usually use palmgear cause it has a much larger software library and almost always has the software i am looking for. but I have started to use handango recently because of the frequent buyer program.

[chazzz]

Palmgear usually, but like rhart00, I've bought a little more from Handango because of the Frequent Buyer Program... That's where I usually buy most of my PocketPC software (yes, I know... but don't let this thread get off topic just because of me).

[Macabre Man]

Originally posted by mashoutposse
Palmgear to confirm the name of the author and the correct spelling of the software title, then I use this information to find my way to the developer's site. Not only am I more likely to get the most up-to-date version, but I save the author about 30% in Palmgear commision fees.



Same here!!

[birick]

Direct from the developer or Handango. Used PalmGear in the past but I'm outside the US now and they can't seem to process a credit card with a non-US address. No problem at Handango.

[n2ifp]

I use Palmgear to search and then use either the Developer or Handango to buy!

Palmgear is a last resort, due to the horror stories from others!

[Srevets]

Thanks to all who have responded so far. This has been very informative. I wasn't sure how important Handango's frequent buyer program would be software buyers. The poll shows Palm Gear ahead by a broad margin.

I would be interested to hear from any developers in our community, if they wouldn't mind letting us know their preference, or if they don't care either way.

Regards...

[GoldenTiger]

I buy from developers directly or through handango. Palmgear has had some major issues, and takes a gigantic 30% cut from the developer from each purchase which is ridiculous. I just use them to see what's new and research, then google to find out more and other games that are more obscure. I finally look at the developer's site and buy there if I can, otherwise through handango. It's not fair to take that much out from the developer when there's no reason to :).

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by n2ifp
I use Palmgear to search and then use either the Developer or Handango to buy!Like others have pointed out, PalmGear has a better layout. I usually look there to see what software is new or updated. Then when I'm ready to purchase, I usually go to Handango, mostly because of their frequent buyer program. I also like the consistent, professional process, the purchase history, etc. I've bought a few times from PalmGear and from developers without incident, however.

[*L*F*C*M*]

Originally posted by GoldenTiger
Palmgear has had some major issues, and takes a gigantic 30% cut from the developer from each purchase which is ridiculous. Handango takes the same amount.

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by GoldenTiger
...takes a gigantic 30% cut from the developer from each purchase which is ridiculous.It can't be too ridiculous. I've tried to buy directly from developers before and was transferred to PalmGear or Handango to make the purchase. They're providing a service to the developer (e-commerce, marketing, delivery, etc.) and deserve some type of remuneration.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by Srevets
I would be interested to hear from any developers in our community, if they wouldn't mind letting us know their preference, or if they don't care either way.

Developers prefer that you buy directly from them. In most cases, that gives the most back to them. Even if a developer links to a reseller through their own website, this gives more back to the developer, as it is often different from buying directly from the reseller. Many developers have special agreements with resellers like Handango or PalmGear to pay lower commissions for sales made through the resellers that originate through the developer's website.

[Srevets]

Originally posted by Unregistered


Developers prefer that you buy directly from them. In most cases, that gives the most back to them. Even if a developer links to a reseller through their own website, this gives more back to the developer, as it is often different from buying directly from the reseller. Many developers have special agreements with resellers like Handango or PalmGear to pay lower commissions for sales made through the resellers that originate through the developer's website. That is indeed interesting... I did not know that. So it's a win-win situation in that the consumer is helping the developer get better compensated for his or her work, the reseller still provides the accounting and advertising services to the developer, and the consumer can choose their reseller of choice based on many of the abovementioned reasons.

Thanks so much for your reply!

Regards...

[mashoutposse]

You know, I haven't really had to think about this from both sides of the coin. Looking at it from a different perspective, Palmgear offers an excellent service. EXCELLENT. It's the largest and most up to date database of PalmOS software anywhere. They deserve to get paid. I may rethink my buying practices...

[Jeremyf]

Between Palmgear and Handango, I'll take Palmgear any day!! Here's why:

With Palmgear, it is possible to speak to a LIVE customer service representative. Handango offers NO way that I can find where you can speak to a person. All their customer service is done electronically, on their website or through e-mail. Recently, I had a problem with a Handango billing issue, and it still has not been sorted out because I can't get hold of anybody, and they keep sending me back electronic replies that don't address the issue. Palmgear has been wonderful with their telephone staff.

Jeremy

[*Jive Turkey*]

Originally posted by *L*F*C*M*
Handango takes the same amount.

Actually handango takes more 30% PalmGear only takes 25%
Just FYI :D

[Tixx]

Originally posted by rldunn
I'll buy from the developer if I can, but most of my software comes from Palmgear. I just can't stand the layout of Handango; it seems much easier to see the recent releases and find what I'm looking for on Palmgear.

I try to buy most from developers, then handango, then palmgear. I completely agree with your layout comment though.

[pulpdoc]

I really like the KISS principle for many reasons. Thus, if I can buy a program directly from the developer I do that because I'm able to support the developer. If the developer isn't set up to take payments, then I go to Palmgear.

In my opinion, it has a MUCH easier way of trying out software. I am NEVER asked for my email address as you are on Handango. In addition, it takes 2 clicks to download from Handango as opposed to just ONE on Palmgear. Yeah, yeah, yeah I know it's a minor thing but as I said in the beginning, I like the KISS principle.

One other thought. Palmgear is solely dedicated to Palm OS programs whereas Handango also deals with PPC programs.

I didn't know Handango has a frequent buyer program. I may be like mashoutposse and re-think my buying habits. However, unless the Handango program is particularly advantagous, I doubt I'd switch because of the simplicity PLUS the long time it takes to display screen at Handango (I'm still using a modem connection and Palmgear is MUCH faster).

[jedix]

Handango all the way!