Suggestions for new vendor of a delphi app?

[Paul Dardeau 4]

I sent the following email to the Ian (developer evangelist) at Embarcadero but never got a reply. Thought I'd ask the same here.

 

I have created a Windows application in Delphi (VCL) to do data analysis of SQLite databases. The software is geared towards non-technical and slightly technical users (may or may not know anything about SQL).

 

I just put my installer up on Google Drive today to share with my initial testers. The software doesn't have a name yet and I haven't decided on my company name yet either.

 

I'm still torn on whether to make it open source or closed source. Similarly, I don't know what my pricing would be yet.

 

Do you have any general suggestions or recommendations for brand new Delphi software vendors who are at this stage of development?

 

Thanks!

[Sherlock 678]

Well, I might be way out on a limb here, but how your product was developed is of no concern to your potential customers. So just look how others have started their software business. Here is a reddit thread(?) on that subject.

 

[Patrick PREMARTIN 114]

Hi @Paul Dardeau

 

Strange Ian didn't answered. You're email or his answer has perhaps been filtered by an anti spam somewhere.

 

If your software target specifically Delphi/C++Builder developers you can submit it on GetIt (as a trail version if you want). The submit form is on https://getitnow.embarcadero.com website.

 

If you target SQLite users you enter in the search engines arena... and being seen is hard. You need a website for the software or you as editor and promote it like any website. Check forums and link sharing sites around development and databases.

 

In some cases Product Hunt (and clones) site can help to have some users : https://www.producthunt.com

 

Of course it's better if you fix the name of the software before sharing it or writing about it.

 

To start selling (or distributing) you can use websites like Gumroad, LemonSqueezy and many others merchants of records ("MoR"). They sell (and bill the clients) for us.

 

For the price, it depends a lot on what you want to get out of it, the potential customers and the interest the software can generate. It's pure marketing. The advantage is that you can give a bogus price right from the start and run a launch promotion at a test price that you can change whenever you like.

 

Making source code available can be of interest to some users, and reassure others that the software will continue to operate in the event of a mishap at the publisher's premises. The disadvantage is that some users may prefer to compile it from the code repository, sometimes even appropriating it and reselling it under their own name. In the event of piracy or abuse, you need to be able to offer additional services (such as ebooks, video courses, technical support).

[Paul Dardeau 4]

4 hours ago, Sherlock said:

Well, I might be way out on a limb here, but how your product was developed is of no concern to your potential customers. So just look how others have started their software business. Here is a reddit thread(?) on that subject.

 

You're absolutely correct that how the product was developed is of no concern to potential customers! It is of concern to me though!

 

Thank you for the link to the reddit thread. I will have a look through it. I'm sure it has helpful suggestions.

 

Probably the better question I should have asked is this -- "To all vendors of applications made with Delphi -- if you could give advice to your former self (when you were at the stage that I'm at now), what would you say? What is it that you wish you would have known then?"

[Paul Dardeau 4]

3 hours ago, Patrick PREMARTIN said:

Hi @Paul Dardeau

 

Strange Ian didn't answered. You're email or his answer has perhaps been filtered by an anti spam somewhere.

 

If your software target specifically Delphi/C++Builder developers you can submit it on GetIt (as a trail version if you want). The submit form is on https://getitnow.embarcadero.com website.

 

If you target SQLite users you enter in the search engines arena... and being seen is hard. You need a website for the software or you as editor and promote it like any website. Check forums and link sharing sites around development and databases.

 

In some cases Product Hunt (and clones) site can help to have some users : https://www.producthunt.com

 

Of course it's better if you fix the name of the software before sharing it or writing about it.

 

To start selling (or distributing) you can use websites like Gumroad, LemonSqueezy and many others merchants of records ("MoR"). They sell (and bill the clients) for us.

 

For the price, it depends a lot on what you want to get out of it, the potential customers and the interest the software can generate. It's pure marketing. The advantage is that you can give a bogus price right from the start and run a launch promotion at a test price that you can change whenever you like.

 

Making source code available can be of interest to some users, and reassure others that the software will continue to operate in the event of a mishap at the publisher's premises. The disadvantage is that some users may prefer to compile it from the code repository, sometimes even appropriating it and reselling it under their own name. In the event of piracy or abuse, you need to be able to offer additional services (such as ebooks, video courses, technical support).

Hi @Patrick PREMARTIN

 

Thank you for a very helpful reply. The product I'm building is targeted for non-developers (SQLite end users).

[TigerLilly 18]

If or if not you want to make money selling your product, depends solely on you. Do you need the money? Are you willing to build up everything necessary for running a business thet sells software? Programming is one thing, but dealing with customers, supporting them, answering the same question over and over again, building up a web site with info, docs and much more, is the other thing. The software you sell is the top of an iceberg only. And in times of social media and everyone feeling the urge to articulate, it is mandatory to avoid bad custommer feedback.

 

Quote

What is it that you wish you would have known then?

Nice idea. :- )

- Avoid the mantra "Go big or go home". Instead grow controlled and controllable.

- Whatever you do, keep in mind, that technology changes quickly and stay up to date.

- Legacy software is a nightmare.

- Always double: prices, estimations, schedules.

- Establish a team, find coworkers. They will help you in hard times.

 

HTH Bernd

 

[Ian Barker 20]

Hi Paul, I never received your email, or I definitely would have replied. I'm sorry about that. Do you want to try emailing me again? ian.barker@embarcadero.com 

 

Feel free to ping me on something like Slack, Discord or WhatsApp if you email and don't get a reply. I'll be looking for your email.

[dormky 4]

If you're open-source, you need to sell something else (training, resources, support, etc...)

[Paul Dardeau 4]

5 hours ago, Ian Barker said:

Hi Paul, I never received your email, or I definitely would have replied. I'm sorry about that. Do you want to try emailing me again? ian.barker@embarcadero.com 

 

Feel free to ping me on something like Slack, Discord or WhatsApp if you email and don't get a reply. I'll be looking for your email.

Hi Ian, thanks for the note! Email sent. Thanks!

[Paul Dardeau 4]

3 hours ago, dormky said:

If you're open-source, you need to sell something else (training, resources, support, etc...)

Very true! I've decided to keep it closed source. Thanks.