Agave Pricing and future development?

[TheFallenAngel]

Having just purchased an Android phone I searched for ISY software and came across Agave. Google Play indicates there are in-app purchases $1.99 - $99.99 per item. I could no explanation of what "per item" meant and nearly dismissed Agave for consideration. I then stumbled on this message thread and learned that there was a pricing schedule for features. But I still couldn't find what that pricing schedule was. A search of the forums provided a message reply to another user directing him to your website. I went to the website. Nothing on the home page about pricing. The tab labeled Features seemed to be the most logical place to look. Near miss. I found there are indeed levels of feature support and what those options were but again no pricing for those levels/options. Not even a mention or link to take one to pricing. You make it unnecessarily difficult for a potential customer to consider purchasing your product. It's only by accident that I clicked on the Access Guide before closing the webpage in frustration. "Access Guide" is not an intuitive tab name for pricing.

 

You might want to consider making feature/pricing more accessible. It's possible I'm not the only app purchaser that is reluctant to download an app, even for a trial, without an explanation of what Google Play means by in-app purchasers. Consider adding something like "Please visit the website for option details and pricing". And as I suggested above make that pricing info easier to find from the home page.

 

You started this thread to determine if your pricing is too aggressive. I don't have an answer yet because I've spent way too much time this evening simply researching what the pricing is.

Well, at the bottom of every App in Google Play store there is a link to the website. Once there you can clearly see this page: https://www.agaveha.com/versions/

where everything is clearly explained

 

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[technoweenie]

Well, at the bottom of every App in Google Play store there is a link to the website. Once there you can clearly see this page: https://www.agaveha.com/versions/

where everything is clearly explained

 

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Well, I'll be damned. That is indeed clearly explained. Nice job. It's almost as if the site was updated since I visited it last night. 

[larryllix]

Well, I'll be damned. That is indeed clearly explained. Nice job. It's almost as if the site was updated since I visited it last night.

I had the same take and couldn't find mention of a price chart either. I haven't checked today.

 

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[TheFallenAngel]

I had the same take and couldn't find mention of a price chart either. I haven't checked today.

 

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That page has been there for a long time..

 

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[James Peterson]

I updated the wording to reflect your message.  

 

Well, I'll be damned. That is indeed clearly explained. Nice job. It's almost as if the site was updated since I visited it last night. 

[Blackbird]

When I paid $99 for Agave, that was with the understanding that no further purchase would be needed.  I use the Elk feature (wish it was way faster).  Is my understanding correct?  For those that paid the $99 we are still covered for future addons?

[G W]

When I paid $99 for Agave, that was with the understanding that no further purchase would be needed. I use the Elk feature (wish it was way faster). Is my understanding correct? For those that paid the $99 we are still covered for future addons?

Yes. We are covered.

 

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[mrt100171]

  I don't know about everyone else, but I did not have any problem paying for the All Access Pass. Perhaps this is because I do other development work here and there, and understand how much time and effort that goes into development of a product.

 

  I use it all the time. Works pretty damn good for me. And I have a mix of X10 (yes...X10, that works well!) and Insteon devices. I just put it on my wife's phone (but need to figure out how to activate it).

 

 I wouldn't mind paying a higher price, if I knew that it was going to lead to sustainability and improvements. Lots of people complain about how much software costs sometimes, yet cannot comprehend the hours that go into development. Given that this particular market is not "huge" yet, I can't imagine there are that many copies out there. Do the math: it is not a lot of money going to the developer. I don't know about what everyone out there earns for an hourly wage, but I am sure that James is not driving around in BMWs from the profits!

 

 Hang in there James. Things are really starting to take off in the Home Automation market now. You are always going to hear someone complaining about pricing. I think about what some people pay for other things in life, and do not complain. Don't get me started by what people pay for a phone these days!

 

 Besides, you have got to admit...it does feel good to know that people out there are using something you created. I get that feeling all the time. Think of someone who writes a book, and lots of people read it once. Now think about an "author" (which is what a developer is) to have someone read your book every day, sometimes multiple times a day. Lots of us do that all the time.

 

 Is software really ever finished? No. There is always something else to do. It is tough enough to draw a line just to get Production-ready code out the door. And like I always [albeit jokingly and seriously at the same time] say...even I can make a mistake!

 

Keep up the good work James!

[TheFallenAngel]

I have no problem with the All-in (including future development what bugs me it is $129 in Canada, not $99

 

On another not - a burning question:are you planning to do a very stripped down (just control no admin, settings etc) Android Wear 2. 0 version?

 

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[James Peterson]

I have no problem with the All-in (including future development what bugs me it is $129 in Canada, not $99

 

On another not - a burning question:are you planning to do a very stripped down (just control no admin, settings etc) Android Wear 2. 0 version?

 

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Wear is definitely something I have on my calendar. But there are also so many other things to do as well. I am dedicating a majority of my time to a somewhat agave related project at the moment so I am not sure how much time I have to spend on new features right now, but they will come.

 

I think my wife has finally volunteered to take over web duties do that will help. In doing this she is also learning a lot about the features of agave so she will be assisting in a lot of the support questions.

 

I am going to do my best to give everyone the ability to have Agave. It just takes a lot of time.

 

I will continue to have spot sales as that seems to peek a lot of peoples interest. I want to thank everyone for their reviews. I helps get agave to the top of search lists and it's nice to be appreciated for ones work.

 

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[asbril]

$ 99 for Agave defeats a bit the purpose of buying a cheap Android tablet, unless of course you already have an Android phone.

I use an Iphone and Ipad, and getting an Android tablet would only be to use it for ISY and Nest on a wall.

[TheFallenAngel]

$ 99 for Agave defeats a bit the purpose of buying a cheap Android tablet, unless of course you already have an Android phone.

I use an Iphone and Ipad, and getting an Android tablet would only be to use it for ISY and Nest on a wall.

Then don't Also it is prudent to read all the pricing options, not just the All-in one if cost is an issue.. There are much cheaper base options.

 

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[paulbates]

+1

 

This circles back to where the adventure with Agave started: there isn't a significant buying android customer base to make it worth to Wes (IMO) to invest in keeping moblinc up to par with its iphone cousin. 

 

James did what the this community asked for and filled a void in the android / ISY remote control space. He listens to this community, charts out a course and keeps to it. There's a lot of value in that to me.

 

I appreciate James asking about pricing, but I get he can't make it super cheap because other apps cost less; his time and talent is worth something.

 

 

Paul

[asbril]

Then don't Also it is prudent to read all the pricing options, not just the All-in one if cost is an issue.. There are much cheaper base options.

 

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[James Peterson]

Then don't Also it is prudent to read all the pricing options, not just the All-in one if cost is an issue.. There are much cheaper base options.

 

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This is a very pertinent point:  There are a multitude of possibilities when purchasing Agave.   This is taken directly from the out www.agaveha.com website.

 

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Bundles Basic Limited Access $5.99

• All standard features on the same network as your ISY (in other words, at home on your home network)
• Useful for a home tablet keypad
• One-time purchase, use on all of your Android devices (requires logging in with the same Google Account you use to purchase Agave)

Extended Access $15.99

In addition to Basic Limited Access, Extended Access adds

• Access to ISY outside your home network, for example using your phone's cellular connection or work broadband connection
• Use on all of your Android devices (requires logging in with the same Google Account you use to purchase Agave)
• Multiple ISY connections
• Add Insteon and X10 devices to the ISY from within the app
• Add Scenes to the ISY from within the app 
• Add and edit Rooms to the ISY from within the app
• Variable precision (5.x only)

All Access Pass $99.99

In addition to Extended Access, All Access Pass adds

• All available add-ons
• All available supported devices
• All features, supported devices, and add-ons added in the future
• Family Manager not included with purchase.

All Access Pass - Subscription $2.00/week

Same features as All Access Pass, but available in small weekly payments.  This feature would be best used to trial out new features as they arrive if you do not already have an All Access Pass.

Family Access Manager

Enable and control family member access to your ISY.  There are three separately purchasable options for enabling 1 - 6 additional family members.

• +1 Family Member   $9.99
• +2 Family Member $19.99
• +3 Family Member $29.99

Addons Sprinkler support $7.99

• EZFlora/EZRain controls

Thermostat support $7.99

• Control and navigate thermostat controls

Program/Variable support $7.99

• Edit / Modify ISY variables directly from the mobile app

ISY Portal support $7.99

• Access your ISY via the Universal Devices (UDI) portal for secure, external connectivity.
• The best way to get notifications about what's happening in your home (doesn't depend on your phone having direct network access to your ISY)

ELK M1 Security $17.99

• Access your ELK M1 security panel via your ISY integration.
• Allows Arm/Disarm in all modes.
• Bypass all or individual zones
• Access to keypad function keys in all areas

[mitchmitchell]

I just found Agave tonight (just got a new android phone for myself and my wife) and I'll say I don't have any problem with the prices.   Its great to have access to my isy using an app with the portal, my wife is also excited to have it!

[mikek]

I'm looking for Android-based control options for my new (first) ISY, and came across Agave and ultimately this thread. As a new ISY user, I'm probably not the best judge of the value of your app, but two thoughts did occur to me. The first is that you would likely score poorly on what the Harvard Business Review calls their "decision simplicity index." Too many options! The second is whether you've actually tried any formal pricing analyses (based on both historical purchases and potential new users). For example, do you have any data that indicate what would happen to your income if you offered a single all-inclusive plan at a lower price point? Would more users jump on board at $40 (using an example from a previous post), even if they didn't need every feature? Have (will) your $100+ sales offset the income from users who are only buying basic or extended plans? Do you have any idea how many potential customers you might be losing with your current pricing scheme? Not much advice, I know, but some things to think about.

[Greg]

I think the home automation community is a small community, and then the ISY subsection of that group is even smaller, then you get down to the group that might actually use a product like this and you are probably talking a fairly small group.  If there were a large potential user base then a lower price point where you could recoup your time and development costs in volume may make sense, but since there is not that large potential user base the higher price point to cover those same costs is needed.  Yes $100 is pretty steep but it is not the first time I have paid that much for a specialty app.   Personally, I had had my ISY for a while before I even started thinking about control from my phone.  When I did I found the options out there very limited and this product was the only one that remotely fit the bill for what I was trying to do, so the $100 price tag after using the trial version was a no brainer for me, was happy to pay it and am a very happy user of it.

[drmacro]

As a long time software developer (now retired on a fixed income) I understand the need for revenue versus effort.

I also have been into home automation for years. (read: I have a bundle invested in various modules and controllers)

My intent is to replace the various controllers I have around the house with an app on my cell phone.

So, $99 for every household members phone or tablet quickly becomes rather pricy.

 

[James Peterson]

4 minutes ago, drmacro said:

As a long time software developer (now retired on a fixed income) I understand the need for revenue versus effort.

I also have been into home automation for years. (read: I have a bundle invested in various modules and controllers)

My intent is to replace the various controllers I have around the house with an app on my cell phone.

So, $99 for every household members phone or tablet quickly becomes rather pricy.

 

Please see this : http://agaveha.com/docs/family-access-manager/

[drmacro]

 

Does each phone or tablet constitute a family member?

For example dwould my phone, my tablet, my wife's phone, my wife's tablet mean I need to pay for 4 family members?

[James Peterson]

19 minutes ago, drmacro said:

 

Does each phone or tablet constitute a family member?

For example dwould my phone, my tablet, my wife's phone, my wife's tablet mean I need to pay for 4 family members?

Any device under your personal Google account would be considered 1 and no need of a the family member account.  ex: your phone, your tablet, your other tablet are included with the initial purchase.  

Your wife would need a family member account for each of her devices.