Software prices use to mean one thing: A large expense! Whether purchasing an operating system, word processor, an entertainment title, or any full end piece of software, the result was always a thinner wallet. Those days are not necessarily gone, but you can definitely spend less than suggested retail price for a needed or wanted title.
When computers first started moving into nearly every average household, the desire for 'new' titles started to grow. Oftentimes, this will mean that last seasons titles are revamped, given a few new bells and whistles, boxed into shiny, new, eye-catching packaging, and shelved right next to last seasons titles. What happens to last season's prices? They are usually discounted by as much as 50% or more off the original retail price. What are you missing by buying the 'old' version? This is the good part...most likely absolutely nothing. The older version is still a legal copy. Registering it online will likely give you access to all available updates. Some features may be only available in the 'newer' version, but by comparing one version to the next, you will be able to identify if the savings are worth it. One thought to keep in mind, most software users rarely use the full potential of software, and other than a fancier new front-end, an average user will not even be able to identify the differences from one version to another.
Buying discounted software online is also a good way to save. Dealing with reputable companies is the best way to make sure you will be purchasing legal software. Most online stores now have their own version of the clearance aisle. Other companies have actually grown around the 'new' software phenomenon and have made a business out of clearance software, or older, but very useable titles. Do a search for cheap software or clearance software on any major search engine. Many of these outlets offer software as low as $5.00. These are full version titles, not shareware, or freeware. They also often offer other computer related items, such as printers and ink cartridges at equally deep discounted prices.
Discounts for software can also be found through association with certain organizations. Educational organizations are one example. Many times these discounts are available simply by being a parent or grandparent of a student. Check online by typing in 'discount educational software' in any search engine. Inquire of your local school if the have any programs available also. One school I know of offered a top of the line multimedia encyclopedia for a deep-discount over suggested retail price by purchasing the encyclopedia in bulk via pre-paid orders. Schools are not the only organizations that offer such programs though. A bead club I know of offered a similar offer for bead design software by making a bulk purchase and passing down the savings to club members.
Coupons and rebates are another way to save on software. Many software titles will offer on-package rebates for 'upgrades' or 'multiple' purchases. Coupons can be found online by typing in 'software coupon' or 'online coupon', in any major search engine. Most coupons will be for the stores themselves, such as Amazon.com, rather than for a particular software title.
Purchasing a new computer? Large companies, such as Gateway and Dell, often have software packages at deep discounts available 'at the time of purchase'. This can save a buyer hundreds of dollars on top of the line word processing suites, high-end graphic programs and even gaming bundles. If you are buying your computer from a small store, it pays to ask if they can offer you similar discounts, especially if you wish to purchase a costly program.
The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for software is to comparison shop. Just because a price is X amount of dollars at one place, do not assume it will be the same everywhere. It truly pays to shop around!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Save money on computer software
Launching into the Information Age requires the use of a computer and suitable software programs. Some people take advantage of free computers at public or school libraries, while others dole out the hundreds or thousands of dollars needed to purchase a computer monitor and printer.
But that is only half the cost, or less. Computers need programs to operate, so you'll also need to budget for software that you need for personal and professional computer tasks, such as keeping track of work-related travel or preparing a tax filing. Programs can cost anywhere between $10 and $300 or more. Like anything else, paying full price doesn't make sense when you can get the same product for less.
Here are a few tips to help you get the programs you need at a price you can afford:
1. Check newspaper and mail ads or circulars. Chain stores like Best Buy or CompUSA frequently offer discounts on brand-name software like Microsoft. Watch for sales dates or discount coupons and mark your calendar so you won't miss these upcoming events. If you can't quite meet the terms for the discount, such as purchasing $100 worth of merchandise first, ask a family member or friend who shops there if anything is needed in the near future to warrant the $100 expense. You may want to chip in for car gas if you ride together to buy your bargains.
2. Ask about rebates. Although most of these are widely promoted, you may have missed one that you're interested in. Call the store that carries software you want and ask if a rebate is currently available or will be offered soon. When one does become available, get the right form and save all proof of purchase items, such as your receipt and the product's packaging, which will likely have the ISBN code that is needed to apply for a rebate. This means you may have to cut the number off the box for mailing with your rebate form. Manufacturers design the box this way to prevent fraudulent rebate claims. Keep a copy of your rebate form and receipts in case they get lost in the mail.
3. Contact the manufacturer. Most prefer to work directly through retailers, but it never hurts to ask about possible discounts, rebates, or other savings options through direct contact with the wholesaler or manufacturer. They may be able to offer you similar software or a new program at reduced cost in exchange for your feedback on how well you like it and whether it performs the work you want it to.
4. Share with a friend. If you know someone, like a friend or family member, who has a software program you want to get, ask to try out theirs first. Due to licensing restrictions, you will have to use the program on the other person's computer; it cannot be duplicated, which is illegal. But getting a demonstration or hands-on practice will let you know if the product will suit your needs before you buy it. Instead of buying a new program for yourself, you may be able to pay a friend to do your work, too, which could save a bundle if you don't have to buy the program. But if you have a large amount of work to do with the program, you'll probably be better served in buying your own copy.
Using software for work or school purposes may mean that you are eligible to apply for certain forms of financial aid or software grants. Ask your supervisor for information. The bottom line is not to pay full price until you've checked out other available options.
But that is only half the cost, or less. Computers need programs to operate, so you'll also need to budget for software that you need for personal and professional computer tasks, such as keeping track of work-related travel or preparing a tax filing. Programs can cost anywhere between $10 and $300 or more. Like anything else, paying full price doesn't make sense when you can get the same product for less.
Here are a few tips to help you get the programs you need at a price you can afford:
1. Check newspaper and mail ads or circulars. Chain stores like Best Buy or CompUSA frequently offer discounts on brand-name software like Microsoft. Watch for sales dates or discount coupons and mark your calendar so you won't miss these upcoming events. If you can't quite meet the terms for the discount, such as purchasing $100 worth of merchandise first, ask a family member or friend who shops there if anything is needed in the near future to warrant the $100 expense. You may want to chip in for car gas if you ride together to buy your bargains.
2. Ask about rebates. Although most of these are widely promoted, you may have missed one that you're interested in. Call the store that carries software you want and ask if a rebate is currently available or will be offered soon. When one does become available, get the right form and save all proof of purchase items, such as your receipt and the product's packaging, which will likely have the ISBN code that is needed to apply for a rebate. This means you may have to cut the number off the box for mailing with your rebate form. Manufacturers design the box this way to prevent fraudulent rebate claims. Keep a copy of your rebate form and receipts in case they get lost in the mail.
3. Contact the manufacturer. Most prefer to work directly through retailers, but it never hurts to ask about possible discounts, rebates, or other savings options through direct contact with the wholesaler or manufacturer. They may be able to offer you similar software or a new program at reduced cost in exchange for your feedback on how well you like it and whether it performs the work you want it to.
4. Share with a friend. If you know someone, like a friend or family member, who has a software program you want to get, ask to try out theirs first. Due to licensing restrictions, you will have to use the program on the other person's computer; it cannot be duplicated, which is illegal. But getting a demonstration or hands-on practice will let you know if the product will suit your needs before you buy it. Instead of buying a new program for yourself, you may be able to pay a friend to do your work, too, which could save a bundle if you don't have to buy the program. But if you have a large amount of work to do with the program, you'll probably be better served in buying your own copy.
Using software for work or school purposes may mean that you are eligible to apply for certain forms of financial aid or software grants. Ask your supervisor for information. The bottom line is not to pay full price until you've checked out other available options.
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