A Checklist: Nine Things to Consider Before Buying an App
People are notoriously averse to buying applications. After all, they are not things you can physically hold like smartphones and tablets, which ironically compel us to download them in the first place. Besides, it’s natural to get attracted to anything that doesn’t involve parting with money.
Despite the multitude of free apps at our behest, many of them set limits on functionalities and features. In this case, the only solution is to buy the paid version of the app.
You may already have your own checklist in mind in terms of what to look for in a paid app. If you’re the type to splurge impulsively though, here’s our checklist to help frame your buying decision:
1. Frequency of usage
First, it pays to perform some introspection. Honestly ask yourself how often you would need this app. Many users end up coughing up three-figure sums for apps they either rarely use or have not exploited fully.
2. Features and functionality
Many apps carry a price-tag with the only incentive being that they are free of advertisements. If you easily get annoyed by ads, it may make perfect sense to snap up such an app. Of course, the deal is better if it comes with a basket of other features.
3. Storage Space
You need to know how much storage the app is going to use. Remember that many apps are stored by default in your computer memory, with no option to move to the SD card. So, don’t fawn over small size. If you download enough small apps, they add up fast, hampering the speed of your device.
4. Comments Section
Take care and take time to read the feedback of other customers in the comments section when downloading from a site. Tread with care and you might mix up innocent commenters with spammers and trolls. To separate the scrupulous from the sordid, read the description and know which devices support the app. Unreasonable commenters usually tip themselves off with unsupported devices.
5. Reviews
You can easily find app reviews in the pages of CNET, PCMag, and other technology publications of repute. They have experienced reviewers on their payroll.
Sometimes, experience is the problem. Reviewers tend to be satiated by their subjects and nitpick about the slightest faults in them, even if they’re inconsequential to you. Then again, if the reviewers are unanimous in their distaste for the app, it’s time to rethink.
6. Your social circles
Your friends are a wellspring of opinions to help shape your purchasing decision. You can also get great info from strangers’ chatter over at Facebook and Twitter.
7. Trial
Nowadays, developers allow trial runs for their apps. So go ahead, buy it; you can always return it.
Google Play’s catch is that you have to be fast. When you download an Android app, you typically only have 12 to 15 minutes to try it. When the time lapses, the app is considered sold and can’t be returned.
For Apple users, the catch is that you have to go out on a limb and make a request from the App Store.
8. Updates
Every app is not perfect. The least you can do then is choose an app that consistently undergoes updates. These updates are meant to rectify bugs, support more devices, or simply bring in more features. As long as the developer has a track record of fixing and updating, download an app by all means.
9. Website
Reliable apps characteristically have a website. You can contact developers for any issue; get the latest news; download exclusive content; and get to chat with other users in the forum. The presence of a website is tacit support for customers.
In the rare chance that the app doesn’t have a website, try searching for other apps in the developer’s portfolio to see how satisfied users are.
Takeaway
It is your prerogative whether to entrust function to a professional app or its ‘lite’ version. Both Google Play and the App Store are inundated with countless applications. Most are free. There could be a compelling reason for those that aren’t. Consider it both your privilege and responsibility to find out.
“Sharon Freeman is a freelance blogger and author. She loves business management, app trends and reviewing business management software”
