do you buy programs/scripts without trying a demo first?

[basschick]

in the last several months, i've licensed a bunch of video-related programs and some scripts for my sites.

with programs, i want a demo first. the only program i bought last year without a demo of the new version was pinnacle, and it was the worst video program experience i've had to date. from now on, trial first for me!

with scripts, if there are good reviews and it's been around a while, and the docs look clear, i usually am willing to buy without trying.

so - how about you? do you need to try before you buy, or are there circumstances where you feel you can buy with confidence even if there is no demo?

[Bec]

I definately like to try a demo or at least get access online to a admin panel. But in some cases there just isn't one available and you then start asking around, get some feedback and try to make an educated decision to go ahead with the purchase.

[dirtygeek]

In the past I have bought scripts without trying them… That changed recently when I bought a package of scripts for something I was working on. I was never able to get the scripts to work, their tech department wouldn’t answer emails or if they did it was 3-5 days later and didn’t answer my question. From now on I will never buy a script without test driving it or having a trusted friend give me a referral for it.

[basschick]

i don't buy scripts till i've sent at least one email to the support folks and had them answer it

In the past I have bought scripts without trying them… That changed recently when I bought a package of scripts for something I was working on. I was never able to get the scripts to work, their tech department wouldn’t answer emails or if they did it was 3-5 days later and didn’t answer my question. From now on I will never buy a script without test driving it or having a trusted friend give me a referral for it.

[dirtygeek]

I won't either anymore!

i don't buy scripts till i've sent at least one email to the support folks and had them answer it

[ChrisYP]

I wouldn't buy a script or application with out getting a demo installed IN HOUSE. I have been involved in too many projects where for some reason the application works for every other customer, but apparently not for us.

[Chilihost]

yup, definately need a demo first. I have been doing this I.T. stuff for 15 years now and I know from experience that a lot of programs promise the world but in reality give you next to nothing.

cheers,
Luke

[collegeboyslive]

oh a good question. as one who sells feeds / plugins i am very interested to hear feedback.

I offer a password protected demo area. people have to fill out a form to get the password and i manually e-mail it back ( i used to have an auto reply with the user name and pass in it but found i was getting a lot of surfers asking for demos )

then we also offer a 14 day free trial beore any billing occurs.

does this approch satisfy most people? or si there soemthing better / easyer we can do ?