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Take 2: BlackBerry App World Pricing Structure Set… $2.99 Paid App Minimum

By: , IntoMobile
Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 7:40 AM

blackberry-app-worldNote: Simon already commented on the new BlackBerry App World Pricing Structure, but I just had to add my two cents here. This one is too good. I think we both agree on most things… below is my take:

So you’re a BlackBerry App developer looking forward to the launch of the newly coined ‘BlackBerry App World’… How much can you charge for your wares? Well, following all of the App World announcements yesterday, some pricing details emerged. Yes, developers can still offer free apps, but it appears as though the minimum price for any paid app is set at $2.99.

An interesting move, and surely a calculated one. The Apple App Store is widely known for their $0.99 and $1.99 paid apps. Setting the bar a little higher at $2.99 might eliminate those impulse purchases, and therefore force folks to really consider and research an app before they spend their money.

For reference you can check out RIM’s tiered pricing structure after the break. The jump from free to the base price is bothering me a touch, I’ve got to be honest. Perhaps this is RIM’s way of combating those ‘fart’ type applications. For $2.99, I better get the best fart app ever created :P

I think in the end this is a message to developers. Make great apps. Make them worthy of the $2.99 price tag or you won’t be selling many copies. It says to me RIM wants the best apps available to run on their devices, and anything less… well… those titles can be given away for free.

For more information or to register for email updates, make sure you hit up blackberry.com/appworld right now!

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About The Author

James Falconer

James was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. Almost 15 years ago he started out in the 'real world' as a web and graphic designer. Through the years he has finely tuned his skills in SEO, internet marketing, conversion strategy, and project management. To date, he runs his own successful consulting business where he advises companies all over the globe. A co-founder of www.crackberry.com, and sole proprietor of www.mactropolis.com, James in recent years has become very active in the tech blogosphere. Online community building and strategy is fast becoming one of his passions. Watch for James' no frills attitude, unique perspective and to-the-point comments here on IntoMobile!