Does DevExpress's policies strike anyone but myself as odd? They are one of the few component or development tool vendors that absolutely refuses to offer trial versions of their wares. Instead they want you to buy it, and then return it under their 60 day money back guarantee. They also absolutely refuse to offer phone support, even on a paid basis.
[Rant On]
I was tasked to evaluate C# in Visual Studio.net vs. Delphi 2005. The evaluation includes the robustness of 3rd party components, especially grids. Everyone knows that since the disbanding of TurboPower that DevExpress has been the big winner in the Delphi Informant Reader's Choice Awards. So naturally I wanted to use their grid in my test.
I figured if I explained things to DevExpress they would be willing to work with me. I can usually find a solution that is an advantage for everyone. I called their presales and they said they did not have any trial downloads, even for review copies. They did suggest I email support. While I had them on the phone I asked if it were at all possible to purchase paid phone support, even on a per incident basis. They told me that if we buy the subscription plan then we get priority email support. So I emailed support to see if we could work out something. It was a brick wall.
I explained to them that since I work for a large company they won't buy something until it has been evaluated, and I need a copy to evaluate so I can recommend it. I would imagine most large companies have similar policies. Knowing the paper work involved in getting a purchase order and then the paper work involved in refunding that, I cannot imagine most accountants would approve of such sillyness.
I guess if I really wanted to I could buy their product on my own credit card, then turn right around and get a refund. Seems like that wouldn't be a good solution for DevExpress unless they just plan to make the return process difficult.
I'll look for another grid from a company that actually wants my business.
[Rant Off]
4 comments:
Well, thier return policy is effective and works great. When they say no questions asked they mean it. Having seen it put to use on a few occasions, I cannot think of a company that makes it easier, especially any software companies. If you want to rant about it I would suggest trying it or at least have some knowledge of it not working out so smoothly. While I agree they should have trial versions, they at least tryt o have some sort of solution. With all the hackers out there cracking trials, I can understand their stance as well.
The problem with a 60-day return process when selling to a company is to make a purchase I must get a Purchase Order, or a pre-approved credit card purchase. In both cases the paperwork for a refund is a nightmare.
I have worked with DevExpress before, and I no doubt expect their return policy to be great, but the purchase and return path is a no go for the current company I work for. The only way I could do that is if I purchased it myself on my own credit card and then return it.
This is strange indeed as there is no such constraint on trying the .Net products: you can try them for however long you wish, they will just display a nag screen.
In response to Hayden - it doesn't matter if the return policy turns out to be painless, the point is that you don't know that until afterwards.
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