Google: Android Market will have 15 minute refund window

sookster54 · Dec 11, 2010

Baaaad idea, what was wrong with 24 hours?

I'll probably be removing my CC info from checkout.

DaWeav · Dec 11, 2010

I just saw that on some tech blogs...one word... APPALLING! If it is true, then I believe app developers will never be able to sale as many copies of their apps since no one like me will want to try them at all. Oh well, with only 15 minutes there's not much difference between iOS a Android now. And, they just put the Tech Bloggers in business since I won't buy an app now until it's been reviewed. Android is getting worst and worst lately.

wildland · Dec 11, 2010

Yeah, that's no good... I will definitely be less willing to experiment with new apps, which likely means less purchases.

machwh · Dec 11, 2010

Google talk as if selling apps on Market is a partnership between the developer and Google, then they spring this on us in the middle of a bulleted list in email about changes -- a one-liner.

Some "partnership" for crying out loud.

Sometimes the Google organisation has all the people skills of a mollusc.

Mark (Photo Enhance Pro)

MJM128 · Dec 11, 2010

This is really disapointing. I'm assuming this was done at the request or pleading of developers, but I honestly don't see any good coming from this.

RichSz · Dec 11, 2010

I guess from now on all sales are considered final. Really pisses me off. I hope it bites them square in the ass.

rkkeller · Dec 11, 2010

I don't see anything wrong with this. I can tell usually within seconds of using a game if I like it and within a minute or two for most other types of apps if I plan to keep it. Sure some might need longer to tell if they are stable but the majority I know within a couple minutes.

I have an iPad and had an iPhone and there were no refunds for 99.9% of reasons. I even had a "verified" fraudulent $5 charge from iTunes and Apple made me go through my bank to dispute it.

I am willing to bet, this is due to some users abusing the system and buying lots of apps, playing them all night then asking for a refund the next day. It always is.

lukeyboymac · Dec 11, 2010

*if* developers have asked for this, and *if* it brings along the big boys in to the market place then it will be worthwhile. I can see the reason for games that's for sure. With regards to apps I'm not so sure as these take more time to fully utilise all the features.

wrigglesworth · Dec 11, 2010

rkkeller said:
I don't see anything wrong with this. I can tell usually within seconds of using a game if I like it and within a minute or two for most other types of apps if I plan to keep it. Sure some might need longer to tell if they are stable but the majority I know within a couple minutes.

I think it depends what type of software you're looking at. I'd agree that games can be quickly judged. But I've recently been looking at things like Anmoney and database software. It takes a few days on and off to work out how to import data, play around with the options and make a judgment about it. Even 24 hours would be pushing it. Luckily the stuff I've looked at have all had trial versions, so the fifteen minute rule doesn't apply. But for this sort of software without trial versions I would not contemplate downloading it.

DenverRalphy · Dec 11, 2010

While I think 24hrs is too long, I think 15 minutes is too short.

I've installed a couple games that took 15 minutes just to install, because what I got from the market was only the installer, then the installer had to download a boatload of data. From purchase to finally starting up the game was 20 minutes alone.

Put a 1 or 2 hour window on the refund, and it'd probably be ideal. Enough time to put any app through scrutiny, but not enough to finish an entire game then refund it.

UncleMike · Dec 11, 2010

Can anyone imagine evaluating Tasker in 15 minutes? 24 hours isn't even enough. What about GPS apps where you have to download map data before you can evaluate the app? Sure, developers can offer free trial versions, but that makes more work for developers, and splits user ratings and comments across multiple apps in the Market, making it harder for a user to assess an app before installing it. This can only translate into fewer sales, which will hurt developers and Google (not that Google would notice).

So the question remains... who benefits from this?

Benjie · Dec 11, 2010

Not a gamer, 24 hours is ok, though frankly there are some applications I use that a couple of days are better.

wuthton · Dec 11, 2010

DenverRalphy said:
Put a 1 or 2 hour window on the refund, and it'd probably be ideal. Enough time to put any app through scrutiny, but not enough to finish an entire game then refund it.

I agree, 15mins is way too short but an hour would be perfectly acceptable.

I have forgotten to get a refund for a few unwanted apps with the current 24hour system.

Psyclone · Dec 11, 2010

This might result in devs putting out free trial versions of their full versions which isn't always the case with the current market. Many apps I've wanted to try but didn't because there was no free version available and didn't want the hassle of buying/refunding if I didn't like it. I can understand why developers might want this change. I have read that this change is to appease developers and their complaints that people are buying games, playing through them in 24 hours then getting refunds.

wrigglesworth · Dec 11, 2010

Psyclone said:
This might result in devs putting out free trial versions of their full versions which isn't always the case with the current market. Many apps I've wanted to try but didn't because there was no free version available and didn't want the hassle of buying/refunding if I didn't like it. I can understand why developers might want this change. I have read that this change is to appease developers and their complaints that people are buying games, playing through them in 24 hours then getting refunds.

Perhaps developers should have the option of a 15-minute deadline or a 24-hour one? This seems to benefit developers of games at the expense of developers of more serious stuff which users will now be more reluctant to download.

CptGemini · Dec 11, 2010

rkkeller said:
I am willing to bet, this is due to some users abusing the system and buying lots of apps, playing them all night then asking for a refund the next day. It always is.

That or copying the apk file somehow and posting it elsewhere for free.

RyanB · Dec 11, 2010

I believe it kicks in when the Market gets the UI overhaul.

Phil4 · Dec 11, 2010

It's a bad idea for sure.
Many devs propose their apps without demo versions. It breaks business GREATLY.
Market team should announce this modification in a month!!!!

ozzzy3z · Dec 11, 2010

Looks like a change that will save me money. I simply won't try as many apps any more.

Looks like we are getting Jobbed by Google. I guess the goodness couldn't last...

SupraLance · Dec 12, 2010

There are ways to target those who abuse the system w/o punishing all. If that was the reason behind this change, then Google could honor returns within 24 hours for users who return less than 10% of the apps they purchase within that window, and restrict habitual returners to less time. I'm sure Google already keeps rate-of-return statistics for each user.

thrawn86 · Dec 12, 2010

15 minutes is way to short for any utility-type app but luckily our bases are pretty much covered there (launchers, widgets, etc).

hell even swype took a good 10 minutes to dl/install over my spotty connection so I can forsee 15 minutes causing problems....

kat3k · Dec 13, 2010

CptGemini said:
That or copying the apk file somehow and posting it elsewhere for free.

Now that would be a legitimate reason.

lifeonmtv · Dec 13, 2010

15 minutes still gives time to copy the apk..

I don't like the decision either, and really don't understand why...

I mean if too many people are refunding then well.. make better apps.

I think the devs are asking google to do something for them that they shouldn't be.

I personally buy heaps of apps, a few bucks don't mean much for me and I have paid for many apps I don't even use at all. I did, however, enjoy being able to refund.

I really think that pirates will be pirates, regardless of the time window for the refund.

hrbib21 · Dec 13, 2010

Whatever the reason, I'll be less likely to buy apps. Of course, I hardly buy any now but still, the change certainly doesn't make me want to buy.

gilbequick · Dec 13, 2010

I'll definitely be buying less. Sad, but true.

These aren't iPhones where all the apps only have to conform to one specific OS. This is ANDROID where the same general OS runs on MANY MANY different devices. 15 minutes isn't enough. 24hr was great, but 2 hours would be sufficient.

Once again, my purchases will be fewer.

Google: Android Market will have 15 minute refund window

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