Pricing Transparency Issues
Also, as is typical of pawn-software vendors with high prices, the website owner does a great job of avoiding how much it will cost. The question is posed, 'How much does Dazzle cost?' and the question is effectively skirted: "No. In fact it's very expensive not to have it. It's all about value, not price. Dazzle™ is an indispensible service, not a product, so we don't "sell" it to you. It is like your security system or your wireless phone service. How could you exist without them? Would you even want to try? Of course not. You recognize their value, so you pay a subscription each year, and in exchange you are constantly kept up to date with the service, and all the latest updates and features, and also with all the support you need. But you do not "own" them. For you it is a relationship, not a purchase. For your business, it is simply a fixed cost, like rent. There are no unpleasant surprises or unexpected expenses. The best thing is -- in terms of startup costs, Dazzle™ is two-thirds less expensive than many other major pawn and cheque software systems."
The website includes commentary on the fact that several software 'developers' have come and gone over the years so perhaps the commentary actually serves as a reminder that individuals writing and offering a software program to businesses is in itself inherently risky.
How much does Dazzle cost?
As of this writing it has not been possible to contact 'Derek' or get a handle on price but even without a dollar amount there's another risk in getting involved with any software program that wields a monthly fee and that is that the monthly amount can be increased at any time by any amount and unless the shop owner wants to go through the problems and added costs of switching to another program, converting the data (with risk of data loss) and learning another system, buying into programs that aren't one-time payments is signing a blank check.
Unlike Dazzle Pawnbroker Pawn Shop Software is a one-time payment with a minimal annual maintenance fee.
Prices for the different levels of PPSS are (much) lower than other programs because prices have not been padded with prepayment for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns about Dazzle Pawn Software?
The main concerns include the lack of transparent pricing, the inability to contact the developer (the "Contact Us" page is under construction), and the fact that it appears to be a one-person operation based in the UK selling to US pawn shops, which creates inherent risks.
How does Dazzle Pawn Software describe its pricing model?
Dazzle avoids directly stating its cost, instead describing it as "an indispensible service, not a product" that requires a subscription payment each year. They frame it as a "fixed cost, like rent" and claim it is "two-thirds less expensive than many other major pawn and cheque software systems" in terms of startup costs, but do not provide actual pricing figures.
What risks are associated with subscription-based pawn software?
The review points out that with subscription-based software, the monthly amount can be increased at any time by any amount. Shop owners who become dependent on the system may face significant problems and costs if they need to switch to another program, including data conversion risks and the learning curve of a new system.
What is the business structure of Dazzle Pawn Software?
According to the review, Dazzle appears to be operated by a single individual named "Derek" based in the UK, despite using language like "Contact Us" that suggests a larger operation.
What warning does the review give about individual software developers?
The review notes that many software developers have come and gone over the years, suggesting that relying on software from a single individual is "inherently risky" for businesses.
What are the ongoing costs of PPSS compared to competitors?
The review states that while some competitors charge $150/month for "support and updates," PPSS charges a "minimal amount for updates," making the ongoing cost "way less."
Why does the review describe the Dazzle website as "cheesy"?
While the review uses the term "cheesy" to describe the initial impression of the Dazzle website, it doesn't elaborate on specific design elements. However, this characterization, combined with concerns about the non-functional contact page and lack of pricing transparency, suggests an overall unprofessional presentation.
What does the review suggest about Dazzle's target market?
The review indicates that Dazzle appears to be targeting US pawn shops despite being based in the UK, which raises concerns about support, legal compliance, and business stability.
How does Pawnbroker Pawn Shop Software's pricing differ from Dazzle's?
Unlike Dazzle's subscription model, Pawnbroker Pawn Shop Software (PPSS) uses a one-time payment structure with a minimal annual maintenance fee. The prices are described as "(much) lower than other programs because prices have not been padded with prepayment for support."
What opportunity does PPSS offer before purchase?
PPSS offers a free live demo prior to purchase. This allows potential customers to ensure that the program has all the features they need, works properly on their computer, and satisfies them that PPSS is the right choice for their business.