TheHeftOfQuality

*Context: Sometimes in a free-source situation you have a developer or group of developers that needs to be paid. For example, the product is not done or is in an early release.

Problem: How can you charge more for something than a customer will pay?

Force: There is nothing you can add to the product to add value.

Force: You need value to keep making the product.

Force: Your product is only part of the solution to your customer's real problem.

Force: Customers will pay more if you solve more of their real problem.

Therefore: Recast your solution to a larger context. Create a logo or trademark for the product. Associate higher quality, guaranteed compatibility, or cachet with the logo and trademark. Charge extra for the trademark and the larger solution. Engage partners/competitors to help out by creating a DangerousWaterhole.

Remarks: This may seem like a scam, but it usually isn't. For instance, customers are willing to pay for a logo if it implies consistent or reliable behavior or other qualities. People will pay to obtain something of known quality. People will pay for a solution to a larger problem.