“I hate paying for subscriptions.” When we’re talking to new customers, we hear that a lot, and we get it. Although we’re used to paying monthly fees for access to more content on Netflix or access to new features on Quickbooks to run our business, the monthly subscription model could be taking a toll on consumers and business owners alike.
Back in the day, we used to buy software licenses for Microsoft or Adobe Photoshop in CDs that came in neatly packaged cases. You would then put the disk into your desktop and install the software. After a few years, you would buy the latest version of the software.
These days, the advancement of technology and the increasing ubiquity of high-speed Internet connections have made software licenses nearly obsolete. Now laptops don’t even come with CD drives as software can be purchased, downloaded, and updated online.
We can’t change how you feel about subscriptions, but here are the reasons we believe SaaS (Software as a Service), where applications are hosted by vendors and made available to customers over the Internet, is far superior to software licenses.
Real-time Updates to the Latest Version of Your Software
Staying ahead of the curve with the latest version of the software is crucial to meeting the needs of today’s consumers. Whether it’s bug fixes or new reporting features that save you time, you’ll always have the latest version of your program included in your monthly subscription.
Behind the scenes, you have a team of developers working diligently to make the software better and more efficient every day. That’s not always the case with old card system software, where developers try to overcome a significant amount of technical debt accumulated from using legacy code and technology.
At Amusement Connect, we’re fortunate to have built our platform on the latest technology, so you’ll see more releases and innovative features than the industry incumbents. If you’re comparing card systems, pay attention to the user interface because if the software looks a little dated, there’s a good chance the vendor is trying to overcome technical debt.
Relational vs. Transactional
Do you remember the feeling you had when you had to pay a late fee for a movie at Blockbusters? When Blockbuster was at the height of its popularity, late fees were a significant source of revenue and accounted for more than 15% of its annual income. The transactional relationship between the customers and the company is one of the many reasons they no longer exist.
In a world where people are always looking for a short-term solution, it’s refreshing to see SaaS companies that want nothing more than to see the long-term success of their customers. We believe the SaaS model is about building relationships with customers where the focus isn’t on winning this one sale but instead on creating an atmosphere of trust.
Think about it: when a company sells you arcade management software and charges for customer support, they are transactional by nature. With a monthly subscription that includes support, maintenance, and resources to help you grow your arcade revenue, you create a lasting win-win relationship.
In Conclusion
Not all software subscriptions are created equal. Some offer more value than others with access to world-class support, more features and updates, and resources to help you grow your business. Suppose you’re considering buying software or paying a subscription. With so many software subscription options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:
– What kind of support does the software offer? If you encounter any problems, you’ll want to know that somebody is there to help you solve them.
– What kind of features and updates does the software include? Ensure that the software has everything you need and that new features are being added regularly.
– What kind of resources does the software provide? Look for card system vendors with guides, tutorials, and other resources to help you grow your business.
We have countless customer success stories of location owners and route operators who have drastically improved their arcade revenue. Check out this video to see how an owner of three bowling centers has seen a 250% increase in his first month.
Making the right software decisions can make a world of difference for your business. Be sure to research and talk to other owners and operators using each system. You’ll be glad you did.
Amusement Connect is a game card system that combines the latest technology with business intelligence to optimize the player experience.
We are powered by people and our collective mission to bring innovation, value, and the best possible experience to our customers and their players.
