Question for developers

[SensationDesigns]

I was just wondering what you guys do with commercial scripts? Right now, I simply process all payments manually and send the .zip file to the e-mail address associated with PayPal.

Some things I would be interested in knowing
-Do you use serial numbers? (I've thought about this, but what is to stop someone from simply bypassing this step, by simply removing that part of the code?)
-Do you jumble the code or anything like that
-What do you do about upgrades (Free for x months/free forever/flat fee/etc)
-What do you do about support?
-Do you use a forum or anything like that so that customers could contact each other?
-Anything else you think would be interesting/useful

Thanks!

[jatar_k]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld SensationDesigns,

I usually work with specific clients and install the scripts myself. Then I take care of all of the support myself. Maybe some of the other members work with this scenario though.

anyone?

[ShawnR]

"What do you do about upgrades"

It really depends on what the client wants, but I usually provide a minimum of 3 months warranty (including any upgrades); after that support kicks in.

"What do you do about support"

I quote a price for optional 12 months support, to kick in after warranty runs out.

Your questions are very interesting ones. I think the answers will vary wildly depending on what is being sold (e.g. small website development vs large scale enterprise-wide product installation and integration services vs off-the-shelf downloadable software...). Possibly you'd get more responses from users who look at the "Professional Webmaster Business Issues" or "Ecommerce". (I think Jatar can move this thread there is you ask him nicely)

Shawn