4 ms·

While I agree with a lot of points regarding the weaknesses of the MAS, I doubt there is an exodus in sight. Two reasons: normal users and EU tax laws. 1. I kn

by mstolpm 12y ago

While I agree with a lot of points regarding the weaknesses of the MAS, I doubt there is an exodus in sight. Two reasons: normal users and EU tax laws. 1. I know a lot of Mac users that use the MAS as the only (!) source for their software (even Scrivener and other software has come to the MAS that before was only sold through the developer website). These are "normal" users that are not developers or hardcore nerds. And they never see any problems with sandboxing (they don't even know what this is). But - and that is the beauty of the MAS for normal users: Apple has their payment info on file, allows easy browsing the catalog, easy installation, easy payment and easy canceling of the order just in case. In addition: iTunes gift cards that are sold with a discount. 2. With the new VAT laws in the EU starting 2015, it will be a pain it the ass for small developers to sell software and services through their website on their own - at least for developers in the EU. Of course, developers of business-related software for developers might see advantages selling on their own. But an exodus?

milen 12y ago
Thanks for your feedback. 1. I totally agree with you on this point - the MAS is a fine store for something that costs $1-10 and maybe took only a few months to develop, maybe a hobby project. But building a serious business for apps that cost $30-50+ is much harder - it's possible but it won't be ideal (talk to the developers behind the apps in those categories). The point behind the article is that it doesn't have to be that way, the tools can be easily made available. 2. Only if you're the selling directly to customers (and even then it's not a massive deal as you can just signup for the VAT MOSS, which means you only deal with a single VAT entity, which you have to do if your sales exceed the VAT threshold). Furthermore, if you sell via a reseller, your sales lie outside the scope of VAT (as the sale is technically made by the reseller). For example, that's the case with FastSpring, as they're a US company and you will be receiving proceeds from them (assuming you're in the EU). FastSpring themselves handle all VAT related issues (they comply with all EU laws and will pay it out) - you don't have to lift a finger.

by mstolpm 12y ago

milen 12y ago

Thanks for your feedback. 1. I totally agree with you on this point - the MAS is a fine store for something that costs $1-10 and maybe took only a few months to develop, maybe a hobby project. But building a serious business for apps that cost $30-50+ is much harder - it's possible but it won't be ideal (talk to the developers behind the apps in those categories). The point behind the article is that it doesn't have to be that way, the tools can be easily made available. 2. Only if you're the selling directly to customers (and even then it's not a massive deal as you can just signup for the VAT MOSS, which means you only deal with a single VAT entity, which you have to do if your sales exceed the VAT threshold). Furthermore, if you sell via a reseller, your sales lie outside the scope of VAT (as the sale is technically made by the reseller). For example, that's the case with FastSpring, as they're a US company and you will be receiving proceeds from them (assuming you're in the EU). FastSpring themselves handle all VAT related issues (they comply with all EU laws and will pay it out) - you don't have to lift a finger.