advice regarding purchased software

stevewright

not sure if anyone here can help, but its worth a shot.


i work in the design and architecture industry, and recently trialed a demo for a leading cad software package that a company i currently am freelancing for uses (its one of the big industry standard programs)


having used the demo (you have to download the full package, then select a workspace, so i selected the workspace i was intending to buy) having trialed the program, using the workspace for the one i was going to buy, i purchased it on my business credit card to the sum of around £1600 - however, now with my purchased licence key, i have realised that there are many items that are not available in the version that i bought but that were visible in the demo...


i have gone back to the supplier i purchased from, and they said they would contact the manufacturer on my behalf - they did this, and whilst they have offered an upgrade for a "substantial discount" (an additional £585) with no markup from them, they have not addressed the misrepresentation of the demo program itself, and that there are people out there using this, and purchasing based on the fact they believe that what they see and are using, will be in the program they purchase!


my main gripe is that they have offered the upgrade with 0 commision - whilst this is better than nothing, effectively its the supplier not making money from it and the manufacturer is still making money on the back of their misrepresentation of the demo they provide. had the demo been available for the verison i was intending to buy, it would not have been a problem because i would not have been using/seen features that i would not be getting



ultimately i feel a bit conned, the demo i used is not what i bought, i dont have much choice in using the program as i need it for work, but cannot afford the £585 for the additional features that were in the demo!


should i go direct to the manufacturer and give it a go? (feeling like the small ant being crushed under the big boot of big business):mad:

[Deleted User]

Hi I'm not sure but my first inclination would be to talk to the CC co.

jonesMUFCforever

Is this a business transaction? So no S75 cover not sure about other laws concerning business card rights.

derps

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

Is this a business transaction? So no S75.

Section 75 can apply just fine to some business transactions, it depends. It's an issue if the card is issued to a limited company but sole traders and partnerships don't have the same problem.

PixelPound

Surely you checked what the version you bought included? Many software packages have a standard and professional version, or multiple version with increasing sets of features. Often Trials are either feature limited or time limited. Yours was the latter so will give you access to all features (they can't upsell you to the best package without giving you a sample taste to entice you)

If you bought a license that did not include the features you wanted how is that anyone elses problem, and how were you conned? You have also been offered to upgrade at a discount too!

If I went for a test drive in a new car, they may allow me to drive the top model. If I opt to buy the standard model, I cannot complain about not having alloy wheels, leather seats, and walnut dashboard because the one I test drive did.

SnowTiger

stevewright wrote: »

i work in the design and architecture industry, and recently trialed a demo for a leading cad software package that a company i currently am freelancing for uses (its one of the big industry standard programs)

[...]

had the demo been available for the verison i was intending to buy, it would not have been a problem because i would not have been using/seen features that i would not be getting

[...]

ultimately i feel a bit conned, the demo i used is not what i bought, i dont have much choice in using the program as i need it for work, but cannot afford the £585 for the additional features that were in the demo!

should i go direct to the manufacturer and give it a go? (feeling like the small ant being crushed under the big boot of big business):mad:

The problem you have is that you need the superior version of the particular software. You said you need it.

You would still have to purchase it even if the seller gave you a refund. And you wouldn't receive the "substantial discount" you've been offered.

Complain and try to get a better deal. Even if you pay the extra £585 you're getting something you need at a discount.