Why do some app developers change prices so often?

[Doctor Q]

Assuming AppShopper shows the correct data in price histories, the iPhone app named Upsi Looper has changed price 19 times, iRiddles has changed price 38 times, and Face Fun has changed price 126 times!

There are many more examples like these.

What's the thinking behind multiple price changes, developers? I can understand trying to hit the sweet spot by testing a couple of price levels, but I don't understand why so many app prices go up and down repeatedly.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

There is a list on iTunes where any price change will cause an update to get to the recently updated list.

 

[MasterDev]

That's really odd. As a developer, my soon to be released/approved apps have had a lot of planning on them. And price is one of the main concerns.

So I decided to start off at a lower price, then if it hits, I MAY bump the price up. But then I would not change it for a while. Maybe the yearly price break promo, but changing it so often will hold back people from buying it, since they will try to catch it at it's cheapest...

So I'm thinking they must have been doing many, MANY promotions with it... Which in my opinion, is not the best idea.

Just my 2 cents.

There is a list on iTunes where any price change will cause an update to get to the recently updated list.

Ah, good point. That's lame! Oh well.

 

[Doctor Q]

Price changes just to bump for attention seem dangerous. Don't they risk causing people to delay a purchase they might have made, hoping to catch the low point, or risk having people regret their purchase because they paid a higher price?

For mention of the former, see the Apps That You're Waiting To Have A Price Drop/Go On Sale thread.

For mention of the latter, see the Price Changes in App Store and Anyone else been done on price? threads.

 

[DangerMouse001]

I agree with the Doctor....it's a sure sign of instability. Poor planning etc. It's that frantic effort to make a buck?

What are the quality of these apps though should to be in question.