AppSumo: Discover and Explore SaaS Applications Risk Free

Clients, friends and employees know me to have an arsenal of tech tools at my disposal.

  • Are you struggling to create video content because it’s difficult to remember your script? I’ve got a great tool for that.
  • How about an easy tool to collect and showcase video testimonials for your website?  I’ve also got a tool for that.

So, how do I discover new tech tools (without spending a fortune)? It’s easy. It’s so easy, I knew I had to share it here on my blog. Meet AppSumo: my Swiss Army knife of SaaS applications.

What is AppSumo?

AppSumo is a marketplace for discovering SaaS applications that expedite and improve business operations. AppSumo’s periodic emails and their YouTube channel announce new and upcoming SaaS applications offered to entrepreneurs at ridiculously low prices. The best part? These deals are usually for lifetime access.

In addition to selling access codes that you then redeem with the SaaS company, AppSumo even offers some absolutely free apps! Most of these are highly worthwhile. Of course, as with anything that is free, consider why these products are free so you go into these deals with eyes wide open. It’s always smart to know how your data is being used by other companies.

My own business coach first introduced me to this incredible resource. Without any extra information, he just said “Sign up for their mailing list.” Let me tell you… I have never looked back.

What’s the Catch, You Ask?

It really sounds too good to be true. But it’s not. It really is that good, which is why AppSumo is the first tool I recommend to my clients.

AppSumo partners with up-and-coming software companies and startups to bring you insane deals. The selection changes regularly, so pay careful attention to their emails.

Feel free to browse the AppSumo website to get an idea of the incredible range of tools available. If you get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of deals being offered, you can filter the offers to suit your specific business needs.

Here’s a detailed report from one AppSumo user who says he’s saving over $10,000 in subscription fees annually, just by using this resource.

A No Risk Offer for a No Risk Offer

It will probably sound even more “too good to be true” if I tell you I have a link to save you $10 off your first purchase.

** The link above is an affiliate link, and I'll also earn $10 with your purchase.

“Stack That App Up!”

One of my favorite things to do on AppSumo is to stack access codes. Often, AppSumo will offer additional access or upgraded features by purchasing multiple codes. It’s a good way to increase your ability to use a service or expand the constraints of a single block of code. Be careful, though! Not every offer will allow you to stack codes. If you’re planning on buying more than one code, make sure they’re stackable!

Once you’ve purchased your codes, activate one and try it out. AppSumo gives you 60 days to experiment with your new SaaS software and decide whether or not it is a good fit for your needs. If you like the product, fantastic! You can redeem the rest of the codes and bask in the glory of your savings. If the product just isn’t what you were looking for, you can return any codes within the 60 day window to get a full refund from AppSumo. No questions asked. Pretty sweet, right?

Keep in mind you have to redeem the codes within a stated period of time, or they can no longer be refunded.

The AppSumo Business Model

These guys seem to be giving away the farm. How do they wrangle such amazing deals on our behalf?

The truth: it’s a marketing tactic, and it’s highly effective for developers who participate. AppSumo has created a way to expose these SaaS applications to a wide range of entrepreneurs for a limited amount of time, creating a sense of urgency (which drives sales). Once they have a group of (admittedly low-paying) fans, if their app does what it promises and does it well, customers will help get the word out about how happy they are.

When app developers have regular users, they can maximize customers’ feedback and seek their input as they continue to develop and improve their product.

Customers who come by way of AppSumo generally have lifetime access, even though they only paid a fraction of the regular cost of the app. The developer makes very little profit, if any. But AppSumo offers these developers a way to market new codes, and in the process harvest a ton of comments from satisfied users. Peer review is everything in the age of the internet!

How I Use AppSumo

I’ve hinted above at how I like to use AppSumo for my business, but here is how I utilize AppSumo to my advantage:

  • I make sure to read the periodic email recommending new SaaS products. If there is a product that catches my eye, I click through to watch the video to learn more about it.
  • If I’m still interested in the product after watching the video, I’ll then do a quick Google search on the brand to check out their website. Exploring a company’s website is a great way to get a feel for what to expect: how professional is their website? Do they already have social proof backing up any marketing claims?
  • Then, I’ll check the regular price to see what kind of a bargain I can get if I purchase on AppSumo. I’m not kidding when I say that I have seen discounts around 90% off normal price!

If I’m still intrigued after performing my own research, then I’ll determine whether I will be okay with buying one code or if I’ll want to stack codes to use more features or have expanded access. Keep in mind, though, that all of this “research” only takes a couple of minutes. Due to the strength of the 60-day return period, and the tremendous success I’ve had with AppSumo in the past, I won’t lie…I treat these deals more like impulse purchases than big investments. Let’s face it – with most lifetime deals offered on AppSumo being around $60, extensive research isn’t really necessary.

Even though I love stacking codes, I typically purchase one code separately from the others needed to get the full service I might eventually need. You can redeem the first one right away and play around with it. If all’s well, go ahead and redeem the rest. If you don’t end up liking the app that much after all, you can easily click to get a refund for the unused codes you purchased, as selectively as you like. If you put all your purchases on one bill, you risk hassles with partial refunds. (But remember after 60 days, no refunds at all!)

The offers on AppSumo are temporary, which is why it’s crucial to stay current with them and be ready to invest when the opportunity arises.

Your Thoughts?

Some readers will already be avid fans of AppSumo. Tell me about your experience in the comments below! Do you have any AppSumo success stories? What has been your favorite purchase to date? I’d love to hear from you!

Don't forget to claim your $10 off your first purchase!

Mike Wozniak

About the author

For more than 30 years, Mike Wozniak has used his passion for finding innovative ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of businesses through the use of technology to redefine the way things are done. Mike is the founder of SoftwareKey.com, a cutting-edge software licensing technology provider, and the inventor of ArrivalOS™ and EnRoute™ by Floqque, a Predictive Queuing Platform. When he isn't working, he likes to travel and do burpees! Why do burpees on vacation? Just Because He Can!

Mike Wozniak

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