I just got off the phone with Slingbox (a.k.a. Sleezebox) ten minutes ago. I registered this domain while still on the phone with a supervisor.
I called because after shelling out big bucks for a brand new Slingbox 350 they want an additional $15 to download the Android app. It's not about the $15 though.
My issue is that on their website and advertising material and even in the material that comes with the unit it says "watch your TV from anywhere", "watch from any mobile device", watch from your phone or tablet" etc..... There's no mention of an additional cost. I only found out about that when I went to download the app. By that time I was already in neck deep.
Here's the best part! When I called I was told that "the app is billed by the google play store and they get all the money". Google play store usually pays out around 70% but not on this app? Big bad google doesn't give Slingbox a penny of that revenue! Where's it go?
"Slingbox has no control over the price because it's a third party app" although it "used to be $30" and I should be grateful for the "discount".
I inquired about promo codes or a way to download the app for "free" (I feel I already paid for it with the box) but big bad third party google wouldn't give them any. Awwwwwww.
Seems to me there are people who've made a decent income for apps that sell for a buck. It doesn't pass the laugh test that Slingbox doesn't get revenue or have a say in the pricing. If that's the case, they're being taken advantage of and in turn so are their customers. If it's true then shame on them for allowing this "third party" to get away with it!
I asked why Slingbox didn't have their own app for their customers who already paid good money for their Slingbox (on top of cable and internet) and received no answer. Then I asked if there was a way to download it for free and was told "people steal apps all the time". Huh? Steal? I just shelled out almost two hundred bucks for the box! The app should be included!
They'd be better off to build it into the price of the box or at least disclose it plainly. I suggested they change the website and advertising to be upfront about the additional $!5 charge and said I was thinking of sending the unit back for a refund in protest just to make a point. But I won't.
It's a great idea and seems to work well. I'll go pay the fifteen bucks and am sure I'll enjoy Slingbox very much. I prolly wouldn't have blinked at the $15 if they were upfront about it. I was kinda shocked when I saw the price. A couple bucks or even a few, maybe, but fifteen?
They know where they have you once you have the unit all hooked up and ready to use so that's when they spring the additional fee. How's that for marketing?
Am I right or am I overboard?
I called because after shelling out big bucks for a brand new Slingbox 350 they want an additional $15 to download the Android app. It's not about the $15 though.
My issue is that on their website and advertising material and even in the material that comes with the unit it says "watch your TV from anywhere", "watch from any mobile device", watch from your phone or tablet" etc..... There's no mention of an additional cost. I only found out about that when I went to download the app. By that time I was already in neck deep.
Here's the best part! When I called I was told that "the app is billed by the google play store and they get all the money". Google play store usually pays out around 70% but not on this app? Big bad google doesn't give Slingbox a penny of that revenue! Where's it go?
"Slingbox has no control over the price because it's a third party app" although it "used to be $30" and I should be grateful for the "discount".
I inquired about promo codes or a way to download the app for "free" (I feel I already paid for it with the box) but big bad third party google wouldn't give them any. Awwwwwww.
Seems to me there are people who've made a decent income for apps that sell for a buck. It doesn't pass the laugh test that Slingbox doesn't get revenue or have a say in the pricing. If that's the case, they're being taken advantage of and in turn so are their customers. If it's true then shame on them for allowing this "third party" to get away with it!
I asked why Slingbox didn't have their own app for their customers who already paid good money for their Slingbox (on top of cable and internet) and received no answer. Then I asked if there was a way to download it for free and was told "people steal apps all the time". Huh? Steal? I just shelled out almost two hundred bucks for the box! The app should be included!
They'd be better off to build it into the price of the box or at least disclose it plainly. I suggested they change the website and advertising to be upfront about the additional $!5 charge and said I was thinking of sending the unit back for a refund in protest just to make a point. But I won't.
It's a great idea and seems to work well. I'll go pay the fifteen bucks and am sure I'll enjoy Slingbox very much. I prolly wouldn't have blinked at the $15 if they were upfront about it. I was kinda shocked when I saw the price. A couple bucks or even a few, maybe, but fifteen?
They know where they have you once you have the unit all hooked up and ready to use so that's when they spring the additional fee. How's that for marketing?
Am I right or am I overboard?
Slingbox or Sleezebox?
Update: I bought the app and love it! This thing is great! It's fun to be able to control and watch my cable anywhere! I hope I don't become addicted.....