Occasionally, it appears that particular software is simply too expensive for its own benefit. It’s difficult to justify purchasing a program that is as expensive as the computer it runs on. While you won’t be able to acquire those apps for $10, there are a few ways to gain software discounts – in some cases, significant discounts – by being patient.
So, in this post, we will show you some effective tips to help you get good discounts on software deals.
Obtain a Student Edition (Even if you don’t attend school)
This is the most obvious tactic and one we’ve discussed extensively. If you’re a student, you can get great deals on software and hardware through your university’s computer store and directly from software firms like Apple and Microsoft.
Of all, if you shop online, all you need is a . EDU email address to sign up for student discounts, which implies that with a little fiddling, you can probably get student discounts indefinitely. Many institutions allow you to maintain your.EDU email after you graduate, while others provide a forwarding service to keep it active.
You may use this to sign up for great offers from Microsoft (such as Office for $100 and a Windows 7 Professional upgrade for $65) and a variety of Amazon Student discounts, such as Photoshop for $160. Sure, it’s still pricey, but it’s a huge decrease and a lot closer to being worth it.
On Facebook and Twitter, you can keep up with the Developers
Digital Inspiration has a lot of wonderful software-buying advice, but one of the best is to follow your favorite developers on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Following big brands on Twitter is a terrific way to stay up to date on all the discounts going on because they’re usually running promotions or providing coupons.
Following sites like Woot and keeping an eye on regular bargain articles, such as MacUpdate’s promo page, is also a good idea (or our very own App Deals post that we do every day at 2:30 PST).
Don’t Forget Your Couponing and Comparison Shopping Skills
Finally, keep in mind that software is a product like any other, and shopping around is the best way to get a good bargain. Use the same strategies you use to get good discounts online, such as installing deal-monitoring browser extensions, searching for coupons on sites like RetailMeNot, and keeping a well-organized wish list.
Remember to factor in delivery costs, as well as any reductions you might get from using a .EDU email address or purchasing an OEM copy, as noted above. As long as you aren’t in a rush to purchase that program right now, a little patience can help you receive the greatest value.
That’s it! Now you know a couple of ways to walk your way around expensive software. You don’t have to wreck your wallet to get the software you need for your project. Just use any of the tips outlined here to win amazing discounts on any software deal.