Google lowers minimum purchase price for apps, microtransactions in nearly 20 countries

[Shawn Knight]

Google Play is available in more than 190 countries around the world, offering people from all walks of life access to well over 1.6 million mobile apps – many of which can have a tremendous impact on a user’s quality of life. End-users aren’t the only ones to benefit as the worldwide marketplace affords developers the opportunity to put their apps in front of more people, thus increasing the potential to drive more sales and ultimately, make more money.

Up to this point, however, apps sold in some regions have been hamstrung by Google’s pricing model which dictates a minimum purchase price for both apps and in-app purchases. A recent change in policy aims to remedy the issue.

As Google Play Product Manager Alistair Pott correctly points out, every market has its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. Specifically, Google found that purchasing behavior varies greatly between markets which is just a fancy way of saying the minimum purchase price is too high in some regions.

In an effort to make apps and content more accessible, Google is lowering the minimum purchase price for apps and in-app transactions in some countries following a successful pilot program in India earlier this year. The changes are as follows:

• Brazil: R$ 0.99 (was R$2.00)
• Chile: CLP $200.00 (was CLP $500.00)
• Colombia: COP$ 800.00 (was COP$ 2000.00)
• Hungary: Ft 125.00 (was Ft 225.00)
• Indonesia: Rp 3,000.00 (was Rp 12,000.00)
• Malaysia: RM 1.00 (was RM 3.50)
• Mexico: MXN$ 5.00 (was MXN$ 9.90)
• Peru: S/. 0.99 (was S/. 3.00)
• Philippines: ₱15.00 (was ₱43.00)
• Poland: zł1.79 (was zł2.99)
• Russia: руб 15.00 (was руб 30.00)
• Saudi Arabia:﷼ 0.99 (was 4.00﷼)
• South Africa: R3.99 (was R10.00)
• Thailand: ฿10.00 (was ฿32.00)
• Turkey: ₺0.59 (was ₺2.00)
• Ukraine: ₴5.00 (was ₴8.00)
• Vietnam: ₫6,000 (was ₫21,000.00)

The move has plenty of upside for Google as well. More app sales may translate to more users in the Android ecosystem meaning more payment details on file. This, in turn, could put the search giant in an even better position to charge more for advertising, thus increasing its revenue.

Developers interested in adjusting their pricing can do so by going to the Google Play Developer Console and clicking on “Pricing & Distribution* or “In-app Products.”

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/62831-google-lowers-minimum-purchase-price-apps-microtransactions-nearly.html

 

[noel24]

Google reacted to a high US$ price. Now waiting for 'ailing' hardware vendors to adjust their sick pricing. As example, Skylake 6600K platform in Europe costs double what similar Haswell 4670K platform cost two years ago. Only retards will replace their setup at that price for mere few % improvement in benchmarks. And that goes for all junk traded in US$. I know 'Muricans won the WW2, but there are some limits to $ price rigging. Like next year, when international corporations pricing their stuff against $ will declare heavy drop in sales, and price adjustment will have to follow. Hopefully. I cannot afford anything from my wage right now.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

They say the minimum price in SA is ZAR10.00, I dunno about that, I paid ZAR7.99 for a years subscription to WhatsApp not too long ago.

 

[hahahanoobs]

They say the minimum price in SA is ZAR10.00, I dunno about that, I paid ZAR7.99 for a years subscription to WhatsApp not too long ago.

"Google lowers minimum purchase price for apps, microtransactions in nearly 20 countries"

A subscription is neither of the above.

 

[tonylukac]

I never encountered the minimum purchase price and I sell in all countries.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

"Google lowers minimum purchase price for apps, microtransactions in nearly 20 countries"

A subscription is neither of the above.

Oh? You're right. I was skimming again.

 

[Arris]

They also make you declare the ad status of your app whether it has ads or not.

Hello Google Play Developer,
At Google I/O, we launched “ad-supported” labels for apps in the Designed for Families program. Today, we’re announcing the expansion of this program to all apps on Google Play. Early next year, users will start to see the “Ads” label on apps that contain advertising, both inside and outside Designed for Families.
By January 11, 2016, you must sign in to the Play Developer Console and declare whether your apps contain ads (such as ads delivered through third party ad networks, display ads, native ads, and/or banner ads). After this date, the ads declaration will be required to make any updates to your apps. Please note that misrepresenting ad presence violates Google Play Developer Program Policies and may lead to suspension. You can visit our help center to learn more.
While developers are responsible for accurately declaring ad presence in their apps, Google may verify this at any time and display the “Ads” label if appropriate.
If you feel your app has been incorrectly flagged for containing ads, please contact our policy support team.
Regards,
The Google Play Team

 

[Zahid Iqbal1]

Asian Countries are not included in this list?