Comments on: How I use beta tests to rapidly optimize new products

By: Vas

Vas — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:38:45 +0000

Thanks Ramit for this post. I have had strategies of my own that I have followed when looking into products but there are so more which you have mentioned which I was unaware of. Thanks for the info.

By: Vic

Vic — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:01:40 +0000

Beta tests are considered customer focused technique on marketing (that involves product, price, placement and promotion). Thus, it is a great way to collect data from the consumers to constantly improve the product and continue to satisfy them. In this case you should invest more customer relationship, having the stronger bonding between you and your consumers. And in the long-run, will benefit both – profit for you, satisfaction for your consumers.

By: Dentists Sarasota

Dentists Sarasota — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:23:44 +0000

I think it is a good strategy to improve more the product you are going to launch or sell.

By: Bobby

Bobby — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:06:40 +0000

Solid information again. Yes, I’d make this its own blog post–it’s subsumed under your original post, the one with 400+ comments.

By: sanjay

sanjay — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:03:43 +0000

Ben,

It can’t but at least knowing what their strategy is could help you head them off at the pass. Or at least know when it’s coming.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:52:36 +0000

Sanjay,
The renters guide is all about how to negotiate your rent. I’m a landlord. How could my tenants trying to negotiate their rent possibly help me???

By: sanjay

sanjay — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:22:52 +0000

Ben,

Without knowing what the advice is in the “renter’s guide” how would you know if they are detrimental or beneficial. Unless that is you’re willing to pay to play to find out.

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:51:24 +0000

Ramit,
I got your email about the beta test. I’m very interested in hearing more about reducing my medical insurance costs since I’m an IT contractor and pay $400/month for my family plan but I’m not willing to pay $75 for that information. You mentioned the final product would be much more than the beta price. Yes I pay $4800 per year for insurance but I’m not will to pay $75 for the possibility that I “might” be able to reduce it. I guess I’m not comfortable with spending that much money without a gurantee. Not sure if others feel that same way as well.
PS: I have 2 duplexes and I hope none of my tenants buy your renter’s guide!!!!

By: Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:47:01 +0000

It’s not just early sales, it’s a pretty comprehensive beta test behind the scenes. We’re already chatting by email so let’s just take more questions up there. Thanks, Sanjay.

By: sanjay

sanjay — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:37:39 +0000

Ramit,

I will only make a single response, don’t want to clutter up your website with disagreement for your marketing model.

I’m just confused, is it only for 50 “select” first buyers or “lots of orders”? Is this a beta test that should be closed (as about the 10 or so I’m currently participating in for hardware and software products) or is this just an advanced sale to anyone willing to buy the product at what is claimed to be a “beta discount price”?

Good for you that it’s working out well.