Back to the subject matter at hand:
How I make money from B4X.
Being a self employed software/application developer means that I have my ups and downs when it comes to getting new work in. With B4A and B4J I primarily concentrate on bespoke business solution for small to medium sized businesses.
I actually specialise in invoicing and stock control solutions based on MySQL, I've been doing that using VB for years.
B4A first help he a few years back when I clients asked me to create a barcode system that linked into their current stock database. I point blank refuse to use the device cameras and so I started using Bluetooth laser barcode scanners with Android devices, this was a great solution and I'm still using various versions of that solution for certain solution today.
For clients I've created bespoke database driven solutions including, delivery driver GPS an signature capture application, formulation creation solutions, stock control and invoicing for a large independent ford parts seller in Essex (as well as lots of other businesses dotted around the UK), one of the UK largest wipes manufacturing firms in the UK, multiple POS Android solutions using Android powered POS hardware for retail shops and restaurants etc etc etc, yes all using B4X.
This year I started developing bespoke warehouse and stock control solutions using 1D/2D Android barcode scanners, yes
@DonManfred did make a small wrap for me, but not for intercepting the barcode scan, I use a broadcast receiver for that. Manfred's wrap allows me to turn On/Off the scanner thus I can then use the built-in camera on the device for taking photos of stock items to upload into databases. I based the original application for the Android 1D/2D barcode scanner on my challenge app, but it's been highly modified now.
This has become my Android powered barcode scanner of choice for stock control solutions.
I have now shifted my Android efforts to the above devices. In the last few months I've developed bespoke solutions for clients and sold them these devices to run my solutions on (My solution works on another model too), I've also developed accompanying B4J Windows/Mac applications connecting to MySQL databases. These application can be for creating quotes, invoicing, stock control, contact management etc, once again the list goes on and on.
I could go on about different types of bespoke client apps that I've created using B4X, but I will not, let's just say that B4X can be used for both hobbyists and professional applications developers alike.
When I get new clients, they are not too bothered about the language that I use, they are more interested in the end results. I've been creating Windows programs for clients using VB.Net for years, from invoicing, automated billing solution to insurance claims software and more. The clients that I've come across just wants the end results to be exactly what they requested (I always add filters etc for free though as a bonus, clients love them). As long as their solutions work as requested, is nice and clean (not cluttered), is delivered to them on time (I always finish ahead of time) and is definitely on budget (as long as they don't make large changes which is billable) they are always happy with the results and come back for more.
Enjoy...