How make money with b4x?

Star-Dust

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Douglas Farias said:
This is how I have had more than 22 cars
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If you have changed 22 cars in 2 years does not mean that you are successful but that you have to drive better, too many rear-ends the insurance increases the premium
 

ilan

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are you using admob?
it looks to me like google in one hand doesnot allow such apps but in other hand pay for the ads that are shown in such apps. so they close there eyes a little bit as long as they make money with it.

maybe we should change the way we think.
in the end everybody wins. google, advertiser, developer, users exept of the owners of the content like singers (if you offer free mp3), movie producers (if you offer movies) but they have already anyway 10 yacht, 50 cars, 20 houses,...

what do you think guys?
 

LucaMs

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ilan said:
what do you think guys?
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If you develop 1.46 apps/day for 2 years ( ), I suppose that you cannot publish them all the first day of these 2 years.
If you are very lucky, the first app you publish, first day, today could have... 100.000 downloads? I think less.

I mean... even by publishing 500 apps in 2 years (which is impossible, you don't even have time to think about which app to build ), you will publish them "daily", so in 2 years you will not collect much money with advertisements.

However, I (being alone) only published 100 apps in the last week, so I could only buy 2 yachts, 1 villa in Monte Carlo and one here in Roma, unfortunately
 

Peter Simpson

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I can't see why B4X users are giving @Douglas Farias so much grief

This planet of ours is full of unscrupulous individuals that do whatever they want to do to make good money, rightly or wrongly.

I've watched Douglas's apps on the play store get thousands of downloads in no time whatsoever. He posted some of them in the 100k club, with adverts he can easily be making thousands of dollars. Douglas/his team has released well over 100+ apps, with ads they can easily rake in the money. There's a developer on this forum who released an app on the Play Store and has made over $25k within a year through the ads, we all gave him praise. Unlike Douglas this particular developer is very humble about his success and has followed up that successful app with another successful app, I will not mention his name but we all know who he is.

Douglas has already proven multiple times in the 100k club in this forum that he/his team somehow manages to get lots of installs for their apps, times that number by 100+ apps some of which getting in excess of 200k+ of installs and all showing ads before getting banned and yes, I can easily see it being more than possible for Douglas to make a lot of money from his unscrupulous business practices. What he is uploading to the app store is obviously breaking Google's guidelines but Douglas obviously does not care one little bit as he is making good money from it.

Admittedly Douglas is an unscrupulous business person who likes to show off a lot (photos of cars, boasting about houses etc), so I for one expect him to keep doing what he is doing. As long as Douglas is not peddling porn, selling drugs, stealing cars, shooting people mafia style or people trafficking then I say good luck to him.

Douglas needs to learn to be more humble as a human being and to stop showing off imho. I wonder if @Douglas Farias pays business or personal TAXES in Brazil

At some point I will create a post on this thread on how I make money using B4A and B4J for my business clients, yes it can be done.

It's bank holiday Monday, the sun is out and I'm going out with Joanne for the day, I'll then come back home later and fly my Heli's, I have a new 3D stunt I want to try out.

Enjoy...
 
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Star-Dust

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Peter Simpson said:
.... As long as Douglas is not peddling porn, selling drugs, stealing cars, shooting people mafia style or people trafficking then I say good luck to him.
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Sorry but, i not agree with this sentence.
They are not the only deplorable things, to be morally guilty. Deceiving and defrauding are not automatically good deeds because they are not on your list.

But it is also true that nobody is a judge of another.
 

Cableguy

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Guys, this should be an educational thread, not a crucification...
Also, as Douglas has once said, the idea is to create a Skeleton app, for sport (general) for instance, and then specialize that skeleton for a particular sport.
Also keep in mind, that, each country has its own laws about digital content, and that HE IS NOT MAKING ALL IS MONEY FROM THE PLAYSTORE APPS!

So PLEASE! ENOUGH OF THIS!

As he said, what he does is not illegal IN BRAZIL!
 

Peter Simpson

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You can disagree with me as much as you like SD, I could say the same bout your list. You should know me by now, don't take me so literally just because I've not written a list of hundreds of things (rules/laws, thou shall not...), the list is longer than both you and I can fathom. We could talk about the East and their patent litigations, copyright claims etc if you want.

Basically what I'm saying is if Douglas wants to live his life that way, then that's up to him. I've had an app blocked for having an photo of the starship enterprise in the photos, it was NCC 1701, that does not make me a bad person.

This place is just constantly full of people looking for argument, no wonder I don't get into these sorts of discussions on here.

Basically what I'm saying is that it's more than feasible that Douglas can make that sort of money @Star-Dust.

Anyway I'm currently walking the dog in Sutton Park now so I'm off.
 
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ilan

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i think that everybody can post his opinion this is democraty. anyway i respect dougles for his hard work. it doesnot matter what kind of apps he does it require a lot of work and diligence and he got it for sure. i can say about me that a lot of time i sit on my pc to work on a project and find my self wasting 4-5 hours on youtube
and the problem is that it happens to often. anyway i also did some $ with b4x and the most importent thing for me is that i learned a lot in this forum about coding and found new friends (digital friends) anyway i really wish dougles and everybody here good luck and i also would like to see more cooporation between devs here. i would like to work with other devs on project and build a team and like this maybe build the 1 million app who knows. everybody here has his strength that could contribute to such a project. so if someone is interested i am open for any offers
 

Cableguy

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ilan said:
i can say about me that a lot of time i sit on my pc to work on a project and find my self wasting 4-5 hours on youtube
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Yeah... Myself, I have a few ideas to mske (hopefully) good money, but I just got head on into coders block mostly for graphic design work... Yes, it's foremost the eyes that buy an app!
 

Peter Simpson

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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...
 
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Cableguy

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You have just became my "I wanna be like you when I grow up"!
The main problem is, getting that first client that will help you showcase your work.
I know I need to create some kind of "portfolio" but for me it's hard to get beyond the graphical interface... Specially when you only have an abstract idea of the whole.
 

Magma

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@Peter Simpson ... Nice !.... I totally agree with you... Yes the idea... is programming...but the reality is where someone is specialized!

coming too from VB6 too..

For example my knowledge/experience... is invoicing software / tracking vehicles / security software... but always open to "know"-test-practices that will increase my income/experience too...

SMALL Customers no need to know how the result comes.... need only the RESULT

BIG customers always need to give them OPEN SOURCE or solution/support for life - someway ---- but in reality who can give ? If you just sit and think will see that for example Microsoft/Oracle always limit the support of their products...

If you have the/your way for real talking with end customers -you can make a lot of money - the only limit is your imagination

but have in mind that:

BIG customers = BIG MONEY = BIG PROBLEMS!
 

ilan

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Eme Fibonacci said:
Thank you.
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ok so back to the subject. i make money with b4x mostly by making apps for stores. i did some jobs for clients but i prefer not to work with clients. they somehow think that changing "only" this little "thing" should be for free and i dont like to get to that point where i have to explain that such a "little" thing is in real a lot of work etc... so decided to do only apps for stores. i managed to make some really well apps until today and i hope to keep doing more and more apps. sometimes we have to complicated ideas and just make simple apps (and fast) could be a better way for us to grow in this branch. i do agree with dougles about that. but also i would like to make more complex project with other devs as a team. i think it could be a lot of fun and also maybe successful who knows. btw i downloaded Battle Field 5 four days ago and i must say it was a bad move. i cannot stop playing it. to addicted. Playing right now multiplayer mode
 

Peter Simpson

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I always tell new clients that small changes I will do for free as long as it does not take to long, a couple of hours extra here or there does not bother me in the slightest. If a client asks for let's say an extra user configurable stock report screen or an extra tab to display previous quotes/invoices/reports etc then I will email them a quote for the extra development costs as that's no small change.

Before I start any bespoke development project for a new client, I always get them to sign an agreement document. This agreement covers both my client and myself. The agreement also explains in a couple of sentences that a small amount of simple changes can be done for free, but any large changes will be quoted for and sent to them via email before hand, the difficulty of the extra additions (changes) is at the discretion of the developer (me). Clients have to send me an email confirmation that they want the extra additions adding to their bespoke application, a phone call just saying yes go ahead is not good enough, I want it in writing.

Getting new client is the hard part, keeping them is simple if you have done a good job developing their bespoke application in the first place, I've had a lot of recommendations too.
 
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f0raster0

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Magma said:
SMALL Customers no need to know how the result comes.... need only the RESULT

BIG customers always need to give them OPEN SOURCE or solution/support for life - someway ---- but in reality who can give ?
BIG customers = BIG MONEY = BIG PROBLEMS!
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A big almost-client asked for the tool used they didn't like (know) B4x, I lost that opportunity. They really wanted the source code, but not happy with B4x.

In the other hand, I have a small client who asked for the source coude, I was worry but didn't answer (I said yes sure) until show him the result, after that no one is worry about the source code, and always asking for new features and like @Peter Simpson:
Peter Simpson said:
I always tell clients that small changes I will do for free as long as it does not take to long..
Click to expand...

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Peter Simpson said:
Getting new client is the hard part, keeping them is simple if you have done a good job developing their bespoke application in the first place.
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That is the big thing here, new client!!

I understand now, our solutions have to solve problems to the client "over the line" they want to make money.
if our solution solve a problem below the line, it means "save money" (hard to sell), because usually they want to make money.
 
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Peter Simpson

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f0raster0 said:
I understand now, our solutions have to solve problems to the client "over the line" they want to make money.
if our solution solve a problem below the line, it means "save money" (hard to sell), but usually they want to make money.
Click to expand...

In meetings I don't really concentrate on selling myself to the client, I mainly concentrate on selling the fact that whatever application I develop for them will in the long run save them time and money, helping their business run more smoothly and efficiently and thus inturn will help their staff be more productive in their daily work.

When a potentially new client contacts me, they tell me over the phone or via an email about what they basically want creating and I usually say yes we can do that for them. In the first initial meeting once they have spoken about what they are looking for, I quickly assure them that the creation of the application is not a problem and then comes the hard sell of convincing them that their business need the application and it will make all their business working days a lot easier. I don't really sell myself, I sell their own idea back to them with some extra bells and whistles added to their original idea. I also push the support side of things a lot, what support they will receive from me. Support is key and the more I talk about support the better the chance of me getting the contract. I always let them know that basically any developer they contact can create what they are looking for, but then their's the extras, the little things that they will get from me.

Here is an example of one of my bespoke Android barcode scanner applications running on the JZIOT Android 1D/2D/NFC barcode scanner, it connects to the MySQL database via WiFi, 3G/4G. It has built-in reports, BC qty in/out, stock control, adding new stock feature, updating current stock including taking photos, stock in/out tracker, NFC integration, stock level warning alerts, stock list filters, batch control tracker and a few other features.

I always install bespoke applications in my office on any new device before driving to the client (not unless there's a lot of devices), this particular client for the BC scanner was about 98 miles away. I always go to the client and not just post devices because I always like to give a tuition on how to use any bespoke applications that I develop for them, this also includes B4J Windows/Mac applications. This give me the opportunity gauge the clients response/reaction to the application. I can also get live feedback on what the client is thinking as they use their new bespoke application in front of me for the very first time.

Test item one with one barcode number:


Test item two, with 2 barcode numbers:


Protective belt carry case:


I'm not the cheapest, but I'm not the most expensive either, nowhere near, I'm somewhere in between then it comes to prices. My advice is to never ever try to compete with the cheapest developers, especially those in India, they work for between $3-$7 per hour, but you should sell yourself, sell your services and especially sell your support. I've had a couple of clients in the past mention Indian developers abroad, I just say to the clients that they should try calling these developers in between the working hours of 9am and 5:30pm, basically the clients business opening hours if they have a problem. After that they soon realise how important software support is.

Another superb example of great software support can be found right here on this forum, need I say more???

Enjoy...
 
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LucaMs

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When I worked (good times), I installed, configured, customized, taught IBM ACG. No one ever asked me... the ACG sources, of course.
So, to avoid the problem of B4X's little diffusion... just tell the customer that you don't sell the sources!
 
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