Home/r/SaaS/2025-08-02/#appsumo-scam-company-avoid
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AppSumo is a scam company - please avoid

r/SaaS
8/1/2025

Content Summary

The post criticizes AppSumo for its unethical business practices, including revoking access to 'lifetime' software deals, taking up to 70% of revenue from SaaS vendors, and offering unclear contract terms. Users and vendors describe negative experiences with AppSumo's lack of transparency, poor communication, and exploitative model. The discussion highlights concerns about the sustainability of lifetime deals and the need for better accountability and fairer revenue structures.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream opinion strongly criticizes AppSumo for its exploitative business model, with many users and vendors describing it as a scam. There is significant debate over the legal validity of 'lifetime' deals and whether AppSumo should be held accountable for revoking access. Some defenders argue that AppSumo provides valuable exposure and marketing for SaaS products, but most agree that the platform needs significant reforms to restore trust. Conflicts also arise over the ethical implications of selling lifetime deals and the fairness of AppSumo's contract terms.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
AppSumohttps://www.appsumo.comMarketplace for SaaS DealsOffers lifetime deals, marketing promotions, and affiliate networks. Users and vendors report issues with access revocation, high fees, and unclear terms.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Access to purchased software revoked without notice
  • High fees taken by AppSumo (up to 70%)
  • Lack of transparency in contracts and refund policies
  • Uncertainty about the long-term availability of products

Problems to Solve:

  • Ensuring that lifetime deals are honored as promised
  • Preventing exploitation of SaaS vendors and customers
  • Improving trust and accountability in SaaS deal platforms
  • Reducing the risk of losing access to critical tools

Potential Solutions:

  • Clearer definitions of 'lifetime' in contracts
  • Better vetting of SaaS vendors before promotion
  • Transparent refund and support policies
  • More balanced revenue-sharing models

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Promoting products through email campaigns, influencer videos, and social media ads
  • Offering early-stage exposure and feedback to SaaS founders
  • Building a community around product launches and user experiences

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Email marketing to large subscriber lists
  • Influencer and affiliate network promotions
  • YouTube and Google ads for product visibility

Monetization & Product:

  • High revenue share from SaaS vendors (up to 70%)
  • Encouraging SaaS startups to offer unsustainable lifetime deals
  • Focusing on short-term cash flow over long-term sustainability

User Engagement:

  • Engaging users through feedback loops and product development
  • Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity through limited-time offers
  • Building communities around product launches and user reviews