Effective today, Purlem’s Personalized URL platform has reverted back to its original pricing; $199/mo for Pro and $79/mo for Plus.

The reason for the change is the new subscriptions drastically dropped since we raised the prices a few months ago.  Reverting back to the old prices will hopefully pick up new subscriptions.

Yesterday I purchased a new Dell Inspiron laptop from Best Buy (I have been traveling with a bulky PC desktop… and it was time for it to go).  This was the first time I actually purchased a new PC from a major retailer like this.  What I could not believe was the difference in buying experience from a Mac to a PC.

After I decided on the exact model, I told the Best Buy sales representative.  I wanted to just pick up the box and head towards the checkout, but of course they had this model stored as a “package deal”.  Ok, Ok.. I’ll purchase the entire package that includes a carrying case, mouse, printer, etc…

Standing there in the isle, our conversation goes…

“Now before we checkout can I interests you in our geek squad protection program?”
No Thanks
“We also offer a great warranty protection program that covers xyz” (This description took over 2 minutes).
“Nope.. I’m Good”
[we walk to the checkout]
“Before we checkout what about this extra service”
No No.. thanks anyways
” Do you want to participate in Best Buy’s buyers program and receive $x for every $x you spend?”
Ok.. fine

So I finally get out of the store feeling completely overwhelmed. I get home and turn on the computer. I’m asked if I want to register the computer.  I click no thanks.  Then the computer asks AGAIN.  ”Are you sure… this really helps us…”  Ok Ok fine.. I’ll register.

After I refuse 4 additional offers from Dell, I am finally taken to my desktop.  I thought I was finally free from the solicitations when literally minutes later, a window pops up asking me to purchase McAfree Anti-Virus!  I never asked for this, and can’t figure out how to get the window to go away!

————-

Compare all of this with my latest shopping experience at the mac store purchasing my new MacBook Pro.  I walk in and out in literally a few minutes.  The mac guy ofcourse asked me if I wanted Apple protection, but a very friendly buying experience.

I get home, turn on my computer and I’m off and runnign with 0.. thats ZERO… solicitations or popups getting me to purchase more things.

THE MORAL: Keep things simple and don’t push services.  If people want something they will ask for it!

UPDATE: Now its even easier to integreate Purlem with WordPress with the new Purlem Personal URL WordPress Plugin!

Finally!  You can now tie Purlem’s Personal URL application into WordPress themes.  After several requests for this feature, I slightly tweaked Purlem and added a tutorial on how to Tie in Purlem with WordPress.

The biggest benefit of doing this is that you can select from the thousand of wordpress designs to use as your Personalized URL Landing page!

I hope to create a wordpress plugin… but for now this should do the trick for those that don’t want to wait.