It would increase the username, which is good as that would mean more tools / tutorials/ warehouse models /etc, but not more money.
Not to mention how many people pay the current price that would drop to a cheaper option if one became available, I don't think the increase in income would be significant. While true, they would need to attract 6 people willing to pay $30 instead of 1 person at $200 to make the same amount.
You argue that having a cheaper license would bring in more people, and therefore more money. That said, couple things I want to mention. I hate the new pricing model, but I haven't used SketchUp in years and I don't plan on going back. But for some, as it appears Trimble managment is part of, mediocrity is the rule of life. Whoever is running that company doesn't seem to have the common sense required to achieve anything other than mediocre success. How many people have tried it, liked it, would buy it, but walk away because of these licensing practices circa 1990? I would wager if you added up all the people that fall into this category and would be willing to shell out $30 (just a spit-ball number) each year to use it, Trimble would experience a dramatic spike in their revenue. If Trimble offered personal/hobbyist licenses for even a nominal fee ($30 per year seems about right - and I for one would gladly pay), they would make MUCH more money.
True, you can still download 3 year old versions of Sketchup Make but using out of date and unsupported software as a work around seems to be less than optimal. ) which lacks the most useful features, but that's more of an insult than a viable solution. Sketchup does offer the web version (gag. Their strategy, from what I know about business (I am a retired consultant - know a few things about it), is by letting hobbyists who otherwise would not pay for it due to the expense, use it for free, some will go on and turn their hobby into a business thus new commercial licensing they otherwise would not have had.
Does Trimble think for one minute anyone, like me, would purchase it for over $200? Per year? Even though I spend more than that on on tools every month and could easily justify the cost? Autodesk offers a FULL version of their Fusion 360 for free, but only for hobbyist/personal use.
The trial license is going to expire soon.
If you are already using SketchUp Pro and want to upgrade it to the latest version, you can drop us a renewal request. Our customer care representatives will get back to you shortly. If you are interested in using the software, you can request us a callback. The pricing of SketchUp Pro is available as per your needs and demands. Sharing and Collaboration: SketchUp Pro also allows users to share their designs with their designing teams and clients.Pre-built Extensions: With the 100+ professionally developed pre-built extensions within the software, users are allowed to create sustainable designs.Drawing with Hands: The software allows users to draw by using their hands.SketchUp Pro allows users to create professional-looking 3D models with ease. How has SketchUp Pro made 3D Modelling an easy procedure? It has a wide array of 3D design tools that offer the most innovative ways to create designs and communicate their ideas accurately by creating 3D models. SketchUp Pro believes that simple is powerful.
This architect design software can be used to develop a wide range of drawing applications such as interior designs, civil, mechanical engineering, video games, films, and architectural designs. SketchUp Pro is a computer modeling program designed by Trimble. SketchUp Pro Software Overview What is SketchUp Pro?