Offline Cut Advisor?

[oomlout]

Is there such a thing as an offline version of the cut advisor? E.g. a spreadsheet or a java app or something.

It would be awesome if I could use it on my laptop or whatever without needing a network connection...

 

[PoopEater]

I'd like an offline version, too. I'd also settle for an online version that was scriptable. I was wanting to do some statistical analysis of different diamond proportions, and it's hard to do when you have to enter all the combos by hand.

 

[Mara]

Any programmers here? You can contact CutNut and program a version for a Palm handheld or something.

Palm has a developers program and I think they assist would-be programmers to help them out. So if anyone is interested, check out Palm's website for more information if CutNut is onboard. I think it's a great idea...you can take it with you to the store while you shop and get info right away.




I used to work for Palm so I know how much they love having people design new apps for their handhelds. Their developer program is HUGE with alot of support--or at least it was.




Good luck!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

How much would be a saleable price?
I have considered it.
The offline version also has girdle thickness

 

[mdx]

Ok Gary
Lets start with Say $150.00.
At $150.00 I reckon a consumer can easily facture it into the cost of purchasing a diamond.
The advantage of acquiring a well-cut diamond should by far outstrip the perceived disadvantage of adding $150.00 to the cost.

Wayne
Melbourne Diamond Exchange Ltd. (Australia)

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

What do you think consumers?

 

[Mara]

I think $150 is too expensive for an offline version. Depends on what sort of form it comes in (e.g. downloadable only or like a real mailable software package with packaging)...but if the real thing is available online, how many people are going to pay $150 to get it on their handheld or cell phone or etc just to take it to the store with them? While yes $150 is small in the scheme of things while purchasing say a $5k or $10k diamond ring....we have seen on this forum that many people balk at even paying another $200 or $100 for an independent appraisal on that same expensive ring. So IMO from what I've seen, I think that the $150 would be too steep for an offline app when the online version is free.




I would suggest something like $35 or $50 (max) for the offline version downloadable to a Palm or other handheld and/or cell phone with that same capability of running those types of applications. You could also do a 5 days free trial or something for those who are not convinced that it will help them out....I said 5 days instead of the typical 15 or 30 because at times people do not take that long to purchase a stone, so then you'd be giving away the tool for free to maybe 50% of the users who buy fast. 5 days is short enough to hopefully chop that # and still give those who are just starting to look a chance to see the tool in action at B&M's.




My two cents!

 

[mike04456]

I agree with Mara. The HCA is comparable to pc utility programs that typically cost around $29.95 to $49.95. I wouldn't go above that unless there are compelling reasons to do so.

 

[PoopEater]

$150 is WAAAAAAAY too much. Considering I have the online version for free, and can buy an idealscope for a fraction of that amount, it wouldn't be worth it.

 

[hoorray]

Agreed with all above. I think you have to price it in the consumer utility range of $29 - $39. That kind of purchase doesn't take much thought. $150 is one where I'd think about it long enough that I'd probably skip it. (Even tho it's a small % of the diamond's price, there can be lots of extra charges when buying-- appraisal, possibly multiple shipping costs, idealscope,etc.) It needs to be in the "no-brainer" price range.

 

[derekinla]

I think I would buy it for my palm at $20-$30, Otherewise, i think I'll go with the online

 

[oomlout]

Hmm. Well, I haven't been reading here long, so forgive me for what may be a stupid question. Why would you charge for the offline version given (a) you don't charge for the online version, and (b) you already have an offline version? Are there additional costs somewhere?


My presumption has been that the reason that the HCA is available for no charge online is to help drum up grass-roots support for its use as part of a new certification standard. Wouldn't an offline version do that just as well? Or am I out in left field somewhere... (believe me, it's been known to happen!)

 

[Mara]

----------------
On 9/17/2003 4:17:17 PM oomlout wrote:





(b) you already have an offline version?; Are there additional costs somewhere?

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I think that Garry has an offline version, but it is not available to anyone yet. It may need additional work to be ready for the general public.... Garry?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

----------------
On 9/17/2003 4:17:17 PM oomlout wrote:


Hmm. Well, I haven't been reading here long, so forgive me for what may be a stupid question. Why would you charge for the offline version given (a) you don't charge for the online version, and (b) you already have an offline version? Are there additional costs somewhere?


My presumption has been that the reason that the HCA is available for no charge online is to help drum up grass-roots support for its use as part of a new certification standard. Wouldn't an offline version do that just as well? Or am I out in left field somewhere... (believe me, it's been known to happen!)




----------------

All good and pertinent comments Oom.
I originally intended to charge for every usage, but realised that my larger vision - to improve the cut of diamonds - would be better accomplished by giving free usage.
That has also helped (in a small way) Pricescope become the #1 source of diamond info in web world.

We do charge vendors a very small fee for each listed stone in search by cut quality, which is the easiest and fastest way to find a guaranteed good looking diamond. at that rate i would pay the patent costs off in about 5 years

If we give out the desk top version then I have a responsability to contact and upgrade people with any adjustments that i make to the system - so I will not give it away free.
Also there is a cost in just getting it to people - either settting up website downloads or mailing discs etc.

If $30 is all it is worth then it is not worth my while

But thank you all for giving me your feed back.

 

[Mikesgirl]

Hey Gary! One more thought - sell it for $20 or $30 for a one month downloadable from the internet for the occasional diamond purchaser, then $150 for those who want the full and permanent use of it (probably dealers). Charge annually for upgrades and maintenance changes.

 

[caratgirl]

I like Marty's idea. Sounds reasonable to me. If not that, then I agree that the most you could get is $50-$75 for a full version to consumers.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

I bid $75.

 

[derekinla]

One more thought. With WiFi 802.11 acess becoming more and more widespread, especially in major metropolitan areas (i.e. your local Starbucks!) whippng out your Palm/Ipaq, or even your laptop may blurr the distinction of "online" and "offline"...especially for the tech savvy folks who seem to be "connected" to the web at all times.

 

[oomlout]

Ah well, just thought I'd ask. I figured that it might be easy to package up the existing online tool for download, maybe with a timer that after x days had gone by would always pop up when starting the tool to say "hey, you might have an old version, better check..."

 

[derekinla]

Also.........

As a portable tool to evaluate diamonds, the ideal scope is probably a far more valuable as you would be getting actual information on internal symmetry and light leakage/return. You don't need an AGS cert/Sarin report to use the ideal scope so it can be used across the board. I think if I had to choose between $150 for an offline HCA or $25 ideal scope, I'd go for the scope. Garry, maybe you could package the Ideal Scope with an Offline HCA as a special combo package? What do you think?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

You are spot on Derek

Good idea

 

[Mara]

Thats a great idea Derek!