The Alluring AppSumo Deal
Initially, Lovo AI entered the market with an irresistibly attractive offer. The company sold a LifeTime Deal on AppSumo, a platform known for exclusive offers for digital services. Many users, including myself, found this deal irresistible. The prospect of a one-time payment for ongoing access to Lovo AI's growing library of realistic synthetic voices was a proposition too good to pass up. Thus, I purchased the highest tier available, expecting a long-term relationship with the company.
The Promise of Ever-Expanding Access
Lovo AI was explicit in its promises. One of the highlighted selling points was the commitment to provide access to all new voices added to their platform. This was not a trivial promise; it indicated that the value of the lifetime deal would actually increase over time. Users would benefit not just from the existing features but also from all the future upgrades and additions.
The Plot Twist: Introduction of 'Genny'
Fast forward a few months, and Lovo AI introduced a new platform, Genny. With advanced features and a broad range of voices, it promised to be the future of synthetic voice technology. However, here's where things took a surprising turn. Lovo AI stated that the LifeTime Deal would not be fully honored on this new platform. Instead, the company now required users to check in every year to maintain their plan.
A Broken Promise
The requirement to renew annually contradicts the original premise of a "lifetime" deal. A lifetime deal, by its very definition, implies perpetual access without the need for further action from the user. Requiring an annual check-in not only dilutes the value proposition but also betrays the trust of early supporters and customers. While technically the old studio products still around, it does not have all the new Lovo voices that AppSumo users were promised access to. It is a broken promise.
Unfair Practices: Equity-Free Cash with Strings Attached
The situation becomes particularly disconcerting when considering the financial aspects. Through the lifetime deals, Lovo AI received a surge of upfront, equity-free cash. Yet, it has failed to follow through with the perpetual access initially promised. This not only erodes consumer trust but also tarnishes the company’s reputation. The one-time payment model implies a mutual contract — the customer provides upfront financial support, and in return, the company offers a service in perpetuity.
While businesses must adapt and innovate, a line must be drawn when it comes to ethical practices and commitments made to customers. Changing the rules midway jeopardizes customers' trust in a brand and may even open the company to legal repercussions. For the many users who bought into Lovo AI's lifetime deal, the recent shift in policy isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a breach of trust and, most importantly, a broken promise. Why doesn't Tom Lee change this and do right by Lovo's early customers?
For reference, the actual terms can be read here:
LOVO
And to be crystal clear: AppSumo is very cool platform, and until now, every deal I purchased was warranted. The problem is LOVO AI -> In my opinion; anyone should be careful to go into business with people pulling shady tricks like Lovo does apparently.
Confronting Tom Lee on LinkedIn did not usher a response but got me blocked by him. Nice one, Tom Lee.
