out of 5 stars by
AppAppeal Editor
BuySimple introduces users to another way to obtain paid content when they want it. Many websites have limited access to visitors, requiring an account and subscription or other fee to access the content. BuySimple has taken this common problem and made it more manageable for the user. The application works by giving the user the option to purchase content with BuySimple rather than with whatever subscription requirement the site requires. The user pays a smaller amount for one-time access. BuySimple allows its users to only pay for the access they really want and need rather than getting wrapped up in a recurring subscription. For example, rather than purchase a $10 subscription, the user may have to pay 25 to 50 cents to access the content one time with BuySimple. The user keeps credit in their BuySimple account and can apply that credit each time they would like to access pay-only content.
BuySimple was founded in 2011 by Noah Ready Campbell and Calvin Young. The application was intended to work as an online web payment widget for the average internet user. The user would be able to access the BuySimple widget on the website they are browsing, which gives them a one-time content purchase option.
BuySimple is a unique application. There are numerous sites that offer a way to store funds and pay for purchases online, however these generally do not supply the user with an alternative to subscriptions. BuySimple allows the user to choose to purchase one time access to content that would otherwise require a subscription fee. This can dramatically reduce how much the user pays over time.
BuySimple.com invites users with a dark blue and black color scheme against a pure white background. The site is clutter free and very neatly organized. After adding the widget, the user can explore their favorite websites and view them exactly as they are intended to appear. BuySimple adds a small button on the payment page that allows the user to purchase content however they like.
A new user can begin by clicking the white “Sign Up!” link in the top, center of the homepage (inside the blue header). The application requires all users to sign up through their existing Facebook account. This can be done by clicking the blue and white “Connect with Facebook” button found on the following page. A pop up box will appear, asking the user to log in to Facebook and allow BuySimple to access their profile. There is no alternative registration option available at this time.
BuySimple does not require a subscription fee and it is completely free to sign up. The user is given around $2 in BuySimple credit for free when they register. Users are awarded an additional dollar per person they refer to BuySimple. A buy credit option is also included but is left up to the user. Users are not required to purchase credits or spend any specific amount of credit to maintain an account.
BuySimple is a tool for anyone who frequently encounters subscription only websites. The application makes it possible to access only what the user wants rather than purchase an ongoing subscription the user may not need. It gives website owners an opportunity to charge small payments for their content.
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