Hi all, As i'm still working on my first game/app, i have a quick question for you guys about creating promo codes for your game... Can you create or generate as much as you want to hand out? I.e there is no limit? What about expiry date, is this changable or pre-set? Are there any consequences when a promo code is not redeemed? Just curious to know! Thanks
There's a limit to how many and an expiry date, so if a promo code isn't redeemed, it will expire and become unusable. One of the developers can probably provide more details.
If those 50 promo codes aren't enough, you can also buy gift codes yourself and hand them out. You'd get these at a discount, because you earn back 70% on them. However, gift codes are only valuable in the region in which they were purchased (US store vs. German or UK store, etc.), so be careful who you send them to.
If you're running out of promo codes, I highly suggest submitting a new version with some minor improvements (bug fixes, polish some graphics, etc) and resetting your 50 promo limit. App Store approval times are relatively fast nowadays; averaging about 7 days for most devs. Remember, you can't sell promo codes! The likelihood of someone reporting you to Apple is slim, but I wouldn't risk losing my developer status. Good luck!
I see, thats good to know. I've got a feeling 50 is more than enough as i'm a unknown newbie and what i currently have is, well, isn't uniquely distinct!...
Promo codes get eaten up fast here, as I have just discovered, lol. Try giving out chunks of codes on forums like this, Give them out to review websites along with your Press/Media Kit Distribute them to "squeakers" (fans that like to share) I even made up business cards for my game with a blank white spot on them where I can write a promo code in. Losing a $1-2 iOS sale can quickly turn into an investment if someone tells a friend, writes a review, talks about it on a forum, etc. Good luck with your game
50 promo codes per update? That's news to me. I thought I had to gift them all. That's awesome, time to strategically hand out codes, muahahaha. I imagine the codes are great for playtesting too. Though, of course, playtesting should be before app submission. I found the official documentation on the subject: http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/LanguagesUtilities/Conceptual/iTunesConnect_Guide/12_RequestingPromoCodes/RequestingPromoCodes.html