What is one-time purchase software? What's good about it? | A complete guide for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs

Introduction: Are you tired of making monthly payments?

"Another software bill this month..."

"I don't use it often, but I might use it someday, so I can't cancel."

"Before I knew it, the monthly fee alone was over 50,000 yen."

For those of you who are having these kinds of concerns.

Did you know that SaaS tools actually come with a "one-time purchase" option? Overseas, this is called a "Lifetime Deal" (LTD) and is gaining a lot of attention among startups and freelancers.

What is one-time purchase software (LTD)?

A new option that you can pay once and use forever

A lifetime deal is a pricing model where you pay a one-time fee and can use the software forever . There are no monthly or yearly fees, and you can continue to use it for as long as the service is available.

Key points:

• One-time payment : First payment only, no additional fees

• Permanent access : Available for as long as the service lasts

• Updates included : In most cases, future updates are also provided for free.

  
  

Why do companies offer one-time purchases?

There are actually strategic reasons for this:

1. Early funding : Startups get money quickly

2. Rapid user base growth : Acquire a large number of users in a short period of time

3. Gathering feedback : Gather valuable input from enthusiastic early users

   
   

Difference from subscription: How much better is it?

See the real savings

item	One-time purchase (LTD)	Subscription type
Initial cost	15,000 yen (one-time only)	3,000 yen per month
Total amount after one year	15,000 yen	36,000 yen
Total amount after 3 years	15,000 yen	108,000 yen
Savings (3 years)	-	Save 93,000 yen!

If you use multiple tools, such as project management tools, design software, and SEO tools, saving hundreds of thousands of yen per year is not a dream.

It's commonplace overseas! LTD success stories

The LTD movement is spreading worldwide

In fact, overseas, LTD (Lifetime Deal) has already become a major purchasing method .

Representative platforms:

• AppSumo : Over 1.5 million users and over $1 billion in cumulative sales

• StackSocial : 2 million members

• Dealify : Europe's largest LTD platform

  
  

Examples of tools provided in practice

Examples of LTD prices for famous tools:

• Notion Alternative : $20/month → $59/month (Save 95% for Lifetime)

• Canva-like design tool : $15/month → LTD $49

• SEO analysis tool : $99/month → LTD $299

• Email automation tool : $50/month → LTD $149

These tools have been purchased by tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of users at LTD and are actually being used.

The three major benefits of one-time purchase software

1. Overwhelming cost reduction

The longer you use it, the more you save. Overseas, there are many reports of people being able to reduce their software costs by more than 90% annually.

2. Stable management with zero fixed costs

Eliminating fixed monthly costs means:

• Improved cash flow

• Easier to plan your budget

• Free yourself from subscription fatigue

  
  

3. Early Access Benefits

Many one-time purchases are offered in the early stages of new services:

• Early access to the latest AI technology

• The development team is close, so feature requests are easily accepted.

  
  

Disadvantages to know

1. Initial investment hurdles

The biggest issue is the initial cost, but if you consider that you can use it forever for just three months' worth of monthly fees, it's not that expensive.

2. Risk of Service Termination

As these services are often provided by startups, there is a chance that they may close down, but you can minimize the risk by choosing a trusted platform or a company with a proven track record.

3. Restrictions on some functions

There may be limits on the number of API calls and storage capacity, so be sure to check before purchasing.

Recommended for:

Particularly suitable for:

• Those who plan to use the same tool for more than 3 years

• Small business owners who want to reduce fixed costs

• Freelancers who use multiple tools

• Want to try out new tools early?

  
  

People who should carefully consider:

• Short-term use of less than 3 months

• Those who always need the latest features

  
  

Three checkpoints before purchasing

1. Calculate your break-even point

Consider how often you use the service and see if LTD is really a good deal.

2. Check the reliability of the company

• Number of users and review ratings

• Update frequency (ideally at least once a month)

• Active community

  
  

3. Check the Terms of Use

• Details of function restrictions

• Data export function

• Definition of "lifetime" (usually the service lifespan)

  
  

It's finally here in Japan! AI Market LTD

LTD, a huge success overseas, has arrived in Japan

LTDs are becoming increasingly popular overseas, but until now they have been difficult to use in Japan due to language barriers and payment issues. Meanwhile, Japan's first full-scale LTD platform, "AI Market," has emerged. It offers successful overseas models optimized for the Japanese market.

Why choose AI Market?

1. Carefully selected companies with proven track records

• Unlike AppSumo, which has a wide variety of services, we only offer proven services

• A stable company with funding

• Quality assurance through official agency agreements

  
  

2. Fully Japanese-compatible

• No language barriers like overseas platforms

• Customer support in Japanese

• Adapted to Japanese business practices

  
  

3. Reliable money-back guarantee

• Refunds are difficult to get with overseas services, but we're a domestic company so you can rest assured

• Detailed explanation and consultation before purchase

• Transparent Terms of Use

  
  

Summary: Start the transition to one-time purchases now

One-time purchase software (LTD) has already become a standard purchasing method overseas, and is now available in Japan through the AI Market.

Three reasons to act now:

1. Used by millions overseas : LTD is no longer an experimental purchasing method

2. Savings of hundreds of thousands of yen per year are possible : The effect is enormous if you use multiple tools

3. AI Market is safe for Japanese companies : Money-back guarantee, Japanese support, only successful companies

   
   

Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and freelancers, reducing fixed costs is directly linked to competitiveness. While overseas companies have already achieved significant cost reductions with LTD, there is no reason for Japanese companies to continue paying high subscription fees.

Why not try AI Market and get world-class cost-effectiveness? First, consider switching to a one-time purchase plan for your most frequently used tools.

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This article aims to provide information to help Japanese small and medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs optimize their software costs. At AI Market, we strive to improve our services every day so that you can use our carefully selected, one-time purchase software with peace of mind.