no iphone app? disappointing
I just discovered this fabulous meal planning website. After using it for only a few hours, I was ready to stop the trial and start paying the monthly fee. Then I went to my iphone to check out the app...
Imagine my disappointment when I discovered there IS no app, even though the website shows an iphone with pics of what looks like an app.
A "mobile site" where I have to actually use the horrible safari internet access to trudge around just to get to a shopping list is a deal-killer for me. It's just too slow. And I often can't get access inside the stores, where I need to use it.
I understand that getting an app approved through Apple is a huge undertaking, but with everything else you have going so positively, I think it would greatly benefit you. With no app, it makes you appear as a backyard, home-based website rather than a true professional company.
I have been using ZipList for grocery shopping and it is wonderful! The only thing ZipList is missing is the meal-planning calendar part. But the grocery list and iphone app are unbeatable. Being able to share lists between family members, adding things to the list using recipes or by item, clipping recipes from websites, having multiple lists, being able to stroll around the store checking things off the list on the iphone app, being able to call my husband at work and have him stop at the store on the way home and I don't have to recite a list to him - he can just access MY ziplist on HIS iphone at the store. If you need a template for a great iphone app, here it is. If you could just add this to Plan To Eat, I'd be a lifetime subscriber. As it is, I'll continue my free trial, but I am waiting for a real app before spending $$ on Plan To Eat.
Hopefully, your app will come along in a timely manner. But I wanted to post this to let you know that for most people, the mobile site is NOT an adequate substitution for a REAL app.
Thanks for listening, and good luck in your endeavors!
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32 Posted by marilenes on 26 Apr, 2012 11:17 PM
Everybody is asking for an app I totally agree. I have been trying them all, apps, programs sites...you name it. The best one I found so far is plan to eat, but I so wish it not only had an app but also a real software for the computer, or an option to export my recipes in various formats. What I love about plan to eat is the bulk input. Neither Mac Gourmet or Yummy soup has that. Paprika has it but it lacks so many other features. I am just wishing for the perfect recipe management and I know you will make it one day!!!
I guess I just have to be patient since it is a small business.
Keep up the good work.
Support Staff 33 Posted by Clint on 27 Apr, 2012 04:30 PM
Thanks for the support marilenes!
34 Posted by Greg on 22 May, 2012 06:09 PM
I'm just about to sign up for Plan To Eat, just tried out Ziplist and Plan To Eat looks like it's more my deal.
About the iPhone pic: it says next to the pic that you can access their mobile web site, it doesn't say anything about an app. Also most iPhone apps are just mobile web sites anyway, although they're missing out on a lot of cool functionality (reminders, maps, etc) by not making an app, and a ton of business: you'd generate loads of new users to your site by having an app in iTunes (yes I'm a product manager). Go get some dough and build an app (or have me do it!).
Looking forward to setting up my account, thanks for the great product :-)
Support Staff 35 Posted by Clint on 22 May, 2012 07:07 PM
Thanks for the feedback Greg! I'm not completely sold on the idea of being
in the app store because Apple takes 30% of all my subscription fees and
requires me to use their subscription system. However I would like to make
the mobile site work offline and include more features!
36 Posted by Greg on 22 May, 2012 07:22 PM
Yeah I just read your post regarding that :) If you knew for sure it'd be all new business and not cannibalize existing revenue it'd be worth it, probably some way to figure that out. If you grew 1000% as a result of being in the app store it might still be worth it too.
iTunes wouldn't promote you but all the editorial sites focused on reviewing apps would, cause they're all desperate for content, so you'd definitely get a bump. Plus all the search engine traffic from coming up for "meal planner app", etc. But would it pay, and would you end up growing more on your own without it and then you get to keep all your revenue?
My gut says you have to play in the app store, as much as that pisses some people off :) But I'm wrong all the time, so...
Anyway, love your product, just putting my recipes in it now, and thanks very much for the reply :)