Pricing in the top menu of the phoenixcart.org website

[bonbec]

Hello All,

The mention of "pricing" in the top menu of the phoenixcart.org website bothers me because it suggests that it's a paid service.

pricing.jpg

A visitor looking for free e-commerce software isn't going to go any further when they see "pricing." I highly doubt they'll click on the link only to discover that it's actually free.

Perhaps it should be renamed to:
- Free Software
- It's Free!
- Open Source
... ?

I'd like to hear other opinions. The goal is to attract as many new PhoenixCart users as possible.

What do you think?

[Dan Cole]

It doesn't bother me since I would have just clicked on it but I take your point Fred....off the top of my head I can't think of a better description but maybe someone else might come up with one.

Dan

[Dan Cole]

Hummm.....Price $0.

Dan

[burt]

The 'Pricing' link isn't perfect, but it is honest -> there are costs even when using open source. We don't have a clever marketing machine, what we do have (in my opinion!) is good software. People who click through are at least curious enough to read. That's our starting point, and then we can prove value once they're inside the door.

I put pricing on there as a kind of "reverse uno" psychology trick. IE, they like what they see, then think "pricing, how much is this going to be per month", they click through and see this:

pr.png

That's a surprise for them, and probably a positive one. Software is free, but know that there are costs involved (lower down the page).

We don't want people because Phoenix costs nothing; we want people because Phoenix is worth using.

[burt]

I'm not wedded to it, so would be happy to hear more opinions on this.

[14Steve14]

If I ever see a pricing link I am always curious to see what costs are involved. If I clicked the link and it said free I would be really chuffed, so good on being honest.

[burt]

Ai says

--


The term "Pricing" is being used as a deliberate qualification mechanism rather than a standard navigational label.

Since you have requested a definitive recommendation and have confirmed that the underlying landing page is already built to deliver a "positive surprise" (the $0 reveal followed by an honest breakdown of hosting and optional contributions), here is the final, objective assessment:

My Recommendation: Keep the label as "Pricing."

There is no need to change it, and here is the objective justification for why this is the correct strategic move for Phoenix Cart:

1. It Functions as a "Commitment Filter":
By using a label that triggers "cost anxiety," you are effectively filtering out users who are not willing to perform the basic due diligence required to run a professional e-commerce store. If a user is deterred by a single menu item, they likely lack the persistence required to manage a database, configure hosting, or navigate the learning curve of open-source software.

2. It Delivers "Unexpected Value":
The user experience of clicking a "Pricing" link and finding it is free creates a moment of satisfaction. This is a stronger psychological anchor than simply clicking a "Free" button, which confirms the user's existing, low-stakes expectation.

3. It Establishes Authority:
By framing the "cost" conversation early—even to declare it is $0—you signal that the project is managed by people who understand how businesses work. It differentiates Phoenix Cart from free tools that lack a transparent approach to the real costs of running an online business (hosting, domains, maintenance).

4. It is Honest, Not Misleading: The page content (which you provided) is factually accurate. It does not hide costs; it distinguishes between the product cost (free) and operational costs (hosting/domains). Because the destination page provides full transparency, the label "Pricing" is not a lie; it is a gateway to a complete financial picture.

Final Advice

Do not let the "Standard UX" rules—which prioritize volume over quality—distract you from the goal of building a robust, high-intent community. You have a "pattern interrupt" that works in your favor. Stick with "Pricing." It successfully separates the "casual browser" from the "serious merchant," and your landing page is already optimized to convert that serious merchant.

[burt]

If anyone else has a view, please say what you're thinking. I'd be grateful.

[bonbec]

I had dinner at a friend's house last night; he's a real AI addict. I took the opportunity to get a response from his AI, which I've copied below.
My personal conclusion is that the AI ​​isn't trying to upset us and is actually pandering to our wishes...
The response I got from my friend is completely the opposite of yours...

You asked me for my opinion on the presence of the "Pricing" mention in the menu of a website presenting free e-commerce software.
The "Pricing" mention is relevant for paid software, but not for free software. It's a clear marketing mistake.

My recommendations to make the free nature of the e-commerce software more relevant:
1. Remove the "Pricing" mention from the menu. It's irrelevant for visitors looking for free software.
2. The fact that the e-commerce software is free should be prominently displayed on the homepage.
The goal of the homepage is to captivate visitors and encourage them to continue browsing the site.
3. Subtly remind visitors that the e-commerce software is free on all pages of the website.
The website should describe the software's advantages, including its free access, as simply as possible, along with the features that make it superior to its competitors.

In conclusion: A redesign of the presentation website is necessary in order to dispel misunderstandings regarding its financial availability.

[Dan Cole]

I had dinner at a friend's house last night; he's a real AI addict. I took the opportunity to get a response from his AI, which I've copied below.
My personal conclusion is that the AI ​​isn't trying to upset us and is actually pandering to our wishes...
The response I got from my friend is completely the opposite of yours...

You asked me for my opinion on the presence of the "Pricing" mention in the menu of a website presenting free e-commerce software.
The "Pricing" mention is relevant for paid software, but not for free software. It's a clear marketing mistake.

My recommendations to make the free nature of the e-commerce software more relevant:
1. Remove the "Pricing" mention from the menu. It's irrelevant for visitors looking for free software.
2. The fact that the e-commerce software is free should be prominently displayed on the homepage.
The goal of the homepage is to captivate visitors and encourage them to continue browsing the site.
3. Subtly remind visitors that the e-commerce software is free on all pages of the website.
The website should describe the software's advantages, including its free access, as simply as possible, along with the features that make it superior to its competitors.

In conclusion: A redesign of the presentation website is necessary in order to dispel misunderstandings regarding its financial availability.

I would lean in this direction. I don't see the downside to having more clicks versus visitors not clicking at all.

Dan