Comments on: Skype’s So-Called Free Business Model Drives Revenue

By: HealthcareOutSourcingServices

HealthcareOutSourcingServices — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:57:58 +0000

Wonder if Skype could start with only paid services at the beginning and then move on to free services and grow their user base.

The revenue graph nature would be the same but with higher figures for sure. What do the others have to say?

Skype could have followed/opted the same root as most of the telecom companies and earned better revenue.

Infact most social networking websites are suffering today because of this. May be they could initially opt the root of paid services get esteem customers earn money and use that money to deliver free services to common customers/internet users. What do the others have to say on this?

By: jeebumbaa

jeebumbaa — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:49:16 +0000

I started using Skype since 2004. My biggest spending on internet is SkypeOut. I had spent not less than USD 6000 on Skype Out..averages $100 per month…and it is increasing.
No complaints, as I am satisfied with their service. There was a period of 3 months i do not have internet connection…I spend USD 1500 for the 3 months for mobile bill..averages $500 pm.
Skypeout suit me well, and I think I will stick to it for a LONG LONG TIME.

By: Skype, a bootstrapper’s dream tool… « My Business World

Skype, a bootstrapper’s dream tool… « My Business World — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:25:38 +0000

[...] recently read a post by Anita Campbell on Small Business Trends regarding the growing success of Skype, especially since [...]

By: 37 best freemium links. — Freemium

37 best freemium links. — Freemium — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:48:55 +0000

[...] Skype A great description of the business model behind Skype [...]

By: Skyper

Skyper — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:13:53 +0000

After 5 years Skype is still creating a buzz – especially recently with the iPhone! So, yes, get them with a free service, then start the “fremium” up-sell.

Anybody doubting the buzz should check the Skype “tweets” on Twitter: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=skype

By: Anita Campbell

Anita Campbell — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:54:31 +0000

Mary Grace,

Yes, it’s quite inexpensive for SkypeOut.

However, keep in mind, that Skype is just one of several telecom services I use. I have a mobile phone, a PBX service, land lines and a fax line. I use it to return phone calls and make outbound calls — it keeps my mobile minutes and long distance charges under control.

But I don’t think most businesses could get by with Skype alone. I consider it an additional service — but a very important one.

- Anita

By: TJ McCue

TJ McCue — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:52:25 +0000

@Martin
Thanks for VOIP info. Helpful.
Saw your comment about Freemium and Chris Anderson recently did a piece about this in the New York Times.
TJ

By: Valerie

Valerie — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:03:13 +0000

I have been using skype for a while now and am not very impressed. I cannot make Skype to phone calls in Canada-this I found out after they accepted my $30.00. I quickly asked for that back and they complied just as quickly. I’m still waiting for the service to be complete.

By: Mary Grace Ignacio

Mary Grace Ignacio — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:19:54 +0000

Wow. $30 a year for unlimited skypeout calls in US and Canada.

@Amanda, you’re absolutely right on that.

By: Martin Lindeskog

Martin Lindeskog — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:54:06 +0000

Anita,

It is good to hear that Skype has improved its customer service. I will check out their new services later on. But I will also look out for new alternatives in the future. It was interested to see how Google acquired Marratech in 2007 and then used its technology in order to get Gmail video chat get going. We tested Marratech’s project tool during my studies in international project management (coordinator), 2003 – 2005.