Custom Promo Codes for IAPs

Solar2D Monetization (in-app purchases, ads, etc.)
#1

I will be submitting a new app soon that is free but requires an IAP to unlock it fully and was hoping to find out what other people do in regards to promocodes for apps like this for when the app is sent to reviewers. I was thinking about implementing my own promocodes stored on a remote database which wouldn’t take long but not sure if Apple would be ok with that.

It would only be a few promocodes for reviewers but I’m worried that Apple would think I am trying to get around their payment system and not approve the app. Anyone done anything like this before? [import]uid: 5833 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 321419[/import]

#2

I’d like to know about this too. My game also uses IAP to unlock additional levels.

I’ve been planning on using the TestFlight for it. I’m about to look into setting up the account with TestFlight and figuring out how it all works. My idea is to send an unlocked version to reviewer using TestFlight before the app is approved/released. If anyone has any thoughts on its pros and cons based on experience, I’d also like to hear about it.

Naomi [import]uid: 67217 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 84810[/import]

#3

For testing as we only have one IAP to unlock the whole app I have just set it as unlocked by default.

I think I am going to roll my own system just for a few promocodes for reviewers etc, will see how it goes. [import]uid: 5833 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 85047[/import]

#4

Hi Graham, I’d love to know what you end up doing. Please post back here.

About TestFlightApp, I wonder if it’s a bad idea to use it for reviewer? I was thinking of using it not for testing but for distributing (or, pre-releasing) a version ready for review.

Naomi [import]uid: 67217 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 85053[/import]

#5

My last two games used IAP unlock. There is nothing you can really do about the promo code issue. Most reviewers will send you device UDIDs in exchange for a sandbox version of your app. That’s how I’ve done it. [import]uid: 36054 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 85055[/import]

#6

@Naomi - I will do, hopefully I get something sorted. As for TestFlight, it certainly could be used however I was simply trying to remove as many of the steps as possible for the reviewers.

@blasterv - If reviewers are generally OK with the extra steps involved then I am all for that. Means I don’t have to write any more code :slight_smile: [import]uid: 5833 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 85074[/import]

#7

Graham, there is also the option by which you can share with other developers that have their own development certificates, a development version of your app without bothering with UDID’s or running short on those if you have multiple apps and projects. Those developers with a single app in a year can manage on the 99 UDID’s supplied by Apple.

more details here, http://howto.oz-apps.com/2011/11/share-my-app-with-developers.html [import]uid: 3826 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 85094[/import]

#8

Hi @GrahamRanson,

Did you ever implement such a system? I’ve just had this same idea and came across this old thread whilst looking into the possibility. It’s not the code I need help with, just wondered if you had gone down this route further and/or looked into Apple’s stance on it?

Obviously, if anyone else has any input on this I’d be grateful also.

Cheers [import]uid: 74503 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 113941[/import]

#9

Why not using an additional test account setup in itunes connect just for preview. [import]uid: 94613 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 114248[/import]

#10

@GrahamRanson Just want to follow up and see if that worked for you? We are still trying to sort out the same thing.
[import]uid: 41124 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 114973[/import]

#11

This might be over kill for you guys, but I ended up setting up my own web server with a mySql database. My app sends a server request with whatever promo code the user enters and checks it against the database and unlocks it. Here is the article I used to help figure it out…

Part 1: http://www.raywenderlich.com/2941/how-to-write-a-simple-phpmysql-web-service-for-an-ios-app

Part 2: http://www.raywenderlich.com/2965/how-to-write-an-ios-app-that-uses-a-web-service

As far as the web server I chose to use WAMP because I am a noob with that stuff. [import]uid: 19620 topic_id: 21419 reply_id: 115729[/import]