Let's start with some context: This blog post is about the Shopware Store, the marketplace for extensions. This marketplace is owned and operated by shopware AG and is firmly integrated into the Shopware ecommerce platform. It allows you to buy and sell extensions that offer additional functions for a Shopware store. At the same time, you benefit from the curation and further development offered by the platform operator - shopware AG. Since December 28, 2023, a rental license is the only available option to purchase an extension license. Of course, the option to offer and obtain extensions free of charge still exists.
Previously, it was also possible to buy and own the rights to use some extensions for an indefinite period and optionally subscribe to updates. In this case, the price and offer or obligation to purchase a subscription were the decision of the provider. This resulted in a high need for explanation for new customers of the Shopware Store.
Renting instead of buying
This blog post highlights the benefits of the rental albania telegram screening model for extension partners and merchants and discusses some of the key concerns about this change.
On the surface, the main difference between the now-defunct purchase model and the rental model is simple: with a rental license, a store loses the right to use an extension once the rental period ends. The old model made it possible to buy a specific version of an extension and use this version indefinitely. After one year then without support or updates from the extension partner.
This is one of the implications, but not the most important one. First, it is important to talk about the lessons learned from the operation of the Shopware Store. Since the initial introduction of the rental model about ten years ago, many merchants have opted to rent extensions instead of buying them. This seems counterintuitive at first, as it seems to drive up the operating costs of the store, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).