Don't Buy Pastel Products - False Advertising

<p>I bought Pastel Xpress Software about 3 years ago for a business I was starting. The decision not to pursue the business was reached and I decided to save the product for future use. I tried to load the product recently and register it only to find out that the version I wanted to use is obsolete. I called them and said at the time of purchase the box stated "NO COMPULSARY LICENSE FEE" which to me indicated "it won’t expire anytime soon". Although I understand that software evolves every so often and newer versions come out to replace existing ones - the fact is that I've never activated the product nor installed it on any machine. It also states there is 30 Day FREE Cover (from date of activation) which includes software upgrades and updates. The call centre said to me in one breath that it doesn't cover upgrades to newer versions but rather to the build of that specific version. I asked them "so if I activated my version at that time, passed the 30 Day Cover period and paid monthly for cover - would I get the upgrade to the newer version?” to which they answered yes.... So in other words when you buy this product, if another version comes out in the next 30 days and you are not paying monthly, then you are throwing your money in the toilet!!!!! (COMPLETE CONTRADICTION TO WHAT HE SAID EARLIER). I asked the call centre rep, "can I not subscribe to the cover now and then I can be upgraded to the newer version" (I would even accept the last supported version) as an alternative, to which the call centre agent said "No, but for 15% less the list price, you can buy the latest version"....So in essence I would then pay for the product twice.... I asked the agent where on the box or in the installation guide does it say "Activate this product in a certain time, or you will lose the ability to use the product?" he couldn’t answer me.... It is such a pity, because I've heard such good things about Pastel, but I cannot support companies that couldn't give a damn about clients that spent money on their products. I would even accept if they said we will meet you half way, because we would like to see you join as a customer and we want you to use our product. Essentially I would probably buy the Payroll version as I have staff in the business and I would add more of their products as we go along..... All I can say is that in this day and age of competition, their short-sighted approach to customer service and needs will essentially damage their reputation and has definitely left a bad taste in my mouth.....</p>