What is the point of completely FREE Apps ?

[Mykhailo]

Hello,

I am wondering why are so many FREE Apps in Shopify Marketplace? What is the point for developers to invest time/money and just give Apps for Free?

[hacketyapps]

They usually do it for exposure for their portfolio and offer in-app purchases.

[Devon-edim]

Definitely for exposure - if a new dev gets a lot of hits from a new, free app and it spreads like wildfire, then future apps (or old) should get more attention as well. It's a good business motto if your business hasn't grown much, the hardest part about starting a business is building that clientele, in my opinion. 😁

[artpress]

That is what I am also wondering, what is the catch offering it for FREE, perhaps they harvest personal info or your customer's info, correct me if I'm wrong but I am a firm believer that there is no free lunch.