We need to focus on folks who're sufficiently motivated to solve this problem. If a refundable $25 is too high a hurdle, it's unlikely those folks will actually attempt to use the tool, reflect on their workflow, or otherwise help us build a compelling product.
First, I won't say your product is a commodity, but there are many, many, many layout and design tools out there. I'm not going to pay $25 to evaluate each one. It's as much about the sign-up-and-hand-over-the-credit-card process as it is about the money.
Second, the fact that it's refundable doesn't matter. I'm never going to ask for a refund. The hassle and the back-and-forth isn't worth $25 to me.
Third, I'm willing to pay way more than $25 if your tool actually solves my problem. There are tons of UI tools out there, but I haven't found the one. It's totally worth it to me if you save me hours of work.
So don't add any friction to the process. Feel free to time-limit or cripple the tool so I have to pay to do any real work, but don't waste my time, and don't make me pay you for the privilege of sinking a bunch of my time into determining if your product works or not.
Find a way to do free trials, and do it in such a way that your costs are minimal. It's worth it.
That's a fair perspective, but that doesn't ring true for me.
I've spent money on Spotify, Prime, Patreon (to support local podcasters and niche YouTube content), Twitch streamers, software (Sketch, Lightroom), Marvel/Invision... all because I got to sample the software or produced content and want to support the artist/developers.
Anyways, good luck. Competition and subsequent innovation is always a good thing.
