How to spot a bad software launch in five minutes

Open the checkout in a private window and read every step before you enter a card. A monthly fee that appears only on the last step is the clearest warning sign.

Search the vendor and product name with the words refund and review. Look for people who say they were refunded, not only people who praise it.

Compare the sales video with the app. If a feature is shown only in the video, ask support whether it ships in the version you are buying.

Ignore countdown timers. If a timer resets when you reload the page, the deadline is not real.

Write down the refund window and the exact steps to claim it before you pay.