As an AppSumo user, I was initially excited by the prospect of a lifetime deal for Stackby. The promise of a powerful, all-in-one database and workflow tool was incredibly appealing. However, my enthusiasm has since been tempered by a confusing and often frustrating user experience, particularly when it comes to understanding what is and isn't included in the AppSumo deal.

The core of my frustration lies with the "Power-Ups." After purchasing the AppSumo deal, I quickly discovered that many of the features I was most excited about were locked behind this additional paywall. What makes this particularly vexing is the lack of clarity in the initial offer. The AppSumo deal page paints a picture of a feature-rich platform, but the reality is a more limited version that constantly nudges you towards further purchases.

For example, essential functionalities that I would expect to be standard in a tool like this, such as advanced form features or certain data recovery options, are designated as "Power-Ups." This creates a fragmented and confusing experience where you're never quite sure what will work out of the box and what will require another investment. It feels less like a lifetime deal and more like a down payment on a tool that will require ongoing financial commitment to be truly functional.

This approach to pricing and feature-gating has left me feeling a bit misled. While the core functionality of Stackby is solid, the constant need to navigate a maze of add-ons and "Power-Ups" to unlock its full potential is a significant drawback. It's a promising tool that is unfortunately hampered by a business model that seems to prioritize upselling over a clear and transparent user experience for its AppSumo customers.

I truly hope Stackby considers a more straightforward approach for its lifetime deal users in the future. A clear and upfront explanation of what is included, and a more generous offering of core features without the need for immediate additional purchases, would go a long way in building trust and fostering a more positive user community. Until then, I would advise potential AppSumo buyers to be aware of these hidden costs and limitations before making a purchase.