Hello tz3ee,
While I can’t speak much from EE perspective I do quite a bit of evaluations of network appliances, application and services…from admin perspective so the same perhaps can be applied.
Anyhow, I do like demos quite a bit and get disappointed if I don’t see one.
Generally, I like to see 2-3 short videos first, showing a demo and how a product can be used by those that know what they are doing.
This also inspires me to try “live demo” since there is already a few things I have seen done and now it is a matter of me trying to do it. In other words, I have a small goal of what I am trying to accomplish. This, as a newbie and untrained user, is my quick and dirty scale of things how hard or easy the product/service will be. User interface and presentation is important.
Second part is…is the demo available to guest/visitors or is it something I have to get in touch with people/company in order to be setup for me.
This is a catch 22 but as a potential customer it makes me think twice if I am really interested or just ‘want to click on things’ (extreme example of course).
Having tp “prep” the demo environment is nice because it gives you some time to somewhat customise it for this potential client (people like to see their logos and slogans etc.). It also helps create ‘better’ list of potential clients vs. drive-by visitors.
On the other hand, sometimes I hate waiting for this demo to be setup for me…“I want things now…” so I could be a lost client. 😊
Again, all this depends on your business model and I would not be the “typical web customer”...but there it is…for what it is worth.
All the best!