Why: the goal or problem
Hints are spent one at a time. A permanent unlock cannot express a balance that decreases and can be replenished.
How: work toward a solution
A fictional puzzle app starts with zero hints. Buy three, then use hints repeatedly: the balance falls to zero and further use is blocked. Buying another pack adds three again. This is a local simulation; no purchase is processed. Prices, taxes, fees and refunds are omitted. Reset or reload clears the example.
Illustrative example
Consumable purchase
Puzzle app · No purchased items initially
Hints
Purchases: 0
Uses completed: 0
Each hint use deducts one. At zero, use is blocked; another purchase adds three.
No real purchase. Prices, taxes, fees and refunds omitted.
A fictional demo within this article. Reset or reload restores its initial state.
What: the concept
A consumable purchase supplies units that are depleted through use and can be bought again. It differs from a non-consumable feature entitlement.
Combine with free access while making balance and spending clear.
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