Subscription Model

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

Several large music retailers (at least in the states) offer credit cards with zero-interest financing options as long as the balance is paid off in X number of months. Looking right now at one, I could pay off Diva in 3 "easy payments" of $59.67 or Zebra2 for $66.33 (also over 3 months). Sure, it's not $10 a month over 15 or 20 months, but still seems like it should be a doable option for more folks. And the good part is, U-he doesn't need to be involved as a company or change copy protection schemes.

[pdxindy]

Several large music retailers (at least in the states) offer credit cards with zero-interest financing options as long as the balance is paid off in X number of months. Looking right now at one, I could pay off Diva in 3 "easy payments" of $59.67 or Zebra2 for $66.33 (also over 3 months). Sure, it's not $10 a month over 15 or 20 months, but still seems like it should be a doable option for more folks. And the good part is, U-he doesn't need to be involved as a company or change copy protection schemes.

yup... it would inevitably take a lot more company time and resources than expected...

there are more than enough ways to buy things these days... the last thing I want to see is u-he spending precious development time on such non audio tasks.

[lunardigs]

People will spend on stuff that returns instantly--a bobble, a widget, virtual or not. They'll also spend on a long term return, if they can afford it and it make sense. To spend on something that one already has though, feels counterproductive and fruitless.

It's perception of course. One could spend many times the price of synth in sound packs and not feel like they got gypped, simply because it feels like a symmetrical trade.

Subscription models don't feel like a symmetrical trade. 'Services' often don't feel like a symmetrical trade, which is another story. Yet, a subscription is in essence a service, right? It could be argued and/or perceived either way.

Then there's the perception of an upgrade--to a new fangled product, right?--which is really just a nuanced difference from a subscription. Yet, it feels like a symmetrical trade, AND, it's voluntary.

So then, to expand revenue all together; is 'SKU creep' the solution? I guess partly, but not without strict hierarchy, otherwise it could be a mess, for everyone. Sound packs capture this spirit pretty well. Although, perhaps there are other ways to augment U-he products that offer 'something new/must have' yet do not diminish the base offering. Modular items like 'novel skins' and 'workflow augmentations' come to mind. Perhaps addon DSP modules/macros that can be installed into Zebra?

Point is, I want to buy stuff that's valuable (in my estimation) and returns directly. A subscription is an open ended agreement, no matter how articulate and the realized return will always differ from expectations. That's the real trouble in my view.

[aaron aardvark]

I have seen at least one well known company where the only way you can buy a particular plug-in is making monthly payments for as long as you want to use it. I'm really turned off by this, because I generally use stuff for years and years. I don't want to make monthly payments for years and years on something that normally costs a few hundred dollars or less (without monthly payments). Seems like a sucker deal to me.

[dlarseninclusive]

The problem I see is one of infrastructure. Splice with Serum is a good deal, I did it. The other is Roland Cloud, which gives you one of your choice per year. Do that one too.

Both are adequate, and also have some overhead with the backend. Tracking if you have paid, being able to cut you off if you don't. Assigning what you permanently own etc...

[jordonpmusic]

I have seen at least one well known company where the only way you can buy a particular plug-in is making monthly payments for as long as you want to use it. I'm really turned off by this, because I generally use stuff for years and years. I don't want to make monthly payments for years and years on something that normally costs a few hundred dollars or less (without monthly payments). Seems like a sucker deal to me.

Are you talking about Slate Digital? You can also buy their plugins outright.

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

I have seen at least one well known company where the only way you can buy a particular plug-in is making monthly payments for as long as you want to use it. I'm really turned off by this, because I generally use stuff for years and years. I don't want to make monthly payments for years and years on something that normally costs a few hundred dollars or less (without monthly payments). Seems like a sucker deal to me.

Are you talking about Slate Digital? You can also buy their plugins outright.

I suspect that comment was referencing Roland Cloud. If you wanted to own the D50, JV1080, System-8, Jupiter-8, and Juno, the only way to acquire those 5 would be to subscribe for 5 years (getting one new perpetual license per year). No option to purchase them outright.

[pdxindy]

I have seen at least one well known company where the only way you can buy a particular plug-in is making monthly payments for as long as you want to use it. I'm really turned off by this, because I generally use stuff for years and years. I don't want to make monthly payments for years and years on something that normally costs a few hundred dollars or less (without monthly payments). Seems like a sucker deal to me.

Are you talking about Slate Digital? You can also buy their plugins outright.

I suspect that comment was referencing Roland Cloud. If you wanted to own the D50, JV1080, System-8, Jupiter-8, and Juno, the only way to acquire those 5 would be to subscribe for 5 years (getting one new perpetual license per year). No option to purchase them outright.

not to mention the very high cost of said plugins!! (okay I mentioned it )