CompuServe Thread

#CD's cost too much

7 messages in this thread
#13630From: ed jacksonOct 8, 1991 12:09 AM
Tom, The number of CDROM drives is expanding exponentially. By claiming all this BS about high cost, you are pricing yourself out of business. If HoughtonMiflin wants to extort you for a dictionary, why not go to meriam webster or someone else? Once they realize they're losing business, they'll come around, or lose business. Look at some of the $99 packages out now – including many medical texts that make the roylaties on dictionaries and such pale – yet still not megabucks for the cdrom. Sure it costs money – but $100 K production for a run of 10,000 units still yields a substantial profit, not to mention margin, at $100/unit. And you needn't go through traditional dealers – why not mail-order like most other cd material? Catch up with the times. If you capture a large market share by letting bottom line fall below 10% for a year or two, that's a coup, not a failure. Even corporations, whom many have counted on to fork over whatever for info on CDROM, are looking to cut costs. And with more computer literature (and on line) users, you can be sure that departments are not going to throw their limited budgets at expensive products when an economical alternative is available. (I know because i specify cdrom orders and specify dealers for software orders, and suggest alternatives to expensive but not extra-fuctional software). –ed There are 2 Replies.
#13643From: Activision\Infocom(W. VoOct 8, 1991 4:02 PM
You've really hit the key points. I'll just add that the real money to made in CD-ROM software is when you can sell discs for less than $30.00 (heck less than $15.00) to a market encompassing millions of easy to use players that cost as close to the price of a video game system as possible ($400? $200? ….) Hooked up to a TV… William Volk
#13679From: Tom ThackreyOct 10, 1991 2:08 AM
Ed, You know we're all dancing around the same bush. Yes as the number of drives installed increases the expected number of units sold will go up and the price can come down. However, the reality is that not all topics are going to sell a lot of units, therefore high prices. And mail order is NOT the answer, the mail order folks want bigger discounts than the retailers (because they under-cut the retail price). And they want us to buy ads in their catalogues. Lastly, the products my "company" produces for retail sale sell for $85 for "Annabel's Dream of Ancient Egypt" and $95 for "Vital Signs: The Good Health Resource". It's our goal to produce high quality products at affordable prices. So belly up to the bar and buy a couple. In fact, if you buy both I'll get you 20% off the total (that's $144 for both). There are 2 Replies.
#13703From: David L RacetteOct 10, 1991 10:23 PM
Tom, Ok I'll byte and buy them site unseen. Let me know where to send the check. I want to support you guys (and girls). But lets be real. I've spent about 3k$ on cds so far and don't even have all that I want. Prices have got to come down! I'll get them to support you and to try them out. The medicine one doesn't interest me that much becuase I am an MD however it might do me some good who knows. Dave
#13834From: Tom ThackreyOct 16, 1991 5:23 AM
David, The address to order "Annabel's Dream" and "Vital Signs" is: Texas Caviar Inc. 3933 Spicewood Springs Road, E-100 Austin, TX 78759 (512) 346-7887 Annabel only is $85, Vital Signs is $95, Both for $144. Shipping/Handling (in USA) is $5 for 1, $8 for both. If it's shipped to Texas add 8% sales tax. If you don't like or can't use em after you give em a look. EMail me and I'll get you a refund. Thanks, Tom
#13708From: ed jacksonOct 10, 1991 11:54 PM
Tom, Would be interested in a bit more detail on your two CDROM's – particularly given the relatively reasonable prices involved. As an academic physician, i might not be too interested in "Vital Signs" unless to do a review for a mag (med, ed, or computer). Annabel's Dream sounds interesting, esp for my 9 y/o daughter. Glad you're working towards affordable CDROMS. Will consider purchase with more info on what these actually contain/do. Thanks –ed
#13835From: Tom ThackreyOct 16, 1991 5:32 AM
Ed, "Annabel's Dream of Ancient Egypt" is a children's story about a cat who is having trouble dealing with her sister's teasing. The story is illustrated with animated drawings (color if you have it). The user can read, listen or both. Definitions of all words are included in the glossary. The audio is CD audio (44KHz stereo). In addition, there is extensive material on ancient Egypt, the opera Aida, and dealing with anger. There is material for the parent/teacher on how to use the product. There are related activities including a scrambled letters game, coloring book (print and color that is), hieroglyphics translator, making paper and excavating the trash basket. It's a full CD. If you EMail me your postal address, I'll send you a flyer. Tom