Cheez
Moderator
This is not a spam 
. After having purchased and checked out many online distributors and individual developer stores, I've come to the conclusion that the cheapest option for purchase of sample libraries/virtual instruments etc is Time+Space (UK). The reason is because it offers lower prices excluding VAT, which makes the price lower than everywhere else in the US.
A caveat - it works only if you purchase the download version of the software. Once you purchase libraries/VIs that need to be shipped, their shipping charges is very expensive which may turn out more expensive than other places even with VAT excluded. Make sure you check the pricing carefully. So if you need things shipped, don't do it. Otherwise, you'll find yourself saving quite a bit.
General advice on online purchase of sample libraries/VSTis from any online stores...
Last word of advice - don't pirate. Some libraries are water-marked (or "sound-marked"). Developers scour music on and off to look for offenders. If you're found out using their libraries and haven't purchased (esp if you're producing and selling your music), make sure you have a good lawyer.
Any other people got different experiences on online purchases?
. After having purchased and checked out many online distributors and individual developer stores, I've come to the conclusion that the cheapest option for purchase of sample libraries/virtual instruments etc is Time+Space (UK). The reason is because it offers lower prices excluding VAT, which makes the price lower than everywhere else in the US. A caveat - it works only if you purchase the download version of the software. Once you purchase libraries/VIs that need to be shipped, their shipping charges is very expensive which may turn out more expensive than other places even with VAT excluded. Make sure you check the pricing carefully. So if you need things shipped, don't do it. Otherwise, you'll find yourself saving quite a bit.
General advice on online purchase of sample libraries/VSTis from any online stores...
- Always wait for discounts. There are always special offers for items on clearance. For items not on clearance, sales usually happen around festivities (ie Labour Day, Christmas, Easter etc). Usually can go up to 30% discount.
- Also look out for "group buys". Group buys work on an increasing discount formula based on the number of people ordering the product. The more people ordering, the higher the discount. Discounts are usually capped at 50% to 60%. And so far, all group buys that I know of have hit the highest discount rate. Group buys are usually informed via emails. So (unfortunately) you'll have to subscribe to their newsletters.
- Sometimes for returning customers, there are special discounts on-top of group buy discounts. The highest discount I received from Sampletekk, for example, is 65% (group buy + returning customer). If you don't need a library urgently for a project, wait for these. Returning customers discount are usually offered by sample developers instead of distributors.
- There's also student pricing (but alas, not for us working people). But can get quite a hefty discount.
- If you need a library urgently for a project and there's no discount - check out Ebay. Often, you'll find cheaper pricings. But don't forget to factor in international shipping.
Last word of advice - don't pirate. Some libraries are water-marked (or "sound-marked"). Developers scour music on and off to look for offenders. If you're found out using their libraries and haven't purchased (esp if you're producing and selling your music), make sure you have a good lawyer.
Any other people got different experiences on online purchases?
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