for Alto, said he found great success in selling the Crane Song Phoenix II Avid Audio Extension (AAE) plugins. “As of late, the Crane Song Phoenix II has been selling like crazy,” Thompson said. “It’s odd because this software has been around for quite some time but there has been a resurgence of sorts. Pro Tools Perpetual, subscriptions and upgrades are always a staple software product. After that, it’s a mix of instruments like Spectrasonics products, Izotope and Na- tive Instruments.” Digital downloads eliminate the need for physical storage and shipping, allowing customers to access their software instantly. This convenience is especially valuable in the fast-paced world of music production, where time is often of the essence. “We have always been dealers of software, even when you had to buy boxed copies,” Thompson said. “Now that most software is sold as download codes, it’s a no-brainer to advertise and sell software products. Software is always a staple product and a ‘floor’ of business. Lots of hardware comes with lighter versions of a larger software package and can generate repeat sales as the customer comes back to you to upgrade the version that was packaged with their hardware purchase.” A key aspect of Alto Music’s service is providing support and education to help customers maximize their use of music software. “The first consideration and probably the most important is for the customer to run the demo first before purchasing,” Thompson said. “A lot of customers may not realize that once you buy an electronic software, most are non-returnable. Be sure the software runs well on your system and double-check the required specs. If the software is a virtual instrument, listen to the audio demos and run the demo on your system if possible. There is nothing worse as a consumer than buyer’s remorse on a non-returnable product.” For many musicians, the journey of creating music begins with purchasing an instrument or recording equipment. However, the modern musician’s toolkit is incomplete without music software. Integrating music software into retail strategies is crucial for staying ahead. By embracing music software, retailers not only meet current demands but also future-proof their businesses in a competi- tive and evolving MI industry. MI
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