The caveat for this thread is I don't have a clue how this effects people buying outside the US, given customs, exchange rates, import taxes etc. 
The biggest problem for most people is being able to "sample" new CDs. It get's a little expensive at $14+ a pop to buy, based on what the cover art looks like.
So here's what I did many years ago, I joined BMG. Now before everyone faints or flames this thread take a minute to read how to play the BMG "game".
Years ago when I was growing tired of "pop" music I joined both the Jazz and Classical clubs. Beware because they frequently charge more for same CD if bought through the "classical" club. Also their CD's offers overlap, so you can get classical CD's from the Jazz club, or vis-versa. All clubs offer "pop" selections.
First NEVER buy the special of the month unless it's someone/something your really want. It used to be a hassle because you had to send those terrible little "I don't want this" cards back every month or so. Well now you just log-in to the BMG site and decline the selection.
Second look at how they present each months offer. If you shop wisely, you can get most CD's for $6-$10ea and this includes the shipping.
Third never bite on any of their "buy one get a second one a 1/2 price". Wait until they have a more generous offer. As long as you keep the old catalogs and/or know the CD number, you can order any CD, with any offer, from any club.
Frequently they have offers like "chose one at the regular price", and get "X" number more for $2.99/3.99/4.99ea or whatever. This means pay full price for the most expensive selection, then get "X" number for the reduced price. This is when you load up. If the number of extra CDs is unlimited, then full up with things from the older flyers. If it's limited to say 3 CD's then buy only that many.
Frequently they will compound offers. It's generally a good idea to avoid the second offer. And ALWAYS, ALWAYS void the "get one at 1/2 price offers".
Several times/year they will run $2.99ea offers, especially around the holidays, or when they want to move slow selling inventory. As long as you remember that $1-$2 will be tacked on for shipping "EACH" CD, this is the time to buy in mass.
BMG isn't a substitute for retail. Most of the time they don't have the latest releases, until several months after the fact. But it's a great way to "inexpensively" explore new types of music or round out collections.
One last thing. There have been statements that BMG pressings are inferior to "retail" pressings. I've found this to be false. I have purchased the same CD from BMG, and at retail. The pressings sound the same on my big system.
theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio
The biggest problem for most people is being able to "sample" new CDs. It get's a little expensive at $14+ a pop to buy, based on what the cover art looks like.
So here's what I did many years ago, I joined BMG. Now before everyone faints or flames this thread take a minute to read how to play the BMG "game".
Years ago when I was growing tired of "pop" music I joined both the Jazz and Classical clubs. Beware because they frequently charge more for same CD if bought through the "classical" club. Also their CD's offers overlap, so you can get classical CD's from the Jazz club, or vis-versa. All clubs offer "pop" selections.
First NEVER buy the special of the month unless it's someone/something your really want. It used to be a hassle because you had to send those terrible little "I don't want this" cards back every month or so. Well now you just log-in to the BMG site and decline the selection.
Second look at how they present each months offer. If you shop wisely, you can get most CD's for $6-$10ea and this includes the shipping.
Third never bite on any of their "buy one get a second one a 1/2 price". Wait until they have a more generous offer. As long as you keep the old catalogs and/or know the CD number, you can order any CD, with any offer, from any club.
Frequently they have offers like "chose one at the regular price", and get "X" number more for $2.99/3.99/4.99ea or whatever. This means pay full price for the most expensive selection, then get "X" number for the reduced price. This is when you load up. If the number of extra CDs is unlimited, then full up with things from the older flyers. If it's limited to say 3 CD's then buy only that many.
Frequently they will compound offers. It's generally a good idea to avoid the second offer. And ALWAYS, ALWAYS void the "get one at 1/2 price offers".
Several times/year they will run $2.99ea offers, especially around the holidays, or when they want to move slow selling inventory. As long as you remember that $1-$2 will be tacked on for shipping "EACH" CD, this is the time to buy in mass.
BMG isn't a substitute for retail. Most of the time they don't have the latest releases, until several months after the fact. But it's a great way to "inexpensively" explore new types of music or round out collections.
One last thing. There have been statements that BMG pressings are inferior to "retail" pressings. I've found this to be false. I have purchased the same CD from BMG, and at retail. The pressings sound the same on my big system.
theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio
) I am constantly inundated with "pre-approved" credit card offers in the mail. Before tearing them up and using them to light the wood stove, I always like to read the fine print to see what kind of "catches" there are, and...
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