subscriptions- how much content is enough

moving from CDs to digital distribution

[David_M]

Eventually, I'd like to move from mail order distribution of audio cd's to digital (online) distribution using a monthly subscription system.

The subscription would allow an all you can listen system.

How much content do you think is enough to justify a $10 a month subscription?
Current CDs range from $10 to $20, and contain about 50 minutes of content each. I'll also be adding one new CD every 4 months.

What percentage do you think will continue for more than one month? (I know some will sign up, download everything, then cancel)

Any opinions on the business model also wanted!

[TallTroll]

>> How much content do you think is enough to justify a $10 a month subscription?

How long is a piece of string? Existing customer surveys should help you find a good balance point. How big is your existing catalogue?

>> What percentage do you think will continue for more than one month? (I know some will sign up, download everything, then cancel)

Having some sort of minimum subscription period, say 6 months, with the first 3 months FREE* might help overcome that, and rolling monthly subscription after that might be a solution.

>> I'll also be adding one new CD every 4 months.

Seems a bit slow to me. That implies you'll be adding less than 15 minutes worth of content per month...

[David_M]

TallTroll,

Thanks for the feedback.
I've posted a bit more info on the business model in the members forum.
[webmasterworld.com...]

[pbreit]

iTunes, et. al. have shown that subscriptions is the wrong way to go. Check out magnatune.com or something similar.