Two other Bible study software providers whom I apparently cannot name here are currently offering the Word Biblical Commentary series for half price ($299). So I'm wondering if Logos has plans for a similar offering.
The simple answer is, no, Logos does not have plans for a similar offering. I've never seen Logos match another competitor's sale. If you want it for $299, you need to buy it from the other guys.
I have seen it for $100 off since I've been tracking these things.
You used to be able to buy the Libronix version for $400 (or less) and load it into Logos, but I have not seen that CD for sale anywhere recently.
I thought sales were determined by the publishers. Is that not so?
I have found a better value on this when it goes on sale. https://www.logos.com/product/9653/nelson-bible-reference-bundle
The frequent sales (1-2 times a year it seems) on the Nelson Reference bundle is your best bet.
Alternatively, ask about phone-only specials the next time you call Logos. I got the WBC for $399 that way. Now if I could only get dynamic pricing on the Nelson reference bundle...
I think many times that is true I have seen Zondervan titles on sale in other programs and been told Zondervan will not allow Logos to discount them. I have not seen Word Biblical Commentary on sale since Nelson was bought out by Zondervan's parent company. I don't know how long we will have to wait to see sale prices matched.
If you find out that we can do something to change the situation (eg by writing letters or something), please let us know. Every time sales skip over Logos, it just adds to customer dissatisfaction.
I don't know how long we will have to wait to see sale prices matched.
I was referring to Zondervan offering sale prices on their Logos format books at the same time they offer sale prices at WordSearch and others. At the present time it is my understanding Logos can not offer a sale on Zondervan titles even if they want to.
I'm a little skeptical about this, Super.Tramp. I've seen multiple publishers (not just Zondervan) have sales on every platform except on Logos. I've seen books for sale individually for sale on every single platform, but on Logos they are packaged in a huge bundle.
It seems to me that the only common factor that prevents sales and forces new books into large, awkward packaging bundles is Logos. I don't know of any other vendor that does either of these.
So, my best guesses are either 1) Logos refuses to offer the sales, or 2) Multiple publishers, including Zondervan, have specifically made contracts with Logos exclude them from being able to offer sales, and forcing new books into awkward bundles, but these publishers have been happy to make more open contracts with other vendors. (If this is so, you have to ask, what do they have specifically against Logos offering sales?)
2) Multiple publishers, including Zondervan, have specifically made contracts with Logos exclude them from being able to offer sales,
This is the situation, to the best of my understanding. I have been told by Logos Sales that Zondervan and Baker titles can not be discounted. I don't know which party is making the decision not to put resources on sale but I am under the impression that contractual factors require a set royalty regardless of sale price. I envision both parties are holding out for maximum profits.
Logos is currently offering discounted prices (30 - 31% off) on Galatians commentaries published by both Zondervan and Baker, so it doesn't appear that the publishers are preventing Logos from offering discounts. It may be, however, that Logos is obligated to pay fixed royalties on those sales. And it may be that deviations from fixed royalty payments require the publishers' contractual approval. If that's the case, it would seem that deep discounts such as those currently being offered by Logos competitors are merely a matter of Logos undertaking to negotiate those terms with the publishers.
It would not surprise me if the other Bible software vendors offered WBC at a loss to themselves to hook people into their platform.
I can promise you there is no LOSS there... not saying the margins aren't smaller but neither company is known to have loss leaders with possibly the exception of Accordance's starter package (even then I bet they cover the publisher costs and just basically give you the software and classic works included with it). And since OT is know owned by Harper it would be near impossible for them to sell at a loss. OT focuses more on the mobile platform and they have a wonderful program there. ACC focus seems more on Academic/Original Language and picture rich products. They have a rock solid software that is super fast, but they are never going to have the selection of Logos. I would guess many users are like me using all 3, but the majority of my works are in Logos. Logos may seem bloated to me at times and less developed in mobile than I like, and I will say it crashes on me more often than I like. All that said Logos is a very good piece of software, they offer tagging that is not matched elsewhere and OT especially now may offer some great deals since they are now owned by one of the largest publishing groups out there but for academic use it is far to primitive and I would guess similar for any pastor wishing to quote things.
-Dan
It would not surprise me if the other Bible software vendors offered WBC at a loss to themselves to hook people into their platform. I can promise you there is no LOSS there... not saying the margins aren't smaller but neither company is known to have loss leaders with possibly the exception of Accordance's starter package (even then I bet they cover the publisher costs and just basically give you the software and classic works included with it). And since OT is know owned by Harper it would be near impossible for them to sell at a loss. OT focuses more on the mobile platform and they have a wonderful program there. ACC focus seems more on Academic/Original Language and picture rich products. They have a rock solid software that is super fast, but they are never going to have the selection of Logos. I would guess many users are like me using all 3, but the majority of my works are in Logos. Logos may seem bloated to me at times and less developed in mobile than I like, and I will say it crashes on me more often than I like. All that said Logos is a very good piece of software, they offer tagging that is not matched elsewhere and OT especially now may offer some great deals since they are now owned by one of the largest publishing groups out there but for academic use it is far to primitive and I would guess similar for any pastor wishing to quote things. -Dan
Another of those may users: Present!
100% agree with Dan's analysis: can't go without Acc, can't go without Logos.
Check the Facebook group that advertises for sale stuff, or my profile to contact me if interested.
David
It has already been mentioned, but you can hardly go wrong with the Nelson Reference bundle. But don't just buy it. Call sales. Experience varies, but sometimes is very good. That is how I got it.
WBC used to placed on sale annually or was it seasonally? Anyway, it's one of the few really good sets, (with EBC,NICOT/NICNT),that are solid buys worth calling a rep for if they aren't in your library.
I think most every committed Logos library owner learns to juggle adding building blocks to their library, FWIW, if I was new to Logos, I'd probably investigate whatever Nelson or Zondervan bundle to get up and running faster.
