Assuming that 10-10 is indeed the release of Logos 10 and that base packages and feature sets will be offered in similar configurations as they have been in the past (what a horrible marketing blunder it would be if 10-10 is something else! Either way, L10 should be released before too long if not on 10-10), I thought it would be interesting to share buying strategies for base packages/feature sets, and I know there are some newer users on the forums, so it might be helpful to them to see the various strategies.
Some preliminary details:
I generally look for academic resources.
I like to own feature sets instead of renting them.
I find that the Academic packages are generally a great deal, especially for those who like less fluff, and include all of the feature sets in the Premium and Professional packages (at least this is the case in the current L9 configuration). Hopefully they will continue to be offered.
My strategy:
First, I look at the highest level of every package without concern for denominational tags, looking for resources that are “must haves.” For instance, L9 had the release of the Carta resources, which were must haves for me. I look at the highest level because those will show me every possible resource available in each denominational tradition.
Once I find the resources that I must have, I look up those resources individually and go to the bottom of the page to see all the base packages that include each of those resources.
I note the lowest cost base package for each resource, and since a resource might be in several base packages, I try to limit all the resources I want to as few packages as possible. Also at this point, if some resources are only in packages that are way over my budget, I weep a little and take them off the list.
I put all the base packages that include my desired resources in the cart, and with the newish dynamic pricing that adjusts the pricing based on overlap in the cart, I usually get a much lower total cost for the individual packages than what each package showed on its product page.
If the total cost of the packages is less than what I would pay for the individual resources that I want, and the cost is within my budget, then I am good to go.
For instance, several years ago I wanted the ICC, but it was too expensive, but I realized that the entire set was included in the highest level of Anglican packages (L5 maybe?), which also included many other academic resources that I wanted. The cost of the package was considerably less than the cost of the ICC by itself, so I considered it a sale on ICC with a bunch of free resources added on top!
Once I make the purchase, I then look back at the prices for the remaining base packages, looking for packages that are now extremely inexpensive due to the dynamic pricing reflected after my previous purchase. If there is anything super low, I will go back and look at what resources I would get, and if I find resources that I want and the cost of the package is lower than the cost of the individual resources desired, then I purchase those as well (but see caution in next paragraph).
In the past I think they have given a discount for the initial purchase, so it is best to get all the purchases in at once, so after you have all the initial packages you want in your cart, it might be best to add some of the other packages just to see what their dynamic prices would be. You might end up pleasantly surprised. This way you would get to take advantage of any one time savings.
With this strategy, you will end up with a bunch of extra resources, and many do not like to have the extra resources in their libraries, as they consider them clutter. I am constantly coming across citations to books that I had no idea that I owned, but when I click the link, I am pleasantly surprised that it goes to the resource, and I own it. The same thing happens in church or in conversation when the pastor or someone else will bring up an author or a book, and it turns out I own it. Having many interconnected resources is a major point and driving force behind Logos Bible Software, and I embrace it!
I look forward to hearing about the strategery of others!
Yes, I know strategery is not a word.
