Resource Library Costs

[ggaskill]

In a recent Lighting the Lamp podcast (#182 "Why Buy Bible Software") there was a discussion as to why one might choose to invest in and use Bible software as opposed to printed text and commentary; and one of the noted pro's was lower cost(s) for the resources.  Since cost is the driving force behind anyone’s resource library in Accordance or any other Bible software solution for that matter; is it possible to pass along the cost savings for (your) digital resources when the prints are on-sale by the publisher?  

 

Example:  I was looking to purchase the MacArthur New Testament Commentary 3 release.  While I noticed that Accordance advertises a price of $599 (list) BUT the everyday price on this resource (print version) from the “Grace to You” website is $530 ($69 less); I am a bit confused as to where the "pro" of cheaper comes into the equation?  Likewise, the GTY site is currently having a sale ($400); why not pass along the savings to your faithful customers? 

[TYA]

I am a bit confused as to where the "pro" of cheaper comes into the equation?

 

Hi ggaskill, I'm just a user and not part of Accordance' staff (they will probably answer soon), and while I can't speak to the the MacArthur New Testament Commentary 3 that you mentioned, I will just point out that I have purchased several resources for Accordance that are cheaper than even the best used prices I could find on Amazon or Ebay, not to mention cheaper that some other Bible software's out there.

 

For instance, the "Commentators' Bible," which is Michael Carasik's Miqraot Gedolot 5-volume translation, when it went on sale with Accordance (and sales happen frequently, so they are worth looking out for) was significantly cheaper than buying the volumes used from Amazon.

 

Likewise, the JPS Torah Commentary, when on sale with Accordance, was cheaper than offered by the publisher, and once again, buying used on Amazon.

 

The IVP 8-volume dictionary set was also cheaper than another Bible software.  

 

That's not to say that every single resource will be cheaper than the print version, all of the time, but I can personally say that several of them are--especially on sale.  I've only been using Accordance for less than one year, and in that timeframe I've already seen multiple sales which were "storewide," meaning they would probably cover your MacArthur Commentary--if the numerous other sales I've also seen didn't happen to cover it more specifically.

 

Also take note of Accordance' discounts for students, pastors, teachers, etc., which provide about 10% off resources any time.  And if you happen to own certain resources in other Bible software's, Accordance usually offers "Crossgrade" pricing, which means that you can purchase it in Accordance for about 30% off.  Again, just some things I thought would be helpful to point out, though I realize that you are specifically interested in the MacArthur Commentary.

Edited June 16, 2019 by TYA

[ukfraser]

Welcome to the forum,

 

in addition to tya's response above, i bought the jewish study bible and the annotated jewish nt in hard copy. I then bought it in accordance (one was comparable and one was cheaper). Both of these volumes have now been updated and version 2 released. To buy hard copies will be at (possibly discounted) publishers price irrespective of if you own the original versions, however accordance offers both as an upgrade if you own the previous version.

 

Over the years, I have bought a number of sets including a couple of original language ones and accordance publish the full print copy against their set price, yes there are going to be deals on and a famous book retailer does offer some things at reduced prices though the reduction does vary. In addition, a lot of sets come with upgrade pricing taking into account what you already have in your library so you dont pay twice for items.

 

However for years i wanted wbc and kept monitoring the cd price but i managed to buy the compete nt/ot set from accordance at a fraction of the price i ever saw the cd on sale for.

 

Individual Items may well be more expensive than you can get them elsewhere but don't forget all the added value that accordance adds to a resource with its tagging and linking and turbo searching.

 

Due to Accordance's pricing strategy, I have managed to build up a fantastic library over the last 8 years which i couldn't have imagined when i started out with accordance.

Edited June 16, 2019 by ukfraser

[ggaskill]

TYA & ukfraser; I thank you both for your response, I too have been able to take advantage of some great deals over the years and I am very thankful for Accordance.