So with out further delay, here is,

~Sabbey's Top 10 ways to save on CDs~

1. I buy most if not all of the CDs online, about 95% of my purchases are done this way.

2. I compare prices, I usually get each
disc at about $10 - $12, before any taxes and whatnot.

3. Look for used CDs, though I personally don't do this but on occasion. This is an
excellent way for others to get CDs, they would not otherwise purchase.

4. Join both the BMG and Columbia House CD clubs, that is about 20% - 40% or so of my most recent purchases.

5. Look on Ebay, you can get some good deals there. For an example, I recently got
Christopher Franke's score to Universal Soldier, brand new for less than $5. For some, not worth it at even that price, but for me it was.

6. Online Coupons. I use mainly CDNOW $10 off coupons, so I can get most of my CDs for about $3 - $10 each.

7. Trades with other film music fans. This is another good way of getting CDs.

8. CDRs. If you know people who can burn discs, this is an good way of getting those scores that are hard if not impossible to get otherwise.

9. Living at home, does have some advantages. I still have quite a bit to spend after bills, so I can spend a little more than
others, though still try to save money if possible.

10. And last, Parents! Mine at least are pretty supportive and understanding about my love of Film Music.

Now I know some people can not do some if not all of these suggestions, though it does help, very much so.

I have found, that my following these steps, for the amount I spend altogether and the amount of CDs I get with that price, it is like 1-2 free CDs for every CD bought.

Which if you ask me is quite an good
deal, let's just hope it can stay that
way for sometime to come, and for all of us.

Feel free to add to the list!

Unfortunately both 'selection and location' are not available to me. Meaning I am too far away, to some of the better retail stores. Than there is also the price issue, I have
to watch every dime I spend, so why would I buy one CD off-line, when I could go online and get two or three for not much more money? It's really why I do my buying online, once the retail stores *gets* wise and starts lowering the price so it's at least somewhat comparable to the online stores, then at that time I, and a lot of others would shop there on more occasions. Though because of the prices, which seem to raise each year rather than lower, I think a lot of people are going to look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong I still buy off-line just not as much now.

Maybe it's just me, but I think the stores have really been taking their customers for
granted, now it's time for them to realize that and change. If not they might go out of
business. It might take an while, but more and more people are going online each year.
Sooner or later, an big portion of CD shoppers are going to be an mainly online
group. Not to say all retail stores are that way, and there are many who do buy only
at such stores. However over the next 10-50 years, retail might just be an thing of the
past. You never know!

I will say that my hope is that retail never dies, and I really hope that the prices start
to lower to the point were it is just as cheap as online. Maybe that is just wishful
thinking, but I do hope it comes true, for all of us.

NP: The Black Hole - John Barry

1. Some time ago, it was cheap for me to buy CDs online. But due to the recent Dollar/Euro exchange rates, it's too expensive, considering the shipping costs, which are higher for European customers.

2. I try. But the few stores with good score selections often don't have the same scores. Especially those that I'm looking for can sometimes only be found at one single location. "9th Gate" is a recent example. If the other store had it, it would be cheaper.

3. Never seen used CDs around here.

4. I guess that refers to point #1

5. => #1. Plus I don't easily trust people on the web I don't know.

6. => #1

7. => #1 a bit. But I actually never got into the situation to trade. And if the trade means exchanging CDs, I actually like to keep ALL my CDs, even if I don't listen to them (stupid, I know )

8. Yep. But I don't know many people who do have film scores. The library is a good place, got several of the Gerhardt CDs there.

9. Don't live at home any more (although "at home" actually ALWAYS IS where you live )

10. Mine don't have that much money, either. I get scores for Birthday and Christmas, though.

Though I do hope it has helped at least one person here, than it is worth it.

I think Vienna really is a nice city, but after all, it's my home, so that doesn't count. Although I fear that, due to the current government, we've seen better times.

However, living here has given me the opportunity to attend some concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic. Unfortunately, there's little film music around here. I once heard a live performance of Herrmann's "Psycho" suite, but I hated it at that time. Lalo Schifrin seems to come here once per year, but I always missed his concerts. Next month, excerpts from "Schindler's List" will be played, but the rest of the program doesn't impress me, so I think I'll have to pass on this, as well.

I have only started using them this last summer, and already saved over $200-$300 or so, definitely worth it, if you ask me.

http://www.bible-reading.com/bargains-store.html
http://www.stormloader.com/cdshopper/default.htm
http://finditnow.8m.com/
http://www.flamingoworld.com/

Well I hope that helps.

Regards,
Sean Robert Abbey