Hal Leonard Introduces Virtual Music Software Vault
New Digital Retailer Program Allows Dealers to Sell Bestselling Software Programs Via Simple Online Interface - Early Bird Incentive at Winter NAMM 2015 for VMSV First 50
MILWAUKEE - Want to be well-represented with all of the top software programs that your customers are asking for? The new Virtual Music Software Vault (VMSV) program from Hal Leonard gives you the easiest access ever to the top brands in many categories. Now you can allow your customers to decide if they want to buy a physical software box from your shelf or website, or receive a download code from you for the software.
On March 1, Hal Leonard will officially activate its VMSV service, inviting dealers to profit from a multitude of popular programs through an instant online portal. This secure and reliable interface provides downloadable codes to dealers that they can then sell to their online and in-store customers.
When the customer selects a piece of software, the retailer simply retrieves an authorized license code from Hal Leonard's VMSV and provides the customer with a URL to use. The customer goes home or to their studio, submits the code, then downloads the software. The reseller only pays for software when it is sold, and the VMSV system is available 24/7.
This doesn't replace the need to stock boxed software in your store, but it gives your customers a new option. Dealers who both stock software and take part in the VMSV program will reap the biggest benefits with their customers.
Software companies participating in the initial rollout include Antares (Auto-Tune), Cakewalk, Sony, Propellerhead, Acoustica, PreSonus, IK Multimedia, PG Music (Band-in-a-Box), and Noteflight. Many other brands - including some that are "download only" - will soon be on board.
Getting started as a VMSV dealer is easy and free. There are three levels of participation, with progressive discounts to accommodate various stores. The VMSV discount levels vary depending on the dealer's commitment to stocking boxed goods, merchandising POS materials, and training their staff. Hal Leonard has all the requirements for each level detailed in a sales brochure.
Retailers simply need to open a VMSV account to access the portal that delivers the codes. No programming is necessary to retrieve the codes manually in an instant. For accounts that want to automate the retrieval process and integrate VMSV into their own sites, there is an option that involves some straightforward programming.
Hal Leonard will make a big push for this new program at NAMM, encouraging retailers to be early adopters of the technology. The VMSV First 50 will shine a spotlight on the first fifty dealers who sign on.
Hal Leonard will showcase its First 50 retailers in substantial promotions surrounding the launch of the service, such as a trade ad campaign, listings on
halleonard.com, and e-blasts reaching more than a million musicians through our associated websites that communicate directly to consumers. The company will also provide ample merchandising support, including large signage, point-of-purchase binders describing all of the software offered, software boxes for display, and incentives for sales floor people to sell codes.
Hal Leonard Senior Sales & Marketing Manager Brad Smith comments, "Consumers are already comfortable with buying codes to get started with software products. Virtual Music Software Vault is a natural extension of our working with the many companies that we already distribute hard goods for."
He adds, "Our Virtual Vault program lets dealers offer a much deeper selection of software than they could ever imagine stocking. Retailers who sign up will have our full support to ensure that this is a smooth, turnkey operation. VMSV is the simplest solution to support the hungry and growing digital musician market. We're excited to reach more musicians with this service, all while supporting and promoting our dealers."