Synclub Launches: Save 25-40% on Software Titles

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.synclub.com/subs.aspx' target='_blank'>http://www.synclub.com/subs.aspx</a><br /><br /></div>Handango and Pocketgear have some new competition, and it's from Synclub. You've probably noticed their teaser banners over the past week or so, but they're ready to open the doors for software buyers. The software selection isn't as vast as Handango yet, but they're building up rapidly, and they offer something very unique to customers: saving money.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.synclub.com/images/synclubsmallFullBlue.gif" /><br /><br />The concept is an interesting one - rather than Synclub taking a hefty cut of each sale (which is 20-40% with some software stores), they pass the savings on to the customer. Here's how it works: you <a href="http://www.synclub.com/subs.aspx ">buy a subscription to the site</a>, which costs as little as $1.50 US per month ($18 for the year) or $6 for one month. As part of that sign-up package, you get a free copy of <a href="http://www.dooblo.com/foldersize/">Dooblo FolderSize</a>, valued at $5.99 (so it's sort of like getting one month for free). You'll then get access to the price discounts. The current average per-product saving is $6.77, which means even if you only purchase three software products in a year, you'll recoup your investment.<br /><br />Synclub doesn't have an affiliate program for sites like ours because of the low % of each sale they take, but they're very keen to give back to the community of Pocket PC Enthusiast sites. So when you sign up, $1 is donated to a community site. Right now the only two choices are Pocket PC Thoughts, and PPCW.net, but I'm told more sites will be added in the near future.<br /><br />I hope Synclub does well, because it means less expensive Pocket PC software for all of us. <a href="http://www.synclub.com/subs.aspx ">Go take Synclub for a spin!</a>

[Chris Spera]

I spun and donated a dollar...

I'm having Robo Cop flash backs... (I'd buy that for a dollar!)


Christopher Spera

[HTK]

This one seems to be a killer site
Be carefull Handango and PocketGear! :twisted:

[lurch]

I like this idea... kinda reminds me of a "Sams Club" or "Costco" approach.

My real question for myself: How much software do I actually buy for my handheld in a year, and would I actually recoup the savings?

I don't think I buy enough software to make it worth the while.. although with some of the software that's available now, it's more and more tempting!

[Kati Compton]

I think this would be great for a newbie. I have already bought most of what I need (at least at the moment), so I'm not sure it makes sense for me... But maybe there's some games on there that I couldn't otherwise justify the price of. I'll have to take a quick look.

[EvilOne]

Will be better if it accepted Mastercard too!! Gotta go and find my Visa.

[jpsiris]

As a developer, I was contacted by SynClub to add my products. I would be willing to do so, but it would violate a clause in my agreements with Handango and PocketGear that require that they have the lowest advertised selling price. I currently have my stuff on about a dozen sites for sale, all at the same price, so this isn't an issue. SynClub's approach would actually give me a slightly higher net than the others, but I have to use a price that is significantly lower than Handango and PocketGear, which I believe violates the agreement. I would be interested in hearing about other developer's take on this issue.

Thanks,
Jack

[Jason Dunn]

As a developer, I was contacted by SynClub to add my products. I would be willing to do so, but it would violate a clause in my agreements with Handango and PocketGear that require that they have the lowest advertised selling price.

Those low prices aren't available to the public though - only people with subscriptions to Synclub. I think that's your loophole. :wink:

[hawkeye]

I love the idea and will definitely join....when they get a few more titles.

[javageek]

Nice Site! I bought into the year subscription and donated to PPCThoughts. Also bought the Invoice, Estimate, Work Order package, I have been looking for something like that!

[a_feigl]

This looks like its going to be a huge site, Handango and Pocketgear will have to radically change there pricing structure. Its a win for us, and developers, as jpsiris said he would have the ability to make higher profits. So consumers gain better applications too due to more developement through more monetory resources, and lets not forget at lower prices.

For me, i would be surprised if i didn't get my $18 back in a year, there is so much software out for the ppc os, the only limiter is the amount of memory you have available.

[Terry]

Is it SynClub as in "sync lub" or "syn club?" :twisted: I wonder what the credit card bill will say...and what my wife would think with a monthly synclub charge... :oops:

...I think I would have some 'splain'n to do... :?:

[yada88]

How can you say this site will revolutionize when it only has 80 titles. Maybe the contracts mentioned will restrict synclub from ever growing into what it could be. I noticed SPB doesn't even have software on there.

[Chris Spera]

I am currently trying to negotiate myself into a developer's account at SynClub for all of ParaBasic Development's titles.

Aside from the database apps, I have a number of themes and theme collections that need posting....


Christopher Spera

[Stone]

Hey Chris,

Why not post your themes for sale here (http://www.pocketthemes.com/store) :?: :wink:

[darrylb]

How can you say this site will revolutionize when it only has 80 titles.

Like Jason said - they are growing fast. Yesterday they only had 48 apps :)

[darrylb]

The site looks like it fell into an amazon colour wash - the entire site, images, etc all look like the amazon ones, even the layout is amazonish. I notice it is ASP.Net (unlike amazon) still it begs the question: Is Synclub an subsidiary of amazon or something? :?:

[Gamma Ray]

Well the site is down right now - but if I can pick up a program like PocketTV Enterprise for $35 I am in! Was this one of the programs available?

[Shraga18]

It's gone.GONE!!! Maybe Handango sent a hit team over to take it out 8O ...

[Kati Compton]

Or too many PPCT readers were using up their bandwidth....

[dannybl]

Hello Everyone at PocketPC Thoughts,

My name is Danny Blobstein and I am in charge of Synclubs technical support.

Unfortunately we are currently having some dificulties with our site hoster :| , and that is the reason for the current problems in accessing the site.

We are working hard to solve the problem, and to get Synclub up and running again as quickly as possible.

I will post a follow-up message as soon as the site goes up,

Thank you all for your patience, support & understanding

Danny Blobstein
Technical Support
Synclub

[Crystal Eitle]

kati's right - this site would be great for newbies. I've added a lot of software to my Pocket PC since I bought it, but I'm pretty much done. I may join SyncClub anyway - if I decide I have to have Cash Organizer, I'll buy it through SynClub and get the discount.

This topic got me to thinking about what I've spent on software so far for my little sweetie:

Clear Speed - $10
FlexWallet - $5 (sale)
Handmark Monopoly and Scrabble - $50 total
Hexacto Emperor's Mahjong - $20
Palbum Suite - $5 (sale)
Pocket Informant - $25
Two Peaks Vehicle Manager - $16 (discount)
Theme Master - $7
ListPro - $20

I think that's everything.

For a grand total of... $158

Not including what I've spent on accessories.

I'd still like to buy Fitaly, and maybe Cash Organizer. Hey Synclub - can you get Fitaly on your site?

[dannybl]

Hello again,

This is a follow-up message to let you guys know that Synclub (www.synclub.com) is now back online.

We are monitoring the site closely to make sure no problems occure.

Thanks again for your patience,

Danny Blobstein
Technical Support
Synclub
www.synclub.com

[dannybl]

Hello again to you all! :wink:

As this thread is about Synclub, we wanted to take the chance and ask you guys to post here which software title YOU would like to see discounted on Synclub?

We will then take the list and try to get the developers of these great titles to feature them at Synclub. We are sure that once we show these developers the demand for their software titles, they will join Synclub!

Thanks again for all your support!
The Synclub Team
www.synclub.com

[rberry88]

My vote goes for either Hexacto's software (Lemonade, Soccor, Tennis etc) and Resco's software.

rberry88

[darrylb]

I'd like to see the sbp, landware and two peaks software up there as well.

I gotta say though, the independant developers have a huge amount of value to offer, so I hope they get in on the act too.

[Crystal Eitle]

Here's another vote for Hexacto, Two Peaks, Ilium, etc.

I'd also like to see iSilo.

[Dom]

Just a guess but I imagine PocketGear and Handango will offer an optional subscription based discount club. Would be better if the resellers taking 40% or more just took a fairer 20%; afterall products are simply an entry in their database and most support is computer generated :).
Dom

[ctmagnus]

OT:

Dom

Any future plans for BillableBuddy? It's been stuck at version 3.12 for ~ six months now. If anything, get rid of the beeping!

[Dom]

I sold enough copies of Billable Buddy to buy a beer LOL ... maybe because of piracy :) Not the biggest commercial success ever ;0) Doing Sony P800 stuff these days but just bought a HP1910 which has given me the Pocket PC bug again (though .NET is dog slow on it ).
Dom

[Kati Compton]

I'd like to see the Astraware games. Particularly the word-based ones.

http://www.astraware.com/ppc/

[Dom]

Just adding Mastersoft Money, Billable Buddy, EasyLoan, My Last Cigarette etc ...
Dom

[darrylb]

just bought a HP1910 which has given me the Pocket PC bug again (though .NET is dog slow on it ).
Dom

.Net is as slow as a dog on any pocket pc. I understand .Net stuff written under VS.Net 2003 is better though....

[Dom]

The new OS will save the day (I hope). My Sony P800 kicks Pocket PC's butt performance wise (compared to .NET on the Pocket PC). It should be the other way round :0(
Dom