451 replies to this topic

[Jairus]

At this point Steve, we are sending a batch of magazines to PCH and they are dealing with the list of our international friends.
From what I understand, you send a note to them with your Email and postal address and they let you know when a new issue is available.
 

[olescratch]

I went to the linked page, and I still don't see any way to subscribe, did I overlook it???

[slotbaker]

J. Done, thanks.

[ModelCarsMag]

Sorry for the delay in getting the subscription page/link up.

Office closed by the time I got to getting the site updated.

I'll update the store/link on Monday.

The subscription form should be up on Sunday afternoon: http://www.SlotCarsMag.com/subscribe

 

 

[Race O' Rama]

I would like to get someone on board who really knows their current 1/32 scale stuff. Like Slot.it, Scalextric, Fly, and other new manufacturers, and what they are releasing now. Also, what the differences are in the releases, etc. If someone wants to volunteer, please let me know. Thanks.

 

Greg I would suggest Justin Porter of Hot wheels Haven in Elyria, Ohio

[Justin A. Porter]

I appreciate the recommendation, Karl. I do love the width and breadth of the 1/32nd world and I would love the opportunity to report and review upon it. Although I suppose a tremendous bit depends on what the magazine would need in a 1/32nd scale correspondent.

[compman25]

woohoo, subscriber #2

[ModelCarsMag]

Okay, I have some of the subscription page working, the printable form is there.

Haven't had luck with the online option for purchasing the subscriptions. Hopefully a day or so.

The digital download version is being worked on also.

I have to be honest with you guys.
We are real worried about protecting the digital files. This magazine won't last if the downloaded copy will be given away to everyone else for free.

That's the one thing that has stopped us with going to our own digital version for the 15-year old Model Cars Magazine.

We aren't big enough for Zinio to look at us, and the others want three arms, four legs, and my dead cat...

It's the preverbal double-edged sword.

I know, we should trust everyone, and hope they don't share, but we don't live in a perfect world.

Don't yell at me for thinking this way.

It's because I have been in publishing REAL magazines for over 18 years now.

I'm sort of opinionated, and I never make misteaks... (yes, pun, me punny..)

Thanks for your patience

 

http://www.SlotCarsMag.com/subscribe

 

[don.siegel]

I think we understand very well Gregg, at least I do; never quite really understood how that worked, and don't like reading magazines online anyway. 

 

Glad to see you've come up with a very reasonable overseas subscription price! Will be calling or sending in that form very soon! 

 

Don 

[ModelCarsMag]

One thing someone either mentioned, or I creatively borrowed from someone else, would be to offer the mags through eBay, with the Global Shipping option. I haven't tried that yet. I should try it with Model Cars, and see how that works. Maybe that would be a workaround..

 

I'm curious to see how many will want the digital version, if it's really worth the time, trouble, expense, and pain in da back to do it.

 

I would love to get on Zinio, just for the exposure. Still trying that out

[don.siegel]

Gregg, 

 

Global Shipping is not a good option for us overseas guys! It costs much more than simple first class, even without the customs fees, and if those are added in, it makes it an outrageous option, especially given that most normal packages are not assessed customs fees (at least for me in France). There is of course a slightly higher risk factor, but I haven't lost anything in a number of years, and it's definitely worth the risk for the considerable savings in postage! 

 

Not sure what The New Yorker uses, but their subscription prices are very reasonable, about $110 for 48 issues a year - of course you may need to get up to a million subscribers to enjoy those rates... (I believe it's routed through some country in Eastern Europe, which probably offered those terms & conditions)

 

Don 

[The Number of]

  Subscription payment,  credit card only? Thanks Bill

[Jairus]

Gregg, I already worked out the international angle with PCH. We send a bundle of mags to PCH and they send them out as people order them.

It would be handled the same as any other Hobby Shop. They send out email blasts to the guys on their list and charge the postal fees dealing with the customs forms.  Easy.

[olescratch]

WOW, I finally was able to complete my subscription over the phone using my Visa.  A very easy process, and the lady on the other end was delightful. 2yrs of slot car and one of Model just to check it out.  Can't wait for the 1st issues to arrive. 

[don.siegel]

So who do I contact for an overseas subscription? Just looked at PCH site, and there's nothing about this under Books & Magazines. or do I still go to the SCM site and fill out the form, or call them? 

 

Don 

[Jairus]

Don, Scott just said he would take care of it.

Send them an email asking is my first suggestion.

Had no idea Gregg was working on another angle because I was pretty sure he and I had agreed on a 3rd party shipping.

[slotbaker]

For what it's worth and call me old fashioned, but I don't think the electronic version is worth the trouble.

If it was possible to make it completely secure, not able to be copied/passed on and non-printable, then it could/might be worthwhile to raise a bit more revenue in sales.

 

 

We are real worried about protecting the digital files. This magazine won't last if the downloaded copy will be given away to everyone else for free.

That's the one thing that has stopped us with going to our own digital version for the 15-year old Model Cars Magazine.

I think that's the reality.

 

Plus, if it was to be a printed publication only, wouldn't that help with the cost of printing?

For every 1 or 2 electronic versions, there would probably be one less printed one.

Then if electronic versions can be bootlegged, there could be even less demand for printed ones.

Meaning smaller print runs, meaning higher costs?

 

I'm looking forward to getting my physical magazine.

[ModelCarsMag]

Steve, as far as the costs going up, or down, with relation to the electronic version sales, since we do everything in house, everything, start to finish, top to bottom, costs are something that we have more control over than almost any other mag out there. We even mail it ourselves.

 

If it got down to 1,000 printed copies, that would probably be the line.

 

I think the digital would be good for overseas.

 

Yes, as Jairus said, we have a deal set up with PCH, but that's not going to cover everyone.

 

eBay is a great marketing tool, and there are probably a lot more people that would view the mag on eBay than just on a dealer site.

 

It's a way of generating interest, and hopefully income, besides the dealer program set up.

 

Also, Facebook Instagram, Twitter, and other new emerging sites will be pursued.

 

If you are a customer of PCH, that's fine. You have a source all ready to go, once the mags hit the mail.

 

But we are looking for new readers, other areas of marketing, and will be focusing on social media as well.

 

The doors are never closed, we will always look for news ways to get the word out.

 

Thanks for the support, and subscribing.

 

Now, if I can get Jairus to start working on some super cool T-Shirts!!!!

[Jairus]

No problem there!

 

I've been thinking about it for some time now.

[Gator Bob]

Lots of complicated stuff here.

 

Questions:

 

1. Where can I buy it ?
2. When can I buy it ?
3. How much is a hardcopy magazine?

[Jairus]

If you bothered to read the thread. All would be answered.
 

[Gator Bob]

Thanks !

[Pablo]

Sounds like PCH is the "go-to" source for both national and international, eh?

[Jairus]

Actually no.
As I have said time and time again on this very thread, Golden Bell Press has a great subscriber list and distribution list.
The mags will be sent to all the same hobby shops that already carry the sister Publication "Model Cars Magazine".
Gregg has posted a link and a phone number for getting on that subscription list.
The magazines will be about the same price off the stand as MCM.

In the US the cost is much cheaper if you drive down to your local hobby shop, provided they carry MCM.
But I also gave Gregg a long list of mail order slot car only parts houses.  So at least a few of them will be carrying the mag including Professor Motor who welcomed the chance.
So here in America, long as the dollar hasn't collapsed, we have many options.

Internationally thus far, PCH is the only option and I have NO idea how many issues will be sent to Scott as that deal was struck between Gregg and Scott.

Okay?  Okay!

Edit, I forgot to mention Barnes and Noble.  MCM is there so I suspect Slot Car Mag will be as well.

[Pablo]

Okay !   Thanks Jairus, looking forward to it