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We get lots of questions every day. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions for you to review. If you have a question that is not covered here, just ask us for an answer!
How does the program take me from online sales to in-store retail placement?
Stretch The Skies has two main avenues of distribution that tie in together -- Online Distribution and The Music Button. First, Stretch The Skies' online distribution, works somewhat similar to the other online distribution sites out there. However, instead of one website store, we have multiple affiliate store fronts. There are 40+ separate stores and they are growing by the day. All stores are respectable company websites (music-industry related) that hold all of our artists' album(s)/merchandise (example; http://stretchtheskies.com/?goto=products§ion=store&ts=84899702&session=&aid=16 ). Also, we have the Music Button, a link you can paste anywhere html is accepted (website, MySpace, online profiles, email, etc.). When your fan clicks on to your unique Music Button, it brings them to an online store front that has only your album(s) and merchandise. That way, a consumer won't get side-tracked into buying another artist's album instead of yours. From this point, we take care of the payment/credit card processing and ship the product. So, you have your own personal means of online distribution, as well as us putting your product in our streams of online distribution. All Music Button and online store sales are also SoundScan reportable, with a barcode (also obtainable through your STS Artist Tool Box).
Once we see a sales trend in particular areas, we move to conventional retail distribution. We are affiliated with Trans World Entertainment (FYE, Coconuts, Strawberries, Wherehouse Music, Music Land, etc.), a total of 1,330 stores nationally. We have many store locations to best place your album(s) for maximum sales to help save the artist both costly return fees and time from miss-marketed distribution, as many past Independent albums in had a high no-sale, return product to distributor rate.
This process has been working wonderfully! It is also non-exclusive. We, at STS, take an initiative to distribute/promote your products. More importantly, we are also set up for the artists, themselves, to promote with our distribution tools. The result can be as successful as the artist strives to make it.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. The Distribution Tool/Music Button can be purchased in your STS Artist Tool Box, along with a vast number of other important Artist Tools. If you do not currently have a free account with Stretch The Skies, please log onto www.stretchtheskies.com for a no-commitment free account.
Are you going to make me a superstar?
No, you are. We are here to shorten and smooth the path to any level of success. We bring compliment, ease and knowledge to hard-working artists. Though encouraging, we are not here to chase and motivate acts into doing the things they need to do.
Can I receive SoundScan credit for CD sales at my shows?
Yes, if you are willing to cut us $0.25 per CD you report to absorb some of our costs of reporting, have a barcode, and do your paperwork!
Does purchasing the Music Button automatically place me in the STS music store?
No. The Music Button was created to allow any artist to sell their CDs from their website as well as a host of other locations and through email. The STS Music Store is placed by product evaluation only, and will be promoted and advertised to consumers as a super high quality independent music store. In other words, the STS Music Store is there to place products that are really ready, from a quality standpoint, to be placed in regular retail stores. This promotes a trust with STS Music Store shoppers that they will not have to worry about general recording quality, or general assembly quality because artists with top-notch products stock the store; they will not have to sort through a mountain of CDs guessing at quality.
Can I distribute DVDs just the same as C.D.s?
Yes, by utilizing the same process as you would a C.D.. With a Free Account you may sign-up for The Music Button through your Artist Toolbox. A DVD has the same conditions, and chances to be distributed at a major retail location as a C.D..
How much DOES it cost?
Membership with Stretch The Skies by itself is free. Like any business, making money is a necessity. However, it is not our primary focus. We truly created STS for the benefit of the artist, and though we have pay services, we approached prices as fairly as possible. For example, we offer the Music Button, but it is very inexpensive (at $39.95 per year), to utilize, and we don't make any money beyond the fee to administer the service unless the artist does too.
You won't find a price list for our manufacturing. That is because we quote EVERY job individually - because every job is individually unique!
And so on! The point is, that most artists are out there working a day job and busting their tails after work, with very little funding to pursue their art. We focus on systems that are essential to a music CAREER, and the goal is to design as many systems as we can to be affordable to every artist.
If I sign up, will my CD actually be in F.Y.E. stores all over the U.S.?
Immediately? Probably not. But is it possible for your music to end up in all stores? Absolutely! It largely depends on you. The whole idea behind
the Localeyez program is for you to buy and deploy your Music Button, and demonstrate to retail, by the number of discs you sell on-line and at your
shows, why you should be there. Once you demonstrate your promotion is strong enough to sell product and the public wants it, it is intelligently placed to move product so you don't suffer a huge expense to return it.
What is the benefit for you? You get to build your project at an intelligent pace, and not lose all your profit. If you look closely at the
program, you will see that for $39.95 you can start making all the
music sites on the internet into a personal store for you. Selling online and at shows in some areas will lead to retail placement in those areas.
EXAMPLE: If we see
you are selling in say, Chicago, Detroit and Tampa, we will get the
discs in those places for starters. Show us sales in more markets,
and you will get those as well... So, the long answer is YES, it
is possible! Are you willing to work hard for it? We are here to
help. We also handle all the distribution for you with the Music
Button, and almost 30 supplemental tools are now available to support your efforts!
What makes Stretch The Skies different from other online distribution?
Stretch The Skies offers The Music Button! This is a link that allows you to post, and repost anywhere HTML is excepted. This means; websites, MySpace, online profiles, email, epks, anything that you can think of. In-turn you have your own personal online storefront that allows you to sell your discs, and merchandise with NO competition from other artists.
This Online Distribution is the direct gateway to major retail distribution. We are the exclusive distributers to F.Y.E. - For Your Entertainment, and their sister stores.
What needs to be done to play In-stores?
Usually F.Y.E. - For Your Entertainment, and their sister stores require you to be selling at that particular store. This is because that store can reorder your disc if your in-store appearance promotes a wave effect with sales.
The best way to to inquire about in-stores, is through the management at the stores that you want to play. These in-stores are generally effective with moving discs, and may earn your disc a space on the sales rack.
What makes the STS Music Store different from any other online store?
Quality and Price. Though everyone may sell through the Music Button, the STS Music Store requires that we handpick your material for placement in the store, and that you are willing to price your CD at $9.99 or less. We want to guarantee our consumers great quality and great pricing.
Do I have to purchase a separate Music Button for every CD I have for sale?
NO! You need a separate Music Button for every CD you want to sell, but you may establish as many Music Buttons as you have individual CD products to sell under your standard annual fee of $39.95.
I eventually want to get my CD into retail stores. Can STS help?
If the product deems placement, yes. However, there is a lot to be evaluated and considered before intelligent placement will occur. It is case by case and usually comes about through our guidance once a project has matured to placement level. Some projects do come to us ready to go, and we are able to get artist's started in that direction almost right away. The bottom line is that we like a good client/service relationship to be established and have some time to gain a strong level of confidence in a project and the people in it before placement.
Do I have to keep track of my sales through the Music Button myself?
No. Anytime we refer to enabling your SoundScan reporting, it is because we are reporting sales for you. Whether at the venue OR for online/Music Button sales within our services.
Would outsourced services be less expensive if I went through that company myself?
In general, no! We work hard through our partnerships to bring you the lowest cost possible. In most circumstances, we are able to bring the service through us at less cost than the artist dealing with the third party company directly, as we are working with many artists with their services rather than just a single artist. In some circumstances, you will see the price the same, but it has been integrated with STS to make it a more encompassing, streamline system. In a few cases, you may see a higher price because the third party service has been augmented and complimented by additional service inlay from STS.
Is $9.99 the maximum I may charge for my CD through STS?
No! Through STS and the Music Button, you may charge any price from $4.00 US and up. We do recommend $9.99 out of sheer experience, but we do not require an artist to set that or any other price, so long as the $4.00 minimum is met.
How many discs do I need to sell online before I'm placed in Major Retail?
There is no definite answer! We are looking for a trend of online purchases in certain regions. Once we notice this trend, (and we will) we contact you as the artist to move your discs into that regions retail stores, (FYE, Coconuts, Strawberries, Wherehouse Music, Music Land, etc.). Now, because your Online Distribution allows a consumer base located anywhere globally. This process can keep repeating itself. In theory, it's possible to have disks on the shelves of North America's largest music retailer in all 50 States!
How much does STS take out of my album/merchandise sales for their handling fees?
Stretch The Skies takes a flat rate of $4 out of album/merchandise sales online. This covers the warehousing, and processing of all your products to your consumers.
Does Stretch The Skies own any of my material?
NO, not as a member, or if you are using our services. However, STS does house a label component. Occasionally, our label component will find an artist they really want to work with through STS services, and if that artist accepts an offer for some form of recording contract, material ownership could be a stipulation. This is only a concern if you are getting signed!
Do the processing fees for credit card sales come out of my pocket?
NO! Processing fees come out of our pocket! A major advantage to using the Music Button is that it absorbs the expense of artists offering credit card purchasing. But absorbing that expense is a considerable cost to STS. We also arrange payment with artists for over the phone credit card transactions. In any case, the credit card company takes a percentage of the transaction, as well as charges annual fees for usage of the system. This is a part of our cost of bringing you a service, and is taken directly from our cut on revenue sharing.
What would make an artist ineligible for Soundscan?
Basically, you need to have a barcode. If you don't have a barcode, we can provide you one. We then list that barcode with SoundScan. If your product is already barcoded we check to see if it is listed with SoundScan, and if it is not we will list it.
Beyond the requirement of a barcode, if an artist is found cheating on sales reports, that would make the artist ineligible for further SoundScan reporting. Especially through STS!
Who sets the sale price of my CD?
You do! However, there is a minimum price set of $4.00 USD per product, and we always recommend a price point of $9.99 or less. When utilizing the Music Button the price point is up to you beyond the $4.00. If eligible for placement in the STS Music Store, we generally don't accept any pricing higher than $9.99. Especially through STS!
Do I need to submit a demo before joining officially?
No. Join, and then send a demo. Everyone may join. We recommend sending a demo after you join so that we may refer to it and review it for eligibility in advanced system placement. In fact, send us a whole press kit as it allows us to better get a feel for your project, make suggestions for marketing improvement, and better inform other folks in the industry about all your project has going for it!
If I am already selling from an online store, can I use the Music Button as well?
ABSOLUTELY! We are established for the purpose of Artist progression; we would never ask that an artist use STS services exclusively or that would completely limit your resources. The Music Button is designed to provide you reported retail and ecommerce where you can't yet establish it, or to make it easier and more efficient than your current method. Utilize the Music Button to compliment the hard work and effort you've already put forth. You sure wouldn't place your music in a chain store that required you to pull your music out of others!!
How often will I receive a check from my sales?
When payable accounts reach $30.00 USD, less any deductions of balances due by you, you will be mailed a check right away, payable and sent to the administrator and address in your STS account.
What is the minimum quantity of CD's I have to have in inventory?
ZERO. A funny answer, but true! Because we do real-time, one-off fulfillment for those that elect to use it, we don't even create the product until the moment it has been ordered. So for those artists that choose to use this option, zero is the correct answer!
Otherwise, if an artist is shipping us inventory for the first time, we recommend they send us 5 copies to start (plus one copy for reference and records), and we'll request more inventory as needed.
Can I sell other merch, like t-shirts and hats, through the music button?
Not yet, but we have been flooded with requests to make the same properties used to sell CDs through the Music Button made available for merchandise as well. It is currently on our design plate along with many other things! We hope to announce the availability of said utility in the next several months.
Does STS provide all services on the website or does it outsource?
Both. The design is to provide as many resources in one location as possible. For some services it makes sense to build and facilitate right here at STS. Other times it is far more efficient to outsource goods and services. Why reinvent the wheel? For those types of goods and services we seek to provide, we screen potential partners. If we establish a partner to provide a service for STS artists, it is done because we trust the partner, feel the partner provides a quality good or service, and the price is very worth what you get!
Can I get signed through STS or will STS sign me?
You never know! We do own an independent record label and have taken an artist national in the past. If we found just the right project, we would consider signing as a possibility. As far as getting you signed, the entire STS system is sculpted to garner you the attention of the industry. That is why such a strong emphasis is put on reporting with Neilsen SoundScan, sales records, establishing draw and super-professional presentation! We'll leave you with this, one of the letters of this type we have received, as an example for those that don't want to take our word for it:
"My name is ------ -----, I work with --- -----, VP of A&R at MCA Records. We've been noticing your band's name come up on several occasions, and have heard good things. We also noticed the good review you received in R&R. After some follow up research, this seems like something we might really be interested in. We were hoping you could send us a sample of your music. Materials can be sent to the following address;
MCA Records Attn: --- -----, VP of A&R ---- -------- --- --- --- -- -----. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely, - -----,
MCA Records
Can I Track my Present Inventory?
Yes, your Music Library Link in your Artist Toolbox well give you an up to the minute inventory on all your discs in our warehouse.
Can I Track My Present Accounting?
Yes, using your Transaction Report link in your Artist toolbox will give you all your financial accounting information. This information is real time.
Can Stretch the Skies also upload DIGITAL VIDEO content to digital sellers?
Yes, but right now only to Rhapsody.
I bought a Music Button, now what do I do?
Getting your Online Distribution started:
First: After the purchase of The Music Button, please fill-out your Album Information. This is located by clicking your Music Library button, which is located in your Artist Toolbox. We cannot activate your Music Button until this is done.
Second: Please send us your initial inventory of (6) C.D.s. to our warehouse, 5 for sale and 1 for reference. Once your initial inventory reaches our warehouse, we'll notify you via email. When your inventory gets low, we'll send you an email. Your inventory is also accessible in real-time under your Album Information. Depending on how your item sold, we may ask for another 5 discs, or a greater quantity.
Third: By using your Music Button code, located in your Album Information after it is filled-out, post away! There are a few different codes, they are self explanatory for different applications. If you have any questions, or difficulties posting your Music Button please contact our IT department.
Send inventory to:
Stretch The Skies Warehouse
770 Emerson St.
Rochester NY 14613
585-254-0420
warehouse@stretchtheskies.com
When will we receive payment for our sales?
Whenever you're owed an amount that reaches atleast $30.00 we will cut you a check. We cannot cut a check to you if the "Make checks payable to:" block isn't filled-out in your artist information.
I don't have a credit card, can I still pay for items from your site?
Yes!
You can simply send a money order in with your inventory. Please send to:
Stretch the Skies
Warehouse and Distribution
770 Emerson Street
Rochester NY 14613
Send 6 discs(5 inventory and 1 reference) along with your 39.95.
Should you purchase any other services in the future, you can do it by money order as well.
If you want to purchase a CD from our store it may be done in the same manner! Just Include a note telling us which CD you'd like and send all materials to:
Stretch the Skies
Attn: CD Sales Dept
Warehouse and Distribution
770 Emerson Street
Rochester NY 14613
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