[comp.sys.mac.programmer] Software Marketing Companies

lesh@oscar.ccm.udel.edu (04/06/89)

I wanted to find out if anyone has had any experience with
software marketing companies.  I have a program that I
would like to have marketed.  A company call SoftStream
International, Inc. in Mount Laurel, NJ would like to market
it for me.  Is this a reputable company?  They are offering
royalties of 15% of wholesale or 6% of suggested list price
whichever is larger.  Is this a typical royalty arrangement
in the microcomputer software industry.  It seems like I
am only responsible for maintaining the program.  I would
not be financially responsible for any of the marketing
costs incurred.  It seems to be all pluses from on my end
with the marketing company taking all of the financial 
risks.  Please let me know your thoughts and about any
past experiences with this or other marketing companies.

Thanks,

Richard Lesh
CCM
University of Delaware
Newark, DE  19716
302-451-1519

Internet: LESH@OSCAR.CCM.UDEL.EDU
  BITNET: LESH%OSCAR.CCM.UDEL.EDU@CUNYVM

ech@pegasus.ATT.COM (Edward C Horvath) (04/07/89)

From article <12428@louie.udel.EDU>, by lesh@oscar.ccm.udel.edu:
> I wanted to find out if anyone has had any experience with
> software marketing companies...
> ...They are offering
> royalties of 15% of wholesale or 6% of suggested list price
> whichever is larger...

Read the contract carefully, which really means go pay a lawyer and an
accountant a few bucks to read it.  There is a hallowed tradition in
publishing of all kinds that the author ain't gonna make any money unless
the title does well, and he's gonna get less than he thinks even then.

Pay particular attention to how "unforeseen expenses" and such affect
your royalties.  And as general rule of thumb, a piece of the gross is
fine if it kicks in right away, a piece of the net is a license to steal
for the publisher.

I have no direct experience with the company you mention.  I do have
scars from others, though...

=Ned Horvath=