In Turkey, online music store MuziPlay has forged itself a larger market by selling prepaid music cards.
Much like prepaid telephone cards, 'MuziKarts' are available from newspaper stands and small shops. After activating a code on the card, customers can download and play mp3s using the company's proprietary MuziPlayer. Cards are available in denominations of YTL 3, 5 and 10 (EUR 1.50, 2.50, 5.00/USD 1.95, 3.25, 6.50).
Sounds like a winner for countries where the growth of broadband internet is outpacing adoption of credit cards. The sachet marketing approach to selling songs should also appeal to children. Although Apple sells prepaid iTunes Music Store gift cards through Target stores in the US and a select number of retailers worldwide, distribution through convenience stores and newsstands makes more sense for modestly priced cards. One to copy and fast-forward to other markets?
Related concepts: prepaid privacy and prepaid computing.
Website: http://www.muziplay.com
Contact: info@muzi.com.tr
itunes prepaid cards have been available in conveinence stores in the US since Dec 04', maybe earlier.
In Germany, Austria etc, cards like this have been popular for a long time. They are often used in the adult entertainment industry - with a card like this you get access to picture and video downloads. Cards are attractive not only because they facilitate cost effective micro payments but also because they are a means to organise anonymous payments.
Rich -- Thanks for the info! iTunes prepaid cards only come in higher values though, right? We rather liked this one for its small value cards.
And thanks for your comment, Monique. The 'prepaid privacy' link above actually goes to an article we wrote a few years ago about the use of prepaid cards in the (online) adult entertainment industry.
itunes available in $10 & $15 denomiations - online - you can buy it for any amount though it's just a certificate to print out - not all that cool
And buying online requires a credit card... ;-)
Are there any (prepaid music cards)business opportunities,Franchises/license agreements available for South Africa