^^^^ If you got charged shipping, you may want to change your order. You basically ordered a paper copy of your download key via snail mail.

MF generally doesn't charge for shipping unless you choose expedited delivery, e.g. 2nd Day Air. So worst case, mortega76 has to delay gratification for a couple days. No harm done in the end, and he got a good price.
 
It's a shame that nearly all audio software companies are going away from physical media. Downloads are PIA if you have slow internet access, and after a lengthy download you still have to make backups. I think most consumers would happily pay a few bucks more for the disks. But for vendors it's convenient and cheap, and you don't have to deal with slipstreaming updates in manufacturing or culling out-of-date copies from fulfillment.
 
I like Spectrasonics' best-of-both-worlds approach: download-only if you buy from them directly, but USB-only from retailers. Buy direct if you want it RIGHT NOW, or buy from a third-party and skip the download, skip the backups, and pay less for the product.

Sonar would be stuck with a lot of "coasters" because new DVD's would need to be replicated each month and the ones that didn't sell?? But ya I miss the good old days and still have my old disks going way back.. It somehow makes me feel better knowing they are in my possession and if the internet blows up someday!! 
 
I just spent 4 days trying to use the Windows 10 installer... gave up,  downloaded the ISO image and burned a W10 DVD... I feel better already having it in hand...it worked of course.. I put it in the sleeve case with my trusty XP SP 3,  W7 and W 8.1 disks  Now to see if they will allow the Free copy for people who use assistive technology's they advertise. 

YMMV, of course, but -- I tried to buy the Platinum lifetime from MF this summer before the deal got extended, exactly for the same reason -- the free CA-2A. The shipment kept getting delayed over and over. When I called, they said they were out of boxes and waiting for more, couldn't just get a serial number to me.

It got too close to the end of the promo period for me to reasonably expect a shipment in time, so I cancelled and bought from one of the online vendors. IMHO, MF needs to up their game and get more digital. Boxes are sooo last-decade.

Hadn't checked this thread in a couple days... I wish I would have then I would have read where you guys mentioned that the box would have been empty! That's hilarious.
 
I went ahead and cancelled my order and they were able to apply my rewards/discounts to the code only order and that sucker came in within 2 minutes of hanging up the phone! Already registered and ready to get me some lifetime updates! Does this also mean lifetime support?

GreyLion
YMMV, of course, but -- I tried to buy the Platinum lifetime from MF this summer before the deal got extended, exactly for the same reason -- the free CA-2A. The shipment kept getting delayed over and over. When I called, they said they were out of boxes and waiting for more, couldn't just get a serial number to me.

It got too close to the end of the promo period for me to reasonably expect a shipment in time, so I cancelled and bought from one of the online vendors. IMHO, MF needs to up their game and get more digital. Boxes are sooo last-decade.

100% unfair criticism.
 
They offer the Download version
 
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/cakewalk-sonar-platinum-on-demand
 
They also offer a boxed version for those that like something physical when shelling out that kind of money.  
 
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/cakewalk-sonar-platinum
 
If it wasn't for the rolling updates, I'd want a box with discs personally.  I'd even like to have a box for my Platinum purchase, if for no other reason than to have an obvious place to print out my login information here and my IDs and Passwords, etc.  Good to have that stuff in a physical as well as digital realm.  

To be fair, they make no mention of physical media anywhere on the page, at least I couldn't see anything.
 
They DO say you need an internet connection for downloads so I suspect it's an empty box.
 
On the other hand I might be totally wrong (nothing new there )

There is no physical media. The box contains a redemption code card, printed versions of the "Getting Started" section and Quick Start Guide. An internet connection is necessary to redeem, download and authorize the product. SONAR may be installed on the PC connected to the internet or the files may be copied from the connected PC to another machine. In order to install Addictive Drums though does require the DAW be connected to the internet.
 
My understanding is the boxed versions are intended for physical stores but many resellers on the web carry both the download and boxed versions.

That's crazy, I remember the days when it was at least 3 DVD's worth of goodies. I'm of the same thinking like Brian its, physical media has a certain something... almost like vinyl! ;)
 
A couple years ago I did buy Toontrack Superior Drummer 2,  Metal Machine EZX, DKFH EZX, and a couple other EZX's that I can't remember right now. I just had to have the physical boxes and CD/DVD's. I think I got them from AudioDeluxe.

I gave up on MF, they charge Canadian customers a handling fee  on top of the exchange rate,, Nobody else does this,, they suck.  I unsubscribed from their  deals.