CD Duplication

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rag
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Rag

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i have been toying with the idea of starting a small independant record label for some time now, but have come to a decission i cant seem to make :S

How should i handle CD duplication?
Should i pay the price for professional manufacuring? Or should i buy an automated Duplicator+printer and do it myself?

Is it possible for me to burn standard "Red Book" cds on cd-rs? Can any automated duplicators such as the bravo handle audio CDs (the ones that write the special codes etc...)? or will they just produce the same results as the cdrw drive in my pc??

Any comments appreciated

Rag
 
Gently now - you might want to read the vmgwebsite. Starting a label has certain risks and the object of any investment should be to minimize risk and maximize profit.

While the website is written primarily to and for Artists, it may be helpful for you to look at the information with a label perspective in mind.

You might find the information regarding counterfeiting and the reasons for it particularly helpful to you and your business endeavors.
 
Rag said:
i have been toying with the idea of starting a small independant record label for some time now, but have come to a decission i cant seem to make :S

How should i handle CD duplication?
Should i pay the price for professional manufacuring? Or should i buy an automated Duplicator+printer and do it myself?

Is it possible for me to burn standard "Red Book" cds on cd-rs? Can any automated duplicators such as the bravo handle audio CDs (the ones that write the special codes etc...)? or will they just produce the same results as the cdrw drive in my pc??

Any comments appreciated

Rag
Click to expand...

If you are looking to do 50 - 100 pc you might look at the Bravo Machines. The nice thing about them is the printing feature. But yes the quality is about the same as burning them on your burner. Ideally these are great when you are making promo copies or product give-away If you want to come off like a pro and are looking for a min 300pc you should probably look at duplication instead of replication. If it looks like your going to do some steady business you can probably work out a deal to get a better price so you can make a few points on the product. As well duplicators will handle the jewel pack, shrink wrap and many will cut you a deal if not give you a free Barcode which is a must when dealing with stores and radio play. You will need to brush up on some basic art chops but most places have all the info they can send you as well as templates of pretty much everything.
 
DiscMakers has a really good affliliate program. www.discmakers.com Explain to artists who you record that costs of manufacturing are coming out of their pocket. If you have a hot act recording on your label who is currently selling their demo cds by the trunkload at shows it might be wise to spot the costs of production knowing that you'll get a good return on the investment. Just my 2 pence :)
 
I'd say go through a duplication company initially. If, down the line, your business starts growing and does more volume, then handling your own duplication might be more economical.

A word of caution about CD Duplication companies though -- its worth it to pay a little more to go with a big name that has a good reputation and policy. I've had some really ugly experiences with the smaller duplicating companies. They have a lot less accountability and are more willing to sacrifice their reputation in order to screw you, I've found.
 
I agree with PK about minimizing risk. The Business should own as little as possible. That way if it fails (notice I said if "it" fails... not if "you" fail... don't let a business failing deter you from trying again) anyway... if it fails, then there's very little work and headache getting rid of the assets.

Also incorporate immediately. If you're a sole proprietor then you "are" the business... if you're incorporated then the business is it's own entity. In other words... if the business goes deep into debt and can't pay for itself they can't touch your personal assets (house car etc) to make restitution. If you're a sole proprietor they can!

- Tanlith -
 
tanlith said:
I agree with PK about minimizing risk. The Business should own as little as possible. That way if it fails (notice I said if "it" fails... not if "you" fail... don't let a business failing deter you from trying again) anyway... if it fails, then there's very little work and headache getting rid of the assets.

Also incorporate immediately. If you're a sole proprietor then you "are" the business... if you're incorporated then the business is it's own entity. In other words... if the business goes deep into debt and can't pay for itself they can't touch your personal assets (house car etc) to make restitution. If you're a sole proprietor they can!

- Tanlith -
Click to expand...

Hey Tan....they still have that Honest Lawyer Rest in town
........what a play on words that is.........

Except the government .......if you are the sole shareholder and you own them money they can close down your accounts and put a for sale sign on the lawn.
If your working with big numbers make sure nothing is in your name
 
Hey pashop!

Yeah the "Honest Lawyer" is still there... when were you out this way? And why the hell didn't ya e-mail me... I'd have bought you a couple rounds & pizza... maybe even a stripper or three! :p

- Tanlith -
 
I'll email ya next time Im in your neck of the woods......pizza and strippers......you border guys sure know how to have fun..lol
Im in Hamburg Mich next week but Im not sure on the route yet
Cheers
 
pashop said:
....pizza and strippers....
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Oh man! I like pizza! I like strippers! I live to far from detroit :D

Oh well...there's always good ol' TJ!
 
thanks for the replies guys, i've been away skiing all week so was quite shocked to find so much input :)


I have read up about the relevant legal information to consider in the UK. All seems do-able in that sense.

The only reason I didnt want to go for big name duplication and do runs of 1000 was beacause i WANT to start small. I dont really need to make a living from this at the moment, also i think i would benifit mentally if i thought of it as a hobby, atleast to start with.

My idea is basicly to help promote good music comming locally from my area (Liverpool, UK). There seems to be very few places for bands to go to get their name out around here. I want to try and build up a kind of 'network' of artists, venues, and fans. So infact, its much more than just a record company, which is just a small section of the whole 'big idea'.

If it works, it will be amazing, and in a few years time music will be flowing from this town to all over the country, and who knows, the world. If it doesnt, then no great loss :)

Anyway, thanks again everyone for your input :)

Rag
 
pashop said:
I'll email ya next time Im in your neck of the woods......pizza and strippers......you border guys sure know how to have fun..lol
Im in Hamburg Mich next week but Im not sure on the route yet
Cheers
Click to expand...


Yeppers! Pizza & Strippers... Windsor's 2 best passtimes... only problem is I can never decide which to eat first.... hrmmmmm


:p :p :p :p :p


- Tanlith -
 
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