Experiences with CDBaby etc?

[GordWait]

As a person interested in selling music as an independent (with no interest at all in the traditional record company path) I'm looking for first hand accounts of experiences with the online web based distribution companies..
Has anyone here had personal good or bad experiences with the online CD distributors like CDBaby.com, CDStreet.com, mp3.com, iuma.com or any others?
I like the idea of CDBaby in that they don't (?) force an exclusive contract on you, so you're free to sell thru multiple channels.
Also, would you list with more than one?
IE do these sites really help on the marketing side, or are they just a convenient way to have a storefront?
IE I could get my own merchant visa account and flog CD's from my basement?
What's your experience?
Cheers,
Gord Wait

 

[RDuke]

I've just set accounts with cdStreet and CDBaby. Both seem like good distribution storefronts for selling your music online, but the marketing aspect is definitely up to you. I'd also suggest getting a web site up, make sample tracks available, get reviews where you can (e.g. Gods of Music), link to these storefronts, set up a direct purchase route as well -- things like Paypal, get some promos out to any radio station or show that'll take 'em. And when you've done all that, odds you'll have made most of your sales yourself through local avenues.

Rick