Three tiered CD distribution for Indies

Hi,

This is what I decided. For now, anyway, because you have to do something.

Following up on my Make Your Own CDs post I've been checking prices and fulfillment services and as always it's a new world every day on the internet.

First the CDR duplication with black on silver printing is available in small quantities around a dollar a disc. So even if you don't want to buy a CD printer and make your own you can still purchase affordable CDRs to promote your music. Meaning it might only take $50 to $100 to make an order and have CDs to sell at your shows.

With regards to HairyLarryLand my plan is to open an account somewhere. Upload the artwork and mail the CD master. Make an order and be sure everything is good. Then let the band/songwriter open an account at the same place. Everything's all set up. All they have to do is order.

I will be selling these CDs from the HairyLarryLand website or CD Baby for $5.95. Black on silver printing in a white envelope. Liner art available on the website.

I have also opened an account at CreateSpace.

createspace.com

They are an Amazon company. They do On Demand manufacture and fulfillment. It's a full color package. Manufacture cost 4.95. They take 15% for sales from your estore. 45% for Amazon sales. Ouch, I know. But you do get your product on Amazon even if the 45% is ridiculous.

CreateSpace also can make your songs available as Amazon downloads. I'm going with both. I'm going to sell the color CDs for 11.95. This price works out good for the estore sales but the take is less than $2 for Amazon sales.

The important thing for me is to see the product on Amazon. Not to make a lot of money. Profits from CD sales are not really part of my business plan.

So I envision a three tier distribution system.

Tier 1 - Free downloads from HairyLarryLand or archive.org. Downloadable liner notes and artwork.

Tier 2 - 5.95 CD with black on silver printing in a white envelope. Liner notes and artwork on the website. This product would be sold at shows and given away for promotion. Sold at HairyLarryLand or CD Baby.

Tier 3 - 11.95 Full color package with everything fancy. Available on the net only. Sold from HairyLarryLand and Amazon.

I think it works. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry