Recommendation for Album Sales Formats

Daniel Jones · Post by **Daniel Jones** » 30 Oct 2016 8:26 am

I tried posting this request in the "For Sale: Music, etc." section and got no responses, so I'm trying in another section of the Forum.

Our music group, Standard Deviations, is in the final stages of producing an album (it's turning out really well!), and I plan to put it out for sales in time for Christmas. So here's the question: would SGF consumers prefer CD format or Digital Download? (There's two different licensing costs, so I am trying to assess relative attractiveness to purchasers.)

Pertinent info: this will be a 14-song album. It will be offered through CD Baby. I plan on a CD price of $15 (+$3.50 postage CD Baby adds), and a Digital Download price of $10 (entire album).

What are your thoughts on these formats?

Thanks,

Daniel

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 30 Oct 2016 9:38 am

Personally, I prefer CDs, Daniel.

Looking forward to your new album. I'm sure it'll be great.

Jim

Will Houston · Post by **Will Houston** » 30 Oct 2016 9:56 am

Ron Funk · Post by **Ron Funk** » 2 Nov 2016 6:37 pm

CD with good liner notes

Steven Paris · Post by **Steven Paris** » 5 Nov 2016 6:41 pm

It doesn't cost $3.50 to mail a CD.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 5 Nov 2016 7:01 pm

The artist has no say over how much CDBaby charges for shipping. Since that $3.50 also includes the cost of the packaging and handling, as well as the postage, personally, I don't find it too egregious. I used to add $2 to ship a CD to folks, but then realized I was losing money every time, since it cost me a buck (or more) for the mailer, plus more than a buck for the postage. (And I wasn't charging for my labor, of course.)

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 5 Nov 2016 7:14 pm

In general I prefer downloads. Instant gratification and playable on multiple devices (of which I have too many).

h

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 7 Dec 2016 7:53 am

Steven Paris wrote:It doesn't cost $3.50 to mail a CD.

As Jim alluded to, it definitely costs more than $3.50 to mail a package like a CD in a mailer. More like $3.86, depending on the destination. Not including cost of mailer, gas to the P.O., time and labor involved.

I ship all my courses by Package rate, even though I could use Media Mail, or Large Envelope. This is because I want a tracking number on the transaction, so both the purchaser and I know where the parcel is and when it was delivered. Especially when someone orders multiple courses from me, which can add up real quickly in price.

Josh Yenne · Post by **Josh Yenne** » 29 Dec 2016 12:19 am

Absolutely download.

A lot of artists out here are just doing Vinal and download cards. The cd is a bit of a dead technology at this point

Andy Zahnd · Post by **Andy Zahnd** » 29 Dec 2016 12:25 am

sales on Live-Gigs: CD's only! But also I prefer the downloads!Easier and always with me on my Iphone!

Ronald Sikes · Post by **Ronald Sikes** » 29 Dec 2016 4:12 am

If you purchase CDs through Amazon you also get free downloads of that cd. I like CDs.

Steve Hitsman · Post by **Steve Hitsman** » 29 Dec 2016 4:58 am

The cd is a bit of a dead technology at this point

I apparently have around 700 examples of "dead technology" with more constantly being added.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 29 Dec 2016 8:00 am

It took a huge wrench to drag me into the present when CDs overtook vinyl and cassettes in the market place. I can't see me changing again at my age.

Steve - I have more 'dead technology' than you do!

I suppose I still don't entirely trust the notion of something existing only in the ether; I need the item to be in my hands, Luddite that I am.

The younger generation are far more amenable to the download option as that's what they've grown up with. I'm one dinosaur who thinks he's at the cutting edge by having compact discs!

Marco Schouten · Post by **Marco Schouten** » 29 Dec 2016 9:33 am

I prefer downloads, mostly from Google Play.
If a cd or vinyl is the only option, I will rip/record and convert to mp3 anyhow.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 29 Dec 2016 9:47 am

Roger Rettig wrote:It took a huge wrench to drag me into the present when CDs overtook vinyl and cassettes in the market place. I can't see me changing again at my age.

Steve - I have more 'dead technology' than you do!

I suppose I still don't entirely trust the notion of something existing only in the ether; I need the item to be in my hands, Luddite that I am.

The younger generation are far more amenable to the download option as that's what they've grown up with. I'm one dinosaur who thinks he's at the cutting edge by having compact discs!

As am I.