Members Watch_me_move Posted December 3, 2008 Members Posted December 3, 2008 Need your input. I'm releasing an E.P. and getting it manufactured @ Oasis Cd. They offer bar codes for an additonal price. Should I have that included?
Members The*Ataris Posted December 3, 2008 Members Posted December 3, 2008 There are two criteria to consider when determining whether or not you need a barcode: 1. Will it be distributed at a retail outlet (store or online) big enough to warrant the organizational benefits of a barcode? 2. Are you guys prepared to scan each unit into an inventory system to keep track of your own records? If not, then don't worry about it...especially if they're charging for it. I mean, who DOES that anymore?
Members Watch_me_move Posted December 3, 2008 Author Members Posted December 3, 2008 Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was necessary since it's my band's first release. I would like to get it onto itunes and other online stores though. Just wondering if it was worth it? Thanks for replying!
Members MartinC Posted December 3, 2008 Members Posted December 3, 2008 Get the bar code. A distributor will want it. Any store will want it. Those tracking companies that record sales need it too. If your only making 100 copies forget it. If your making 1000 or more get it.
Members The*Ataris Posted December 3, 2008 Members Posted December 3, 2008 Get the bar code. A distributor will want it. Any store will want it. Those tracking companies that record sales need it too. If your only making 100 copies forget it. If your making 1000 or more get it. What distributor? What store? Is he really going to register on soundscan? I'm willing to bet, if his CD was being distributed nationally, someone else would be forking up the manufacturing costs, no? And any independent store that would carry my CD, for instance, doesn't need a bar code. They all just consign local music.
Members MartinC Posted December 3, 2008 Members Posted December 3, 2008 What distributor? What store? Is he really going to register on soundscan?I'm willing to bet, if his CD was being distributed nationally, someone else would be forking up the manufacturing costs, no?And any independent store that would carry my CD, for instance, doesn't need a bar code. They all just consign local music. When I made my cd, I didn't have a distributor, but I do now. Not the biggest one, but able to get the cd in stores all over the country. He continues to re-order 5 years after we started. They have never offered to pick up my pressing costs. I'd like it if they did. Granted the op is talking about an EP, which, to me, is perhaps a mistake. I'd record a few more tunes before shelling out for art, pressing, etc. But either way a bar code is necessary if you do get a distributor, which could be easier than you think. How much do they want for the bar code? How much have you spent already? Is it a significant % of the total cost to produce the cd?
Members Johnny-Boy Posted December 3, 2008 Members Posted December 3, 2008 How much extra are they charging for the barcode? John:cool:
Members Watch_me_move Posted December 4, 2008 Author Members Posted December 4, 2008 I'm only pressing 300 copies. I have no distribution, on a tight budget....so what now?
Members Johnny-Boy Posted December 4, 2008 Members Posted December 4, 2008 Depends on how much extra they're charging. I'd go with the barcode if you're 100% happy with the final product. I imagine it would be cheaper now than to have the barcode added if you decide to re-order in the future. John:cool:
Members primeelite Posted December 4, 2008 Members Posted December 4, 2008 I always tell people to get a barcode just because you will never know if you want to sell it in a store or if you would want to scan your own cd's to track sales and have something to show investors and labels. If you are planning on doing digital distribution then you could always just do it through TuneCore and they give you a free barcode with your distribution which you could then put on your CD for free.
Members BipolarAxeMan Posted December 5, 2008 Members Posted December 5, 2008 If you're paying more than 10 cents you're getting ripped.
Members sabriel9v Posted December 5, 2008 Members Posted December 5, 2008 Get the bar code. A distributor will want it. Any store will want it. Those tracking companies that record sales need it too. If your only making 100 copies forget it. If your making 1000 or more get it. I agree with Ataris on this one. The OP should decide what he wants out of the cd first and proceed from there. A barcode might be a waste of money if the cd is not meant to turn any heads on the Soundscan boards or at retail stores.
Members backtoblue Posted December 5, 2008 Members Posted December 5, 2008 It seems to me charging for a barcode is kind of a ripoff. I mean, kunaki.com offers them for free and they only charge $1.75 per CD.
Members danosongs Posted December 6, 2008 Members Posted December 6, 2008 Yes, definitely. If not you will be limited in what you can do and regret not getting it.
Members SunRaFan Posted December 6, 2008 Members Posted December 6, 2008 Why bother? You can get one on a second pressing if you see the need for it then.
Members Bryan Connolly Posted December 7, 2008 Members Posted December 7, 2008 Sales information from the barcodes can be used as proof you've sold X amount of copies.
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