CD Replication Services

When selecting a CD replication service, there are several factors to keep in mind. Replication is not usually advised with small quantities of produced media, as it generally becomes more cost effective after 1,000 copies. After the master copy is received, it will take an average of 10 to 14 days for the production to be complete, due to the extensive process of replication. In addition to performing the actual replication, most service providers will offer supplementary services, such as cases, shrink wrapping, and UPC codes.

A solid replication service will usually have professional equipment. Instead of printing labels on stickers, most quality replication services will offer to silkscreen images onto the disc. This process is long and difficult, and it can be expensive. Film images are required to manufacture the silkscreen, and the ink used in the procedure is different and more expensive than regular ink.

In addition to the charges incurred by silk-screening, there are initial set-up fees that many people are unprepared for. Most services recommend performing an initial run of production to make sure everything is satisfactory. These mini-runs usually involve the manufacture of around 300 discs, at a price close to $2.00 each. Once serious production is approved, the price per disc drops drastically.

Furthermore, many companies require an order of a minimum number of copies, which can end up being several (hundred) more than initially expected. Because of the costs involved for the company in replication, it is not usually profitable for them to do small orders. There are some companies that will approve smaller runs, although they are always at a premium.