For the Short or Long Run

Monday, March 3, 2008

No matter what data or content you are putting onto a CD, you want to make sure that you know exactly where it is going and can put an estimate of how many CDs you need.  Not only will CD duplication allow you to have a product available for the masses, but it will also allow you to plan things exactly as you need them to in terms of quantity.  With options for CD duplication are also abilities for you to decide your amount of CDs, timing and goals with getting your CDs duplicated.  By understanding these differences, you will have more possibilities available to you. 


Short Run Possibilities


The first set of possibilities for your CDs are for the short run.  If you decide to do a short run of CD duplication, you are also deciding that you should get a quantity of 500 or less.  In this instance, most companies will not replicate less than 50-100 CDs.  You will need to check if you need less than this or don't want a bulk amount.  With this specific definition are several perspectives in how this affects your CD duplication. 


The first alteration that this makes is how it will affect those who are interested in your CD.  Depending on your target market or fan base, a  short run of replication will limit you in the number of fans that you are able to reach.  However, depending on what you are doing and what you are using your CD for, you will want to specify who you want to reach and how you will do it. 


Typically, a set of 500 or less CDs as a short run will provide you with the ability to change things after a first set of CDs are duplicated.  If you only want a limited number of copies, are setting a limit on sales for the CDs or don't have a complete market established at the time, the short run will help to give you the extra boost.  Before you decide on duplicating, make sure that you define the specifics of time lines and goals so that you know how many Cds it will take to keep you moving forward.


Long Run


The long run duplication process is going to be a bulk amount of 500 CDs or more.  This type of run can go up as high as you want, typically allowing you to get up to 5,000 or 10,000 CDs in one run.  If you are considering a long run for duplication, you can expect to receive a lower price for the bulk amount as well as other options to help with your run. 


If you are considering long run duplication, you will also want to factor in the pros and cons.  One of the largest things to consider is whether you will need to change anything on the CD or whether you want to alter anything in the future.  If you think that edits may be made, you may want to consider how many CDs you want. 


Another perspective to consider with long run CDs is your market.  If you copy 1,000 CDs for instance, how will you sell them?  You should consider the portals for selling, what you believe the ratio should be and how long you will be able to consider the sales cycle for the CDs.  This will not only depend on the market, but also the content that you have and what you are expecting and projecting for your sales. 


With the replication differences, the major point to consider is the difference between your markets and how you are approaching the sales of your product.  It also includes the type of CD you are manufacturing, including an analysis of your content and where you believe it is at in the process.  When you combine the analysis of these different angles, you can then make the correct determination of what type of run you need.   

0 comments: