Custom CD packaging Essentials

There are plenty of things to consider when you want to have a custom CD packaging for your album. I know you just want to get all creative with your album packaging but certain factors like shipping costs, storage space, printing costs, exposure to certain elements, and the like should be considered. Here are some basic things you should consider when designing your music CD packaging.

Pricing of distributors and retailers

There is a reason we don't see lots of albums in custom packaging in record stores. That is because they charge more for special boxes. The standard (and probably the cheapest) CD case for retail is the jewel case. The jewel cases are easy to store, easy to transport, and their racks are designed for such cases. You have to ask each store of their rules and pricing for albums with custom CD packaging.

Weight

If you're planning to make a big box with lots of goodies inside, you should consider your shipping expenses. Do you think your fans are willing to pay additional $10 to get your stuff? It really depends on how popular you are already and how rich your fans are. If you're as famous as KISS, then maybe it's fine to make a special collector's edition Coffin packaging for your album. But if you're not yet that famous, you should create something creative but not as expensive.

Durability of your design

You have to be sure that the materials you use are durable and go well with each other. It is advisable that you create mock-ups to evaluate your design.  You expose it to certain elements and check whether it is still capable of protecting the discs inside.

Functionality of your design

Aside from making it look aesthetically pleasing, you also have to make sure that your design does not compromise your CD packaging's main role- which is to protect the CD inside. There are lots of really creative designs but are too flimsy and do not hold the CDs in place. Make sure than when you're designing your Custom CD packaging, you consider both creativity and functionality but functionality should always be above creativity.

Placement of the Barcode

The barcode is a requirement of retailers and they should be easily seen. Do not hide it. Same goes with the logos.

 

About the Author

Visit our blog if you want to get custom CD packaging ideas. Unified Manufacturing is a 10-year-old CD duplication company based in LA. You can e-mail our project manager, Mr. James Hill, if you want to ask specific questions about our custom CD packaging service.