3 considerations for picking a CD duplication service

While technology continues to develop and innovate at rapid speeds, the CD has remained one of the most reliable, high capacity and cost effective solutions for storing everything from music and films to documents and business archives. No matter the media type you are looking to distribute, you need to make sure you have the quality and quantity of CDs to be able to get them to your target market reliably and in an acceptable condition. As CD replication and CD duplication technology has become more cheaper and quicker, thousands of companies have sprung up on the internet allowing you to quickly take your data and have it printed hundred, thousands or even millions of times in a matter of days or weeks. 

With all these options, how can you be sure that the CD duplication service you use will offer the correct mix of quality, cost and customer service? Here are 3 top considerations to help you begin to identify the service you need, and the factors which are important to you.

Purpose and quality

Are you intending to sell your CDs, give them out for free at a tradeshow or conference, or sell them in small quantities after your indie band's gigs? Knowing the purpose of your project is a fundamental consideration in selecting a CD duplication service. This decision affects the quality levels you need, any additional service you may want, and any potential issues around how quickly you need them developed. 

If you're not entirely sure at this stage, order a few free samples from the CD duplication service so that you can test out how the quality and reliability may vary between each one.

Replication or duplication

CD replication and CD duplication are very different processes, with different requirements, costs and outcomes. CD Replication essentially creates each disk from raw materials using a stamp of your data. CD duplication on the other hand takes pre-made, blank disks, and prints your content and data onto them. CD replication is generally used in mass media production, for example the latest Hollywood blockbuster, while CD duplication should be fine for most purposes and smaller quantities. CD replication is a much more costly process, but if quality is the only factor that matters, then it may be your best option.

Do you need additional extras?

Most CD duplication services will be able to offer additional extras as part of the process. This could include booklet printing and design, and additional packaging options. Generally, it is cheaper to work with your CD duplication company on these services than to have them done at a later date. If you only need the basic CD duplication services however, you may be able to use this to negotiate a better rate.