unfortunately we come across this too much!
clientsfromhell:
Clients don’t always read the emails. They just look at the pretty pictures.
Me (1:30pm) : Hey [client], attached are the final comps for your bookmarks. They are now updated with the identifying color schemes to match each topic. Don’t worry about the little black hash marks in the corners, those WILL NOT print. They are there so that the printing guys can reference how to set them up for press. I need your approval by 4pm today to get these back by EOD tomorrow.
Client (4:15pm): Hey B, what’s up with the little black marks in the corners? I don’t get it. Why did you add them to the design? Please remove them and send me another proof. Oh, and do you think the printing guys can move up the delivery time to noon tomorrow?
Originally Posted in June, yet relevant every month, we take another look at our biggest piece of advice to bands:
Every week we get at least one band contacting us asking for CDs in time for their CD release show. Why, oh why, do you have a CD release show set up, but no CDs in your posession?! It’s pretty astounding how much this happens, then again, knowing how excited bands get after their recording is finished, it’s not entirely surprising. So here is a BIG tip that will save you money, stress, and disappointment.
DO NOT set up your CD release show until you physically have the CDs you will be selling in your hands.
This is not a knock towards bands that have already set up a CD release show prior to getting their CDs submitted for duplication. However, this is meant to give advice and help bands for their benefit. So, while we do enjoy taking on rush orders, they do cost you (the band) money to upgrade to a rush. Our average turn around time is 10 - 15 business days for the prices listed. That’s 2 - 3 weeks. We DO take on a lot of rush orders, so usually the turn time is closer to the 15 business days. Add in time-in-transit and that could add up to one whole month before the CDs are in your hands and ready to sell.
If you want to optimize your selling, I then recommend setting up the CD release show at least 2 - 3 month(s) down the road; promoting it with confidence knowing you have your CDs in time. If you got unique packaging with us you can hype it up a TON before the show. I also recommend having something special just for that show that you can hype too (i.e. special silk screened posters). Added bonus for people coming to the show. Use the advance copies and give them to local radio stations that might cover your type of music and have them promote your show. Send additional copies out to blogs/news sites that can also help promote the CD release show. All of these places will appreciate and give more attention to a proper release, rather than being given a Staples brand CD-R with Sharpie marker on it.
Then the only thing left to do is tour! Get in your van, station wagon, bikes, etc. and play all over and as much as you can to new crowds every night. The internet is your biggest weapon to promote your shows, record, and merchandise. Have combo packages where you sell your CD, shirts, buttons, posters, etc., together for a lower price. The selling possibilities are endless, but be prepared to work your butt off!
Yet still, if you are in a band, have a CD release show set up already and need your CDs quick. GET IN TOUCH! We’ll do the best we can to get you something in time.
