How much have you guys spent on them ? for my next project I want to make some CD's and I'm wondering how much money you guys have spent on them.

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Don't dispair, dude! This is something I've looked into a few times now out of curiosity. Its been a while since I last priced anything so I my values may be a little inaccurate too. Plus I'm talking in terms of printing CDs in Australia- the US may be a totally different deal. I haven't checked any of Google's recommendations either.

There's plenty of small run CD printers & package manufacturers out there, but its best to look local for the best deal for small runs. Most local street press magazines should have classifieds cover all the services you'll need. Its pretty common for CD printers to know graphic designers & photographers- some of them will offer total packages of CD printing, CD labelling, packaging & graphic design for a single price.

Assuming the US $ & Aus $ are of equal value (right now the Aus $ buys slightly more), a decent amount to pay for 200 CDs (only CDs, no booklets) with full colour labels would be approx $180-$230. $150-$200 no colour, $100-$130 no label.

Then how you package them gets really varied. If you wanna go DIY you could always stock up on HB pencils, a ruler, a cheapo paper guillotine, PVC glue & light GSM cardboard. Make 'em yourself for less than $80 (that should get you about 30-50 sleeves when you've settled on a design).

A regular jewel case with 2 page (four panel printed) cover should cost another $200 for 100 cases. Basic cardboard CD slipcases with only a front & back should be in the $100-$150 range.

Remember high quality cardboards & inks will cost you more, but they'll look better & last longer. Its a bit of a balancing act, especially if you're doing this out of your own pocket.

All this is assuming you're doing the design work on the case & CD face. Graphic design sourced elsewhere could cost you anywhere between a case of beer & thousands of dollars...

As with everything, shop around & look for friends-of-friends deals etc.

Its probs best to do a DIY job first (<50 copies) to gauge your market to see if you can see a return on the investment on printing up a bunch of CDs that you can't shift.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot for your help

Kunaki is a good resource for pressing up limited runs of something. I just got copies of a split album that my friend and I did- really nice results.