subject: Learn About Using CD Duplication Services [print this page] Learn About Using CD Duplication Services
Today, even small businesses can afford CD duplication and printing equipment. Prices have fallen in recent years, making it an affordable endeavor for many. Semi-professional duplication equipment that can easily handle production runs in groups of 10 or 50 can be found for only a few thousand dollars. Business is good until you receive an emergency order requesting 1000 CDs by the next afternoon for a large mail out. Or what if your client asks for the exact reproduction of their corporation's brand colors? Ink jets usually aren't equipped to handle that kind of job, so it may be time to call for the services of a professional CD duplication company. When dealing with higher volume jobs, the price is probably similar to performing the job yourself due to the scale economics involved. Larger companies work in bulk rates, leading to discounts for them that are passed on to you. And because their facility is larger and able to handle a higher load, they can usually perform the task in 24 to 48 hours. Not only can they duplicate the CDs quickly, they can accurately reproduce prints. Many of these facilities exist, so it should not be too difficult to track one down. Most CD duplication companies advertise online and, due to fierce competition, there are some very cheap deals to be found. Be aware that the cheapest company will probably be cutting corners somewhere though. Therefore, it's advisable to ask for samples to as to be able to check the quality of the disc and print and also to assess their level of customer service. The supplier will provide you with a template on which to provide the artwork you wish to have reproduced. You can find available downloads on most of their sites. Fonts must be supplied, preferably into an outline. The desired file formats are often high resolution PDF or EPS. If you don't mind paying some additional reproduction charges, the suppliers artwork department can help through this process. CD duplication companies are there to reproduce discs and prints, not to double check what you send them. They assume that you have already checked the master copy and are ready for the duplication phase. One common mistake is that a data CD of WAV or MP3 files is sent when an audio CD is to be duplicated. Another frequent error is sending Quicktime or WMV files in lieu of DVD video discs. Assume that you what you send the facility is what you will receive in duplication.
