CD and DVD packaging and presentation choices for an audio CD or DVD manufacturer or distributor — or any company with a DVD or CD to sell — run the gamut from simple paper CD sleeves, to plastic trimline, Digipak® and jewel boxes. Wholesale DVD cases come in standard, slimline or multi-DVD formats. A CD or DVD manufacturer needs to consider not only cost, but also shipping, distribution and sales methods (retail or mail order) before ordering CD/DVD packaging.

Companies that sell CDs or DVDs from an e-commerce site have to purchase CD mailers and DVD mailers in addition to storage cases. Evaluate the following choices for CD and DVD packaging.

1. Decide what packaging to use for your audio CDs, including CD mailers;
2. Order CD packaging from companies that specialize in CD/DVD packaging;
3. Consider a one-stop shop for CD and DVD mastering, promotion and packaging; and
4. Buy DVD packaging and CD cases from a general packaging expert.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide on CD and DVD mailers and other packaging

CD and DVD packaging comes in so many different forms that it's important to consider how the packaging can impact point of sales purchases and customer reactions, since consumers see the DVD or CD case before they watch the movie or listen to the CD.

I recommend: Cost effective choices like Digipak® and other paper based storage cases, can help you to eliminate scratched or broken jewel cases, as well as save money. Plastic trimline or C-shell cases offer another solution for companies that prefer lighter CD cases. Look at Supermediastore.com for a complete selection of CD/DVD packaging options. Consider Media Supply for an equally large selection of wholesale CD packaging and wholesale DVD packaging. Check out MJK Disc Productions for descriptions of different CD and DVD cases.

Order CD packaging and DVD packaging from companies that specialize in CD/DVD packaging

If your company needs mailers, sleeves or other wholesale CD and packaging , including specialty CD packaging and specialty DVD packaging, choose a company that sells only CD and DVD packaging. They can offer a better selection and specialty packaging since they only concentrate on CD and DVD packaging

I recommend: Consider a CD and DVD packaging specialist like Information Packaging for DVD mailers, CD mailers and CD and DVD packaging of all kinds. A packaging service company like IntegraCore also offers fulfillment and replication services, and gives you the choice of outsourcing shipping services to save your company time.

Consider a one-stop shop for CD and DVD mastering, promotion and packaging

Several companies provide CD and DVD services and products for recording artists, record companies, filmmakers and organizations that need full CD and DVD services for mastering, pressing replication, fulfillment and distribution and packaging.

I recommend: Fulfill all CD and DVD needs, from mastering, replication to authoring and CD and DVD packaging supplies by using a full service company like Disc Makers, a favorite of many recording artists and small record companies. Check Copycats for similar services and packaging.

Buy DVD packaging and CD cases from a general packaging expert

For wholesale CD and packaging in bulk, a general packaging supplier that handles many kinds of packaging, such as boxes and food containers, can provide good discounts for simple mailers, sleeves, DVD cases and CD cases.

I recommend: Browse PackagingSupplies.com to find labels, sleeves, polybags and CD mailers. Choose a packing supply like PackagingPrice.com if you need mailers or sleeves and on a tight budget.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you have a DVD or CD project that requires several products, and services, such as duplication, CD mailers and CD cases, inquire about discounts for all the included services and CD/DVD packaging as an all-inclusive deal.