Do I need to have a UPC code to sell my products? How do I get a UPC code?
Barcodes, also called UPCs, are useful if you plan to do any type of distribution including online sales. If you have a barcode, you will be able to report your direct sales to SoundScan. We own a registered master barcode and are more than happy to generate a unique number for your release. We are also happy to generate the graphic files for you if you own your own UPC. Last we checked, to register your own code is about $700 at www.uc-council.org. You really don't need to get your own company barcode unless you plan to release lots of records from your own label (lots meaning hundreds). Leave a space (1.5 x .5 in. minimum) for the barcode on your traycard and we'll drop it into your design or we can e-mail the code to your designer for placement.
What do those numbers mean?
UPC-A barcodes consist of 12 numbers. The first six are assigned to the company that owns the code. The next four digits are assigned by the company to identify a single release. The 11th digit identifies what type of product you are coding for this release. The final digit is a check digit that is generated by a formula to let the barcode scanner know it read the code correctly. For example, AMG owns the company ID of 677516. We gave your release the next six digits of 123456, that would be your release ID. Once provided to you, that number will never be used again.
How do I get my album counted on soundscan?
In order to have your CD or DVD sales counted by SoundScan you will need to register your title with SoundScan. Thereafter, your sales from SoundScan-reporting stores (e.g., cdfreedom.com) are reported every week. You can register your barcode directly with SoundScan by going to their website: http://www.soundscan.com.
What kind of master should I send?
We accept many formats for masters when replicating CDs and DVDs. We recommend that you send us a CD-R Master for your CD job. This gives you the best option to review your final master before you send it in for replication. We also accept DAT, U-Matic and PCM cartridges. Historically, these other formats were much more stable than CD-R masters. Today, a great master can be created with good quality CD-R media in a quality CD-R burner, recorded to the disc at 1x or 2x speed. The best part about using a CD-R master is that you can compare your final product with the original master with the same player. We replicate your master exactly as you provide it. If you have not had your audio professionally mastered, we recommend that you consider doing so. Professional mastering can make the difference between airplay and no airplay as well as enhance the listener’s experience.
Will my song titles appear when I input my CD to my computer or CD player?
If your master is an audio PMCD and was created with CD Text software, your song information should have been included on your master disc. We can add CD Text to your master for $75.00. Please e-mail us the exact text you would like for each track. Please remember that the text will only show on certain types of CD players and computer software.
How should I prepare my master?
Please supply us with a PMCD master containing P and Q codes properly formatted with frame-accurate SMPTE time log. When prepared properly our replication process will produce an exact copy. Always listen to your master at least once in a good quality player. Do not use a car stereo as you may scratch the surface. Do extended listening on your reference copies.
Why should I use FedEx or UPS to send my master?
Use FedEx or UPS or another reliable TRACKABLE delivery service so you can be sure we received your materials. Please keep back up files and a back up master just in case anything happens to the originals.
How long does it take for AMG to manufacture my discs?
It usually takes 15 business days to manufacture the average CD or DVD. Certain packaging such as Digipaks or CD wallets will add approx 5 business days. A straight reorder with no changes will typically be done in 10-12 business days. Larger quantities may also add a few days onto the process. Typically, CD-R and DVD-R jobs are produced in 10-12 business days. Day "0" is the day you approve your final graphics proof. The fastest way to get a job started is to use PDF proofs and approve them as soon as you get the final PDF proofs from us. |
