On-Demand CDs and Cassettes

1) Review Packaging

As a RetroSynth Artist, the following options are available for on-demand CD and Cassette products. These are low-cost products typically with no up-front investment.

COMPACT DISCS – On-demand CDs are offered with recommended jewel case packaging, full color inserts and disk printing, cellophane wrapping. These are single inserts with no booklets and the back tray is grey. An alternative is the cardboard jacket and disc option that also includes cellophane wrapping.

CASSETTES – On-demand cassettes are offered with full-color printing only on the outside J-card. There is limited area on the fold-around back tab. Cassette housings are clear. Also know that tapes lengths are ALWAYS 43 minutes per side and not cut to length. So if your entire release is less than 43 minutes, we suggest having ALL songs on Side A and ALL songs on side B.

2) Add to Bandcamp ASAP

If you wish to offer CDs or Cassettes to your supporters, we highly recommend you introduce the option on your Bandcamp page during initial preorders or launch of the digital version. Even if the products are not yet available, simple request a mockup image for the product photo and set prices at that time.

COMPACT DISCS:
$14 retail for standard CD
$8 shipping in US
$14 shipping for International (outside US)

CASSETTES:
$14 retail for standard Cassette
$6 shipping in US
$20 shipping for International (outside US)

3) Create Artwork

Once your packaging is decided, you can create or commission artwork. RetroSynth designers can also assist in the creation of artwork, or even take your artwork ideas and form them into viable package layouts. Contact us at retrosynthfam@gmail.com to request assistance.

Specs: Templates are available in layered Photoshop files or simple JPGs. Artwork will be prepared at 300dpi, no bleed, RGB JPGs. Once created please, retain your files should we need to create your CD or Cassette product again. Please turn off guide layers before creating final artwork.

On-Demand CD Templates:
-Download Photoshop and JPG Artwork and Mockup CD Templates
-Use the “Templates-No-Bleed-Vendor 1 US” unless advised otherwise

On-Demand Cassette Templates:
-Download Photoshop and JPG Artwork and Mockup Cassette Templates
-Use the “On-Demand Cassette Templates” only

4) Provide Assets to RetroSynth

We request that you send your CD or Cassette assets to RetroSynth so we can create your test product. Assets include CD or Cassette packaging artwork, 16-bit 44.1 WAVs (or higher quality), track order, copyright info, credits, RetroSynth catalog number, and UPS/EAN number (often from distro).

The test product allows us review your on-demand merch for quality control. Once approved, we will be able to start shipping products to customers. The following items are needed, but please submit your assets via email (use a cloud sharing link like Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer). Contact us at info@retrosynthrecords.com.

5) Fulfillment through Bandcamp

If your Bandcamp store is connected to RetroSynth per your contract, we will receive and fulfill orders for your on-demand CDs or Cassettes. Allow at least 2 weeks before any products start shipping for the first time. Once in production, US deliveries take 5-7 business days. International deliveries take 4-6 weeks to deliver.

6) Test Products and Bulk Orders

On-demand merch typically incurs no up-front costs with a few exceptions.

TEST PRODUCTS – A single Test Product order is included in the process and will be sent to an approved RetroSynth staff member for review and quality assurance. Multiple Test Product or artist copies of on-demand merch will be available only at cost to the artist.

BULK ORDERS – You can also order your on-demand products in bulk and have them shipped directly to you for a reduced up-front cost. Discounts will be available per your contract agreement.