a million seller?

[jim simpson]

How many of you out there have played in bands that have put out a cd with a group that is no longer together? You end up with the so called "million seller - I've got a million in my cellar" because you've ended up with a bunch that you can't sell and you've already given one each to all of your relatives. I guess it's often the nature of bands to change members or just break up. How many cd's should one order? I know it's cheaper to order greater quantities but where does one draw the line? Just curious.

[cbogle]

Jim--
Sometimes you just have to cut your losses......but hopefully not too much.

Lately, we've been bundling one of our older cd's (that we have quite a few of) with our newest cd as a "two for twenty bucks" offer. #Gets rid of old inventory that is bought and paid for, helps to get the newer product out there, and the buyer gets a nice deal. Our profit margin's not as high when we do this, but we do move product.

We'd do a cd this year, but I need to clear out some space in my closet!

[Rroyd]

How many CDs does one order? #That question can have a realistic answer if you look at some other factors other than the best price for them. #How often do you play, and at what kinds of venues? #If you just do a regular gig, there will likely be a more limited market for CD sales than if you are playing out a lot. #Do you play festivals or concerts, and if so, how often? #For example, if you play three times a month, but at a different venue each time, with an audience of, say 150 people each time, you might average #10% of them buying a CD. #But playing in a noisy bar on a regular basis, where you are not the main attraction, you might not sell over two or three CDs a week. # Gigs like entertainment at noontime luncheons for service clubs oftentimes
are very lucrative for CD sales. #(Don't ever leave the CDs at home, or just take a half dozen or so; I've seen so many groups run out, thinking it wasn't going to be that kind of gig.) #Also, visit with other bands with CDs who do the same types of jobs you are doing and find out what kinds of sales they have. #Anyway, if you look at some of those types of factors, you should be able to come up with a realistic number of CDs to buy. #You can always order more, and they also make pretty expensive coasters if you get carried away with that initial order.