about sending CDs, DVDS etc for sale

When packing CDs and DVDs to send to us, please ensure that they are well protected. CD and DVD cases are very fragile, crack and scratch very easily, and then require either costly and time consuming re-boxing, or replacement. If we have to replace damaged cases we have to deduct that cost from your sale commission at prices shown on our main list. so: please DON'T:

  • Put loose CDs in a jiffy bag or mailing box and drop them in the post - they are certain to arrive broken or damaged. Like this!! (real life example of a consignment we received, forty or so CDs, put in a mail sack, no packing, sent internationally, result - a write off!)
  • DO NOT mail CDs in jiffy bags unless it's one or two as samples and they are packed so they are not loose in the bag
  • Please do not send us CDs with scratched and damaged cases, with old pricing labels stuck to them etc. CDs and cases need to be perfect, unmarked, in new condition, as the customer expects to receive them!
DO:
  • check to ensure each CD case actually has a CD inside
  • make sure cases are not broken, scratched etc.
  • place a layer of paper or thin wrap between each CD and the next so cases don't scratch. Tape all together then wrap with bubble wrap protecting corners.
  • use a cardboard mailing box to put them in ideally
TIPS FOR ECONOMIC SENDING OF PACKS
  • Within Australia, using Australia Post Parcel Sachets can save you money. For a fixed fee of around A$8-9 you can send at least 25 CDs well packed in several layers of bubble wrap - the weight is up to 3 kg. This is often cheaper than paying by weight/distance.

INTERNATIONAL MAILINGS

It's vital that you get the customs declarations right, and don't send too many CDs in one pack. In particular:

  1. The import value of a pack is assessed by customs on the value of the product as declared, on the documentation with it, in the foreign currency of country of origin, added to which is the cost of postage. This total is then converted into Australian dollars on the date of posting. If the import value including postage is more than A$500 we have to pay tax on the pack and the pack is delayed by up to a week. Therefore packs must not exceed A$500 in value inc. postage. Practically this means that stock for sale must be limited to 25 copies per pack of single CDs. Free promos can be added but remember the postage cost is added to the pack value for tax purposes.
  2. When sending, ensure that the free promotional CDs you send are labelled as samples of no commercial value and that the invoice and documentation shows a NIL value for these
  3. pack with care
  4. use customs forms and fill them in carefully ensuring attention to points 1 and 2 above
  5. attach an invoice in a plastic sachet to the outside ot the pack and ensure it corresponds with what you write on the customs form
TIPS FOR CD MANUFACTURING:
  • put a product number on the CD spine as well as on the actual CD itself. Even if you don't have a bar code, it's really important for peoplewho sell your CD to be able to find it easily. Make up a CD number with a combination of letters and numbers 8 to ten digits long. Use a formula like this - for Fred Smith's 2007 CD, FSCD07001
  • choose card digipak style CD cases rather than jewel cases - they look nicer and are far less prone to damage in the mail - they cost more and are worth every cent.
  • don't have plastic jewel cases shrinkwrapped - it can conceal problems. We have had instances of shrinkwrapped cases with no CDs inside some of them, and many cases where the cases arrive with broken CD retainer lugs. So we have to take shrinkwrap off before despatch to check product, which wastes time and pushes up costs.
  • Add our distribution logo to your CD artwork (contact us for the image)