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Amazon debuts on-demand CDs
Company's CustomFlix subsidiary launches service that lets indie musicians upload content that will be manufactured and shipped when ordered.
Independent artists got a shot in the arm today, as Amazon.com debuted its CD on Demand service, allowing musicians to upload content from which Amazon subsidiary CustomFlix will manufacture and ship CDs upon order.
CD on Demand.
The service is designed to let artists reach Amazon's vast customer base without the upfront manufacturing and distribution costs and risks associated with self-producing a large inventory of CDs.
Amazon keeps no inventory of the CDs, which are made when ordered. To use the service, artists or labels pay a $50 flat fee, plus $4.95 to $7.95 per CD, depending on the volume of orders. CDs are shipped with a color booklet as chosen by the artist, color printing on the CD, and a jewel case.
The service is a continuation of Amazon's DVD on Demand service, which launched in April.
"With the launch of CustomFlix CD on Demand, we are once again changing the way independent distribution works," CustomFlix cofounder Dana LoPiccolo-Giles said in a statement. "Based on the success of CustomFlix DVD on Demand, our members have been asking for an inventory-free audio CD solution. By enabling access to Amazon.com's millions of customers, CD on Demand now offers musicians and labels a powerful new way to profitably connect to their audience."
Founded in 2002, CustomFlix was acquired by Amazon in 2005. Earlier this month, Amazon unveiled its Unbox movie download service, putting it into direct competition with Apple's iTunes store, which began selling movies last week.
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