I've seen threads on the premium DVD cases used such as Loktah and others, but I wondered if anyone could recommend a "standard" black DVD case that holds together well and looks good? The ones I've purchased off amazon or ebay (mistake, I know) either the film piece on the outside usually looks a little dirty at first or the plastic will easily break when I am putting the DVD insert paper in it.

Stick with reputable dealers and you should be fine.

DVD Cases, CD Cases | Meritline.com (http://www.meritline.com/dvd-cd-cases---c-7580.aspx)

I just got 100 of these in the mail and they seem to be really great quality, none broken, and sturdy. Good price too and free shipping.

Professional Grade 14mm Single Black DVD Cases - 100% New Material. (http://www.shop4tech.com/item9709.html)

I also had problems with the cheap bulk cases purchased on line. The plastic was so thin that many of the cases would be warped, I now get mine from Staples-more expensive but much sturdier.

Art

These guys are great! Wedding DVD Cases - Blank DVDs - DVD Jewel Case - VHS Tape Packs – Warehouse Video, Middlesex, UK (http://www.warehouse-video.co.uk/) No need to design covers.

This is the one that I have been using for years. also from Meritline

Black Single DVD Cases, 14mm Super Premium Quality with Clip & Full Sleeve, Made with New Material, Wholesale Volume Discount Available (http://www.meritline.com/showproduct.aspx?ProductID=20513&SEName=single-black-w-clip-full-sleeve-dvd-case)

I get most of my cases from USPlastics.com. They have actual Amaray cases that you can buy in any quantity you want, in both single and double-disc versions. I think they look better than what you get at most other online sellers, and they are the same quality as the cases most movies come in at the store. Never had the plastic sleeve tear on any of mine. A couple of times I have received one or two cases in an order that had small spots on the plastic sleeve where it looked like it had gotten too hot and melted a bit, but it's a rare problem and overall I'm very, very happy with US Plastics.

What about case inserts? I am having a hard time finding good 14mm DVD case inserts. Especially in bulk.

I know what you mean.... these are super sturdy too and I always buy in 100 bulk.

https://www.surething.com/ST/Product.asp?ProdCode=34013

I bought letter size photo paper from Costco. They are in great quality at great price. I designed the DVD insert page template myself, moving the design to the top left. Then with borderless printing, I only need to use an xacto knife to trim the bottom and right edge.

You can download my template here.
DVD cover design and DVD label printing | L.A. Color Blog (http://lacoloronline.com/blog/?10037-DVD-cover-design-and-DVD-label-printing)

Like Taky I use Photoshop to do the case inserts on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. I use glossy brochure paper and just trim the edges. They turn out looking very nice but use a lot of ink.

-Garrett

I used to buy all geniune Epson ink cartridges... ouch! so expensive. Now I use CISS that have ink tanks outside the printer. It's not expensive anymore to print full page color =)

Taky, which Epson printer do you have and which CISS did you get? I'm looking into them.

Thanks,
Garrett

I'm using Epson Artisan 50. It works very well. You can google CISS for Epson printer online. there're many vendors selling it. The one I'm buying from got some bad reviews from other DVInfo members. So I don't want to endorse that company anymore. If you still want their name, please email me.

My workflow is print Taiyo Yuden DVD labels using my Epson printer which give good professional results.
And my DVD insert, I design it using Illustrator and Photoshop. Once done save it as a PDF on my flash drive and off to Kinkos I go. 2 prints will just cost me $2.40 on a text glossy paper letter size, trim it, insert it, and ship it via Fedex which is right there.

I also use the Artisan 50 and have the inkrepublic CISS. Love it and the customer service is great. For the disks I use Verbatim Hub Printable and Canon Glossy Photo Paper for the sleeves. If you want a good deal on the photo paper check out Office Max's site.

Canon Photo Paper, Glossy (100 sheets, 8.5 x 11 - inch) (http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/paper/photo-paper/product-ARS23237)

For Jeff and Taky (and anyone else using a CISS),

I have some questions regarding your CISS set up but don't want to hijack this thread, so if you would kindly look at the thread I started here I'd appreciate it.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/wedding-event-videography-techniques/505088-ciss-printing-solutions.html#post1713845

Thanks,
Garrett

I also use the Artisan 50 and have the inkrepublic CISS. Love it and the customer service is great. For the disks I use Verbatim Hub Printable and Canon Glossy Photo Paper for the sleeves. If you want a good deal on the photo paper check out Office Max's site.

Canon Photo Paper, Glossy (100 sheets, 8.5 x 11 - inch) (http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/paper/photo-paper/product-ARS23237)

Jeff, have you tried JVC/Taiyo-Yuden Watershield DVD? If not, give it a try.. you will be amazed.. the difference is day and night.

Amazon.com: Taiyo Yuden/JVC WaterShield - 50 x DVD-R - 4.7 GB 16x - white - ink jet printable surface - spindle - storage media: Electronics

I haven't yet. I had a hard time justifying the cost last print job as it was for 500 DVDs and it ate into my profits pretty hefty compared to the Verbatims. I will order a spindle though and try them out since I have heard such great things.