Looking at a DVD project that we hope to sell widely (well- who dosen't).
Wondering if anyone has had luck with a "drop shipping" or "Order Fullfillment" company? (This is a company that holds your DVDs, and when an order comes in, they package it and mail it for you).

I've heard Customflix is expensive, and so is Discmakers. It's an aviation "How-to" type of thing, so it doesn't lend itself to any of the normal indie channels.

Info appreciated.
Jeff Patnaude

Jeff,

Are you planning on duplicating them on demand, or replicating them?

I made a choice with my documentary "American Jouster" to replicate 1000 copies of them. (I went through PacificDisc, and was very pleased). The discs are sitting in my closet. I also established a relationship with TWO international catalogues that sell arms and armor, (giving them a bulk discount off the SRP) I have already sold enough discs to recoup replication and production costs, and I'm into profit making. (Not bad for a 'specialty' documentary) The catalogue companies contact me and order two or three dozen at a time, and I ship the box to them, they pay shipping.

I mention this because I think it's important to find an outlet for your film. An AVIATION how-to might be carried by a catalogue that caters to pilots and flight enthusiasts. (I used to fly sail-planes, so I know they are out there.) Air and Space might carry them for instance.

The point is, if you don't want to market them yourself via a website or direct adds in magazines... then find someone who can piggy-back your product in their catalogue, and bulk sale them. That way, you are reaching the specific TARGET AUDIENCE of your film. I think the number of aviation enthusiasts likely to want your film is more likely reached via their specific interest magazines, than a general film distribution catalogue.

My thoughts.

Hey Richard,
yeah- I'm considering a website with a password-protect for merchants where they can receive a sliding-volume discount for larger orders (say 25 and up). Yes, we were going to get 1000 copies replicated to start. A friend of mine does shopping cart set-ups for websites. We are looking to get them out on a variety of venues- Amazon.com, any of the Pilot supply stores such as Aircraft Spruce, Sporty's, etc.. It will require some advertising in the trade rags and a number of freebie DVD's sent out for review to get the ball rolling.

We are in planning now, and working to get the blessing of the FAA. Of course, that could make things worse! :>)

Guess I was looking at Discmakers for replication and packaging, but there are plenty of other places out there. Suggestions anyone? Atlanta area?

Jeff P

I'm in a similar situation; we sell a speciality/enthusiast niche-market DVD that we are selling direct on our website via PayPal (BTW, we sold enough copies online in just a couple of DAYS to more than cover the replication costs).

I was going to use Discmakers for a replication order of 1000, but ended up having to switch to another vendor because of deadlines. You see, I'd promised a 'delivery date' and ran into some stupid technical problems with DVD SP (operator error) that took me a couple of days to solve. Unfortunately, Discmakers could no longer guarantee delivery by my needed date (because of my delay) so I switched at the last minute to Acutrack (which I found out about by searching here on DVInfo). So far, they've been extremely pleasant to work with, have kept on top of every aspect of production, and most importantly were willing to work with my deadline. It cost me 10¢ more per DVD than Discmakers, but it was worth it.

If you contact Acutrack, I'd recommend calling Gabriela (my account rep) directly at 925-215-5652; I'm only recommending her because she was SO pleastant to work with, and so accomodating to my needs. I have absolutely no connection with Acutrack other than I'm a happy customer.

2¢, and good luck!

Does Acutrac have a web site?

Does Acutrac have a web site?


acutrack.com

Ah, I was spelling it wrong.

I absolutely concur with shopping around. Get a quote from one replicator, then go look at another two. They WILL work with you to get your order. Most of them will be within a few cents of each other on the initial bid, but they will start to toss in extras. It all helps.

You may also want to check out:

http://www.theshotlist.com/provider/

http://kunaki.com

I actually sent an email 'application' to the shot list, and haven't heard a word from them in over a week. I'm not too impressed.

Jeff,
Take a look at HAVE (located in upstate NY) They have a very large fullfillment business and deal with a number of producers of instructional videos/DVDs. They also do a great job with duplication services. Thier main site is:

http://www.haveinc.com/

Fulfillment is http://www.haveinc.com/services/fulfill.html

I've probably done over 100 dupe jobs through them ranging from 30 to 2,000 copies - They are very professional.