IDC Distribution
Physical CD distribution has always been a challenge for both up-and-coming and established artists/labels. Since 2004, Independent Distribution Collective has revolutionized the way independents look at distribution, giving hundreds of independent artists the ability to have their product placed not only in many of the most well-known "Indie" store chains, but in national store chains spanning the United States including Best Buy, Borders, Barnes & Noble, and more.
IDC's unique structure and business model has leveled the playing field for many independent artists and labels who never considered national distribution a possibility.
We market our products, which include albums from over 350 independent artists/labels, directly to approximately 400 independent stores across the country (Rasputin, Amoeba, Waterloo, Newbury Comics, etc).
Major one-stop distributors Baker & Taylor and Synergy market our entire catalog to over 10,000 stores across the U.S. including all major chains (Border's, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc). We also have relationships with niche one-stop distributors such as Ernie B's Reggae, Fat Beats, VP Records, and more. Our distribution scope is no longer limited to our own borders, as IDC has recently opened a semi-exclusive European Distribution channel through Code 7 in the UK.
The first step toward working with IDC as a physical distribution partner is to send us a physical copy of your retail-ready full-length CD (with shrink-wrap and UPC Code - no Mp3s), along with your contact information, press kit, and any other information about the project that you would like us to see. If accepted, IDC will send a copy of our US distribution agreement for your consideration, the terms of which are summarized below.
60 retail ready units + $99.00 = A physical distribution channel AND a national retail marketing campaign for your new album to store buyers representing thousands of outlets!!!
IDC is now offering entrance into its Physical Distribution and baseline Retail Marketing Program for only 60 units + $99.00. This exciting new distribution model will allow artists to provide only 60 units of their title, and begin getting paid on sales after only 25 units sold, all for the same scope and value of the previous 100 unit buy-in model (details on that option below).
IDC will use 35 of the 60 units to send to store buyers representing over 10,000 stores across the country in customized promotional packages (check the IDC website for a list of specific retail accounts). Once the buyer’s receive their packages, IDC will follow up and push for placement of the title into their respective store chains, allowing artists to point fans to these outlets to purchase their releases. Once a title is a part of our catalog, it is continually marketed to our entire store base for as long as the title remains with IDC.
The $99.00 fee is used to help IDC offset the initial costs of the marketing push, including but not limited to printing, assembling, and shipping of promotional packages. The remainder of these costs is offset with sales of the final 25 of 60 units, which are retained by IDC. After 25 units are sold, the artist/label earns $6.00 per unit on independent store sales (sold for $7.49), and $5.00 per unit on one-stop distributor sales to national chain stores (sold for $6.00).
Have too many CDs and not enough money? IDC is still happy to consider accepting your release under our original 100 unit buy-in model.
For the past seven years, entrance into our catalog has required only 100 units up front as a “buy‐in” to the collective; there is no monetary fee. Fifty units are deemed promotional and sent to store buyers and other promo outlets in customized IDC Promotional Packages, while the second 50 remain property of IDC in order to recoup on the various costs that come with marketing titles to our wide store-base. After 50 units are sold (with IDC retaining the revenue from sales for these first 50 units), the artist/label earns $6.00 per unit on independent store sales (sold for $7.49), and $5.00 per unit on one-stop distributor sales to the national chain stores (sold for $6.00).
Approximately one month after your CD is solicited to our stores, artists can expect a full report on which stores purchased their CD, and any promotional opportunities that these stores can offer such as listening stations, in‐store performances, and POP placement.
Our contract is non‐exclusive; IDC’s goal is to help independent artists realize as many revenue streams as possible. Please feel free to contact us by phone or by e‐mail for more information about these services.
