The Ultimate Guide to

Releasing Your Music on Vinyl

Helpful tips and resources when thinking about pressing vinyl records!

Holding a record in your hand that you created is one of the greatest feelings on earth!

But getting to that point can be expensive and stressful.

So, let me help you through this process by trying to cover as much as possible about how to make vinyl records!

Pressing Vinyl Records FAQs

How much am I looking to spend?

Pressing vinyl isn’t cheap, but fans are willing to pay more for real records that they can hold in their hands. Expect to pay anywhere between $1000-$3000 for a pressing of 100-300 copies, depending on if you include artwork (jackets) or spring for colored vinyl!

Do I need to do color vinyl?

Colored vinyl is something that fans are going crazy for these days. Black vinyl just doesn’t demand as much excitement and perceived value as color does. While color variants cost more than black, it is a worthwhile investment to please your fans and to create a stunning vinyl package!

How many copies should I get made?

The sweet spot for indie artists and labels is 300 units. The cost of pressing 100 units may be cheaper, but it would likely require you to sell all 100 at ~$25 each, just to break even. Whereas, quantities of 200-300 trigger “price breaks” and make the overall cost per unit much less. Meaning you break even or make a profit easier!

GRAB MY FREE GUIDE TO PRESSING VINYL…

How to review your test pressings.

What should I expect to receive with my test pressing package?

A month or so after you send in your audio and downpayment, your pressing plant should send you 5-10 copies of your record. These “test pressings” will generally be on black vinyl, have a generic sleeve, and will not yet have your proper labels on it.

What should I be concerned with?

When you hear something that doesn’t sound right, listen on another test pressing copy at that exact same spot on the album. If you hear the same noise at the exact same spot on multiple test pressings, contact your sales rep.

Also, make sure the song order is correct too!

What do I do if I’m not sure about something I hear…

You should always consult with your sales rep at the pressing plant. Tell them what you hear and why you’re concerned. Don’t be afraid to bring it up, you’re spending a lot of money on these records and you want them to sound great!

Helpful tutorials on making vinyl.

5 Cool Vinyl Pressing Hacks

Here are 5 cool things you can do to help improve the overall packaging of your vinyl records!

Album Cover Design Templates

How to use your vinyl manufacturing plant’s template to design your album cover.

Are you confused about the purpose of a test pressing?

Let’s dive into the topic of test pressings and let’s figure out what you should be listening for when reviewing your test pressings.

How to pick a pressing plant.

Here are 3 things to keep in mind when preparing to ship your vinyl records.

1. Their Location

The first factor to consider is the proximity of the pressing plant to your location. Here's why it matters:

Shipping Savings: Choosing a nearby plant can save you hundreds on shipping costs, reducing your overall production expenses.
Faster Delivery: Local plants often offer quicker turnaround times, ensuring your vinyl records reach your audience sooner.
Test Pressing Benefits: Some local plants may offer discounts or special perks for clients in the same region.
Community Reputation: It's easier to gauge a plant's reputation by gathering feedback from local artists and record labels who have worked with them.

2. Their Reputation

Assessing a pressing plant's reputation is essential for a successful partnership. Here's how to do it:

Google Search: Research the plant's online presence, including reviews and any reported issues. This can provide insight into their overall standing in the industry.
Local Insights: Reach out to local artists, record labels, or industry professionals who have experience with the plant. They can offer valuable insights based on their first-hand experiences.
Communication with Representatives: Communicate directly with the plant's representatives. This interaction can help you gauge their professionalism, willingness to accommodate your needs, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

3. Their Work

Evaluating a pressing plant's previous work is crucial. Consider the following:

Social Media: Examine the plant's social media accounts to get a sense of the quality and variety of records they produce. This can help you determine if their work aligns with your artistic vision.
Quantity Variation: Some plants specialize in smaller runs, while others are equipped for larger quantities. Choose a plant that aligns with your production needs.
Willingness to Experiment: Collaborating with a pressing plant that is open to trying new ideas and innovative processes can lead to unique and creative vinyl releases.

4. Their Price

While price is not the most critical factor, it's undoubtedly significant. Here's how to approach it:

Avoid Relying Solely on Price: Choosing the plant with the lowest quote may come with hidden costs, such as lower quality or subpar customer service.
Be Price-Conscious: Seek quotes from 2-3 pressing plants to compare costs. Consider the overall value, including quality and additional services, when making your decision.

5. Trial and Error

Consider experimenting with multiple pressing plants to gain valuable perspective:

Gain Insight: Trying different plants provides insights into their strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to make more informed decisions.
Understand Common Problems: It's essential to realize that issues can occur at any pressing plant. Experiencing them firsthand can prepare you to address and resolve them efficiently.

Hellbender Vinyl

Hellbender Vinyl is a Pittsburgh-based vinyl pressing plant offering premium quality and customizable options for indie labels and artists. I recommend them for their attention to detail, creative customizations like splatter and swirl designs, and their artist-friendly approach, making vinyl production accessible and exceptional.

CHECK THEM OUT
A to Z Media

A to Z Mediaspecializes in vinyl pressing and custom physical media for the music industry, catering to indie labels, major distributors, and DIY artists alike. I recommend them for their high-quality, bespoke services, competitive pricing, and extensive experience, making them an ideal partner for artists and labels looking to create standout physical releases.

CHECK THEM OUT
Precision Pressing

Precision Pressing is a high-quality vinyl manufacturing facility based in Canada, dedicated to producing exceptional records for artists, labels, and distributors. I recommend them for their modern, scalable production capabilities and commitment to quality control, making them a reliable partner for artists and labels seeking precise, professional vinyl pressing.

CHECK THEM OUT

How to ship vinyl records.

Here are 3 things to keep in mind when preparing to ship your vinyl records.

Order yourself a bunch of cardboard shipping boxes.
They come in a flat pack and can hold up to 3 records per box. These are mandatory as they take care of the records.
Get a shipping quote before you sell your records.
Take a record in a box to the post office and ask them to provide an approximate quote on how much it would cost to ship this box to various countries (Canada, USA, Japan, UK, Germany, etc). This will help you know how much to charge your fans!
Throw in some freebies with every order.
Things like old stock (unsold records/CDs), stickers, flyers, candies, or a personal note from the artist/label owner.

Creative Vinyl Packaging Ideas

Here are a few cool things you can do on your next vinyl pressing…

Have fun with marketing stickers

Print some small stickers to put on the shrinkwrap of your records. You can use these stickers to describe the album and the artist, include a barcode or QR code, or carry over the album artwork onto the sticker.

Be creative with the center label

There are a handful of cool things you can do with the center label of a vinyl, including opting for a smaller circle or something entirely different, like a rectangle.

Include a print or a booklet

Paper products are fairly inexpensive to make. A nice bonus for fans can be including a lithograph of the album cover, a note from the artist, or a lyric booklet.

Print your jackets on “reverse board”

This effect uses the uncoated side of the paper when printing your record’s jackets. This provides an artsy, subtle, matte texture to the album cover.

My Vinyl Album Cover Template

If you’re about to design your vinyl album cover, you can check out my template as a starting point…

DOWNLOAD PSD FILE

Free Vinyl Record Product Mockup

Download our free Photoshop PSD vinyl record mockup template!

FREE DOWNLOAD

THE PROS & CONS OF PRESSING VINYL

The Cons of Making Vinyl

High Costs
- To Make: Minimum orders of 100-300 make vinyl a big upfront investment.
- To Purchase: Record prices have risen, pushing fans’ budgets to their limit.
Expensive Shipping
- Shipping is nearly half the retail price, especially for international orders.
- Proper mailers add extra costs to ensure safe delivery.
Boring Vinyl Doesn’t Sell
- Basic designs aren’t enough—fans expect unique touches to make a record worth buying.
- Things like inserts, gatefolds, and color vinyl all increase costs.
Complex Production Process
- Audio mastering, artwork adjustments, and test pressings require attention to detail.
- Vinyl production involves many steps, each adding to both the timeline and budget.
Intense Competition for Fans' Dollars
- Vinyl is a luxury; with more releases available and with prices increasing… fans have to be selective with their purchases.

The Pros of Making Vinyl

High Ticket Item
- Vinyl offers solid profit margins, especially when you add special editions or exclusive inserts.
- Up over a certain quantity (~300 units), a record label and artist can make a $10-$20 profit on each record sold.
Engaging Content
- Vinyl provides great material for social media, from unboxing videos to sneak peeks of limited editions.
- It adds intrigue and credibility to the release… encouraging fans to check out the music (even if they don’t buy the record).
Bright Future Ahead
- Vinyl sales are still strong, and the fanbase continues to diversify with new collectors.
- We have yet to see the ceiling on how high this excitement will go!
Enhances Fan Experience
- Vinyl gives fans a meaningful, tactile way to connect with your music.
- Not every fan appreciates vinyl, but a lot of fans enjoy the “ceremony” of putting a record on the turntable in their living room.
Creative Potential
- Endless design possibilities, from colorful vinyl and gatefold jackets to custom labels and inserts.
- The large 12”x12” canvas gives designers far more design real estate than on CD or on digital.