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Poll: CD Prices (Patreon)

Published:
2025-10-22 16:07:29
Edited:
2025-10-24 13:16:52
Imported:
2026-11

Content

Making a living as a musician is not easy. Pay at venues hasn’t gone up in 20 years. I’ve long relied on merch (and recently Patreon) to supplement my income. But CD sales are down. 

Meanwhile, I just heard from Discmakers. They are raising CD pressing prices because of the current president’s tariffs. They manufacture in the US, but some supplies and machinery come from abroad. 

Inflation continues to rise. We indie musicians suffer worse. Because we are already low on the totem poll

I’m starting to wonder if I need to raise the prices on my CDs to reflect this increased cost. I just don’t know if the market will handle it. 

What do you think of posting $25, $30, or even $40 for a CD? 

Would you stop buying CDs?

Would that be the final nail in the CD coffin for you?

I’m nevertheless considering raising prices next month. 

Comments

Troy Rodgers

Wow. Those prices are untenable to me, especially when they're not going up from anyone else so far as I've seen. That may change, obviously. If that's what they're giving you, I understand passing on the cost. But yeah, that might be the line for me on that front. That's a harsh reality for me to face, being a CD loyalist.

Joshua Ohmer

I think that 25 is probably reasonable. 30 is where I think my wife and I might not purchase one.

Margaret Bumby

There is no single dollar price that would make me say "no", but I am already starting to buy some of my music digital only. Understandable that you would need to raise your rates; no criticism implied.

Luke Miller

I think $25, maybe $30 at the top end for me. Personally, I don't care about physical CDs that much anymore. I don't use streaming at all either, I like to own the music and put it in iTunes on my computer and phone. If I buy a CD I will just rip it to my computer and never use the CD again. I would be happy buying the music in electronic form from band camp, iTunes, etc. Do you make more money on downloads? Could you sell download codes at shows?

Rimbo (he-him)

I can't remember the last time I listened to a physical CD. I use a streaming service for everything now (TIDAL) that has higher quality than CDs, so CDs are actually a downgrade in that respect.

Dell Christy

I listen to most music through streaming services, but I would (and have!) paid up to $30 for CDs from artists where I collect their CDs. I would also pay that to pick up a CD as a gift for a friend who can't afford either a CD or a streaming service.

Rendell Skaggs

I've already left CD's mostly behind, usually only buying when that's the only way to get an artists music. But if that's the only option $30 would probably be my ceiling

Matthew Merriott

Probably $25 would be the most I'd pay for a single album on the spur of the moment at a show. That applies whether it's CD, USB, or digital download. My preferred medium is USB or download code. I'm just going to rip a CD. But I'm definitely the type that would buy 3 for 60 if given the chance. Any way to do a self-hosted digital download library for albums sold in person? That might help avoid fees from sites that also include a storefront.

Keelhauler

It's unfortunate prices are going up. Since they must, I'd likely still buy some CDs at $25-$30, but I would also likely think twice before buying.

Myriam Plante

I love buying CDs. I think $25 sounds reasonable, but if it's more than that I might consider buying a download instead.

Robert Eby

I've for the most part, stopped collecting CD's. I usually listen to Spotify or Pandora, even though I have a hundred CD's and many more .mp3's stored on my computer. I generally consider $15 a fair price for a CD, but only if I really want to own the content. For the most part, I'm a streamer. Also keep in mind that vehicles are made now without CD players, so even if you buy that amazing album you've always wanted, many cars don't have the hardware to play it!

Robert Eby

I hear vinyl is making a comeback.... :/

Robert Eby

I hear you about the pay at venues. As a fellow musician, I haven't increased my rates since I've started. I think the most successful musicians are the ones that find a regular gig - like a weekly spot at a pub or restaurant or something like that.

James Baker

$25 is probably my high limit, but I find myself buying more streaming content

Jan Czenkusch

I think $25 to $30 would be my limit. As you know I use the music on my Ipod and computer but do not trust Apple not to take my music. If I have the CD the music is not lost. It is also my way to support the musicians I like. Streaming services are of no interest to me.

Wild Card

I have mostly switched to digital downloads. I think $20 is about as much as I would pay, $25 being the limit for physical media. Assuming we are talking about a single CD release, multiple CD releases are worth more obviously.

Michael Stallings

$25 would be the limit for me and even then, I barely buy CDs as is. I prefer digital downloads.

Tracy O'Shea

Normally I'd say 20$ is the max I'd pay for a cd although I could be tempted to spend up to 30$ if it's last call for something I really like.

Vicki Solomon

I usually buy from Bandcamp, because I get to download the music PLUS I get the Bandcamp phone player. I am so out of room for more CDs. Also, I don't think I've ever actually seen you perform in person, which is when I usually buy CDs.

Donovan Grimwood

I tend to buy CDs to support an artist and also so I have better control over my listening than I do through most streaming services. It also means I have a backup in case of hard drive crash or the song is removed from streaming. That said, $20-25 is about what I would expect for a CD. $30-40 for a double CD. $50 is about my top end for a USB with multiple albums loaded in.