1. How many vinyl records should I press

Start small. 100–300 units is a typical run for indie releases. Make sure you have a plan to sell each one before committing to higher quantities.

2. How much does it cost to press vinyl?

Costs vary, but expect around $12–$16 per unit for small runs. Price depends on quantity, color vinyl, packaging, and add-ons like inserts or gatefolds.

3. How long does it take to press vinyl?

Once your audio, artwork, and deposit are submitted, most pressing plants take 8–12 weeks. Start early and expect delays.

4. What’s a test pressing (TP)?

A test pressing is a small batch (usually 5 copies) sent to you before full production to check sound quality and catch issues.

5. What’s the max length per side?

Ideally 18–22 minutes per side. Longer sides may reduce sound quality. Plan your tracklisting accordingly.

6. Do I need a special vinyl master?

Yes. Vinyl has different physical limitations than digital formats. Let your mastering engineer know you’re preparing for vinyl so they can tailor the audio properly.

7. What’s the difference between 12", 10", and 7" records?

• 12" = standard for full-length albums

• 10" = often used for EPs or shorter albums

• 7" = common for singles (usually 1 song per side)

8. What’s a vanity pressing?

A vanity pressing is when an artist presses vinyl for personal or sentimental reasons, not necessarily expecting high sales. Totally valid—just be aware of the cost!

9. What’s included in vinyl packaging?

At a minimum: printed jacket and inner sleeve. Extras can include inserts, colored vinyl, gatefolds, or download cards.

10. Where can I sell vinyl as an indie artist?

• Bandcamp

• Your website

• Local record stores

• Live shows

• Online marketplaces like Discogs or Shopify