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What is your Experience Buying CDs And Vinyl Directly From Artist Websites?

Hi guys, i prefer to purchase hard media (CDs or Vinyl) directly from artist websites when the artist is more obscure/low profile. 

I would like to support them as much as possible by buying the CDs since the streaming services screw them over a bit too much. But, it feels like the order fulfillment times can extend from weeks to months in many instances. I understand it is not practical for them ship media when they are on tour and what not.

At times, i am anxiously waiting forever to get my hands on a CD from a special artist that i would really like to hold in my hands. 

In any case, what has been your experience?

 

 

deep_333
larsman's avatar
larsman
3,151 posts
 

Usually when I buy from an artist's website, what they're selling is currently available and I don't have to wait any longer for it than I otherwise would. Even if it's an advance order, I don't get it later than anybody else when it shows up, and sometimes it shows up earlier. Depending on the artist, they can sometimes throw in additional goodies if you buy right from them. 

The only problem with these is that if there is a defect, it can be more problematical to return, which is why I still buy a lot on Amazon. 

deep_333 OP
2,436 posts
 

@larsman  I've been buying cds that appears to be in stock. There are comments on reddit indicating other folks have waited for months as well. 

It is perhaps possible that smaller artists are running the e-commerce side of things by themselves when they are not touring/on the road...not sure.

Usually when I buy from an artist's website, what they're selling is currently available and I don't have to wait any longer for it than I otherwise would. Even if it's an advance order, I don't get it later than anybody else when it shows up, and sometimes it shows up earlier. Depending on the artist, they can sometimes throw in additional goodies if you buy right from them. 

larsman's avatar
larsman
3,151 posts
 

@deep_333 - interesting points; in fact, most of the artists who I buy stuff from via their websites ARE smaller artists who run that side of things themselves or with friends/associates. One of them even stuffs the CD or LP into the envelope herself, hand-addresses it, and mails it off complete with return address... 

bassbuyer's avatar
bassbuyer
888 posts
 

I have bought CDs from artists sites without issue.  They can take longer for delivery and delivery charges are higher since there are no additional delivery charges on my prime account.  I pay full retail usually, the same as it is on Rhino. 

winoguy17
1,329 posts
 

 My experiences have been good, and I always try to purchase this way to offer support. True,you won't get next day delivery ,but I don't mind . Artists I support this way include The Wood Brothers, Slaid Cleaves, Eilen Jewell, Amanda Platt....

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