Starting Linux distro CD shop...where to start?

[miggols99]

I have started making my website "Archux" and I'm want to start making CDs/DVDs. But I have no idea how I would be able to do this professionally! Firstly I want to know how to put the logos and images onto the disk. What equipment will I need? Also I need to know where to get disks that don't have their own logos on them. Are they easy to get a hold of? If you want to see my website have a look at my signature.

[Dennis]

If you want to start small this Epson inkjet will print CDs:
http://www.epson.co.uk/printers/claria_photographic_printers/Epson-Stylus-Photo-R285-printer.htm

and you print onto these ( I chose TDK because I have always been happy with them)

http://svp.co.uk/product/tdk_printable_52x_cd_minus_r_1213

I'm not sure of the software in Ubuntu to print CD's (ssshhhh you may have to use Windows :wink: )

[miggols99]

I have a LaserJet, so I would like to use that if possible. I had a look at Staples but I'm not sure which one would be best

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_results.asp?txtSearch=cd&ParentID=21618&brandName=&minPrice=0.99&maxPrice=189.99&ShowAllResults=1

Which one would I choose from there?

[Dennis]

These Staples will do it, just make sure they are dead centre on the cd or the vibration at speed may be bad. :lol:

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=%2C&webid=STAPCD&affixedcode=WW

[dca]

...and have a lots of blank CDs handy... :D

[ShodanjoDM]

...and have a lot of blank CDs handy... :D

Case #1 Print Blank CDs first:

a. 50 CDs printed with Ubuntu, another 50 for Fedora, etc etc...
b. Burn the ISO, Ubuntu ISO to Ubuntu CD and so on.
c. MD5 check failed...

Doh!

Case #2 Burn ISO first:

a. Burn 50 blank cds with Ubuntu, another 50 with Fedora, etc etc...
b. Prepare the graphic to print the cds.
c. Hmm, are those Fedora cds on the right stack?... Or the left ones?...

:lolflag:

J/k though, wishing you the best with your business :D

[miggols99]

Are there any blank CDs I will need to use or will I need to use special CDs so I can put labels on them? So will I be able to use

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=%2C&webid=389371&affixedcode=WW

Or are there any you guys can recommend?

[miggols99]

I'm just wondering how I would be able to print out the disk covers in Linux. Are there any programs available that I can use? I don't want to have to use Windows...

[drascus]

I would suggest using Scribus its a fantastic page layout program and all you have to do is a little designing which is not that hard.

[miggols99]

Would Inkscape work? If not can Scribus import SVGs?

[miggols99]

I've tried making one in Inkscape...how would I be able to put it onto a disk? And if I bought something like this (http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=%2C&webid=J8676-20&affixedcode=WW) would it work with my laserjet printer? How would I be sure that it's in the middle?

Here's what I made..

[miggols99]

Would I be able to use regular CD-Rs? Can I put labels on top of the brand names or would that not work?

[LaRoza]

I found this: http://www.amazon.com/Casio-CW-100-IH-CD-Label-Printer/dp/B00064GGIU

Of course, you would need the stickers on the disks. Maybe you could buy them like that?

[miggols99]

I think something like that would be too expensive. So I would have to buy a disk with no logos?

[Samueltehg33k]

sound very interesting :) :popcorn:

[miggols99]

Tomorrow I'll be shopping for supplies :) Then I'll start making the website...

[Sef]

Tomorrow I'll be shopping for supplies Then I'll start making the website...

Once you have your website up, you could post your services in Community Market.

A few business questions:

1) What is your market?

2) How are you going to make site stand out from other sites?

3) How much do you need to charge for the disks to break even?

4) What other products could you sell with your discs?

5) Have you written up a business plan for a year, two years, and up to 5 years?

6) What type of licenses will I need from any government agencies?

7) What taxes and forums will I need?

8) When do I need to turn in any taxes?

9) What taxes will I need to charge my customers?

10) Have I the type of personality to run my own business?

[perbiu]

I suggest not using those sticker labels. It makes the CD heavier and uneven when inside the reader resulting to error. Im also interested in putting up one, but not just CD/DVD but an Open Source merchandise, which sells anything about Open Source, you know T-shirts, bags, stickers, laptops, mugs, stuff toys but sometime in the future.

[miggols99]

I've got all the stuff now but I don't know how to print the images onto the labels. They actually have a website that lets me use their software on Linux as well because it's flash based. Of course they have a Windows disk..The disk also has a few templates on it for Illustrator, Photoshop and MS Word. I could use the online version, but I can't insert an image without it being corrupt. What DPI is suitable for printing? Or if there is a way to open the templates in Inkscape I'm listening :)

[miggols99]

I've found a program called GLabels, which is working great, except I don't know what DPI I need to export my SVGs to. The SVGs themselves can be put into there, but they don't render correctly unfortunately...

[miggols99]

It seems like everyone is releasing a new version next month...Hardy Heron - April 24th, Fedora 9 - April 29th, Mandriva 2008.1 - April 9th, Arch Linux - Some time in April (2008.4)?...I'm not sure if it's worth it to start the shop now. I think I will start on the 9th April. See you there! In the meantime I'll be helping my dad with a family history website..