Which Packaging Format? Jewel Case? Digipack? Eco-Wallet?

I had a customer tonight write to tell my they REALLY don't like the eco-wallet packaging format. This was my response to him...

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Xxxxxx,
My primary reason for choosing the Eco-Wallet packaging format is to reduce the amount of plastic used. Second, the format gives me plenty of visual real estate to share my artwork. Third, they're a lot cheaper than digipacks. Fourth, they take up a fraction of the space of a jewel case. If I had to inventory the same number of CDs I currently have, it would take up about 2.5 times the space currently taken and I can barely afford that space. It was a compromise that I needed to make logistically, not just environmentally.

While I absolutely appreciate your feedback (I do make decisions based on my listeners' wants and needs!), the vast majority of comments on this format have been quite positive. You're actually the first to complain, but I certainly can appreciate your comment. It is definitely flimsier and, without a jewel case, the case tends to wear and become scuffed over time. Also, if you sit a drink on one, they're toast. The Eco-Wallet is not the perfect solution by any stretch, but it is certainly environmentally friendlier.

No one will agree with you more than me that the packaging is just as important as the music. First impressions and presentation are vital to my image and I've gone out of my way to produce an artistic work of art, as well as a musical one.

This doesn't mean that I won't explore alternatives in the future for my packaging, but right now, it works well for my intent and most of my listeners love them. I'm really sorry you're not pleased with this format, but that is the current reality. If this is a deal-breaker for future purchases, I want to know about it.

Thanks for your candor,

-h
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This has prompted me to beg the question: Who else does not like the eco-wallet? Why? What DO you prefer; digipack? Traditional jewel case? This inquiring mind wants to know. Thanks in advance!

hhh

Thanks for posting this Hollan because living on the fringe of the known Universe means everything comes from somewhere & over decades I have experienced all types of damaged items.

The paper wallet or digipacks have the advantages you mention but also the disadvantages Stephen mentions, they're fragile and most likely to get damaged during the initial post which is annoying when you're looking forward to get something and it comes cracked, dented or smashed.

The jewel case as plain & boring as it may be it is the most robust and lends itself to quick replacements.

I have a cabinet with all jewel case styles CD, SACD & DVD formats as most of the time something arrives broken, the "tray" insert for a sealed jewel case CD is a classic, this often happens before the seller gets the stock but remains undetectable till the end user removes the plastic seal...

All the other formats are fine as long as sandwiched between some stiff cardboard as transit is the main damage cause and a dented (digi)pack ruins the whole album.

Yesterday I received your Incandescent CD in perfect condition, thank you.

I am happy for the CD media with the package of second importance as I do not believe less "CD" plastic or a carbon "price" rather than less carbon will save the planet

For rare items I always make it clear how I would like packed and am prepared to pay the extra cost, new items I take the risk as I can always buy it again.

Back to your packaging I think it's unreasonable to complain about because out of several option only 1 can make it.

PS
Here is an image for the most bizarre CD damage I have experienced: Echoes Living Room Concerts 17, Digipack sealed in perfect condition, disc label side perfect yet the reflective aluminium layer cracked mostly radially & the track unplayable...

I think the old addage applies here, you can please some people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time. Jewel cases, digipaks, eco wallets etc, all have their advantages and disadvantages. It is the artists choice to decide what packaging would best compliment their music. I think today more than ever the music and the packaging are equally important as a whole than years ago, when the emphasis was more towards the music and the packaging second, does anyone agree? Myself, I like them all, although I suppose my favourite would tend to be digipaks, although several years ago I didn't really like them, funny how we change isn't it!

Anything, as long as it's on CD.