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Initial impressions matter. Whether it's packaged
software on a store shelf, or a box shot on a
website, products that look professional and instill
confidence in the consumer will sell better. In
fact, studies show that simply adding an image
of a box shot to an order screen can increase
sales! Images help sell software.
All software packaging is not created equal.
How should developers make their packaging stand
out and create a professional image without incurring
an exorbitant expense? MicroISVs have adopted
a variety of solutions to satisfy their packaging
needs. As an alternative to having your software
discs commercially duplicated and your packaging
commercially produced, we have described a handful
of other packaging solutions that small software
companies may want to consider...
CD/DVD Images
Regardless of how you brand your software CD or
DVD discs, the end result will look better if
you use a colored background for the disc face,
and bleed the edges.
1. Disc Labels
Press-on disc labels are difficult to align and
center on the disc, and are somewhat less professional-looking
than labels printed directly to the disc surface.
That said, press-on disc labels with a company
name, logo, and software title is still far better
than a silver faced blank disc.
CD/DVD
Label Software and Labels
2. Silkscreening
Blank discs with silkscreened labels are normally
produced in bulk, and 1000 is often the minimum
quantity. The quantity restrictions can create
issues and unwanted expenses for a small-volume
software company. For ambitious developers who
decide to go this route, it is a good idea to
keep the label rather generic (i.e. don't include
a version number on the disc face), as updates
and version changes can become expensive when
discs printed with older version numbers become
obsolete.
3. Thermal Labeling
Thermal label printers are disc surface printers
that use a combination of heat and pressure color
to adhere the label image to the disc surface.
In some cases, the colors used for thermal labeling
are limited. Thermal printers are fairly expensive,
but once you have the equipment you can produce
high-quality CDs and DVDs on demand.
4. Inkjet Printing
Inkjet printers that are capable of printing directly
to the disc face are another alternative. Inkjet
printers have full-color capacity. However, be
aware that discs printed with an inkjet printer
will often "run" and smear if the surface becomes
damp or wet. This is, however, a very economical
solution for on-demand and small quantity production,
as blank discs with printable surfaces are not
much more expensive than standard blank discs.
Packaging The Discs
1. Paper Sleeve
Paper disc sleeves come in a variety of colors
and styles. They are typically square envelopes
with a flap and a clear plastic window, which
makes the disc partially visible.
Sleevetown
Meritline
2.Cardboard Sleeve or Mailer
Cardboard or corrugated mailers, designed specifically
for DVDs or CDs. These are cost effective and
very easy to use.
3. Jewel Case
A clear plastic case that holds and protects music
or software CD/DVD discs. Perforated and scored
jewel case inserts are readily available for jewel
cases, and most CD/DVD labelling software will
also include templates for designing and printing
the case inserts.
Label
Gear
4. Clam Shell
Clam Shell cases are a distinctive and flexible
disc packaging option. The cases are usually impact-resistant
and weigh significantly less than the standard
jewel case, which is good if postage costs are
critical. The hard plastic protects the disc during
shipment. Clam shell cases are offered in a variety
of colors, transparent and opaque plastic.
Super
Media Store
5. DVD Case
DVD cases are made of sturdy molded plastic and
open like a book. The external surface of the
case is wrapped with a thin layer of clear plastic,
and printed inserts can be placed behind the plastic
to identify the contents of the DVD box. As with
the jewel case, most disc labelling software will
include templates for designing and printing such
inserts. And remember -- a DVD case can be used
for music and software CD/DVD discs just as well
as for DVD movie discs!
Meritline
DVD Cases
Discmakers
DVD Inserts
6. Software Box
Software boxes are required for retail distribution.
In other words, if you want your software on the
shelves in retail stores, you will need a software
box. Software boxes are produced in bulk, and
the minimum quantity is often 1000 or more.
Corporate
Disk Company
7. Virtual Box (i.e. Box Shot)
A "Box Shot" is a graphic image, normally used
on a website, which simulates the look of a retail
software box, when an actual, physical box doesn't
exist. Box Shot creation tools are not uncommon.
For environmental or other reasons, developers
normally deliver software electronically, yet
they provide a full color box shot on their website
for display purposes.
Box Shot Creation Tools:
BoxShot3D
True Box
Shot
Just Box
Shots
Whatever type or style of packaging you select,
it should be able to accommodate any required
inserts or documentation that pertain to your
software.
3rd Party Services to Handle Disc Replication
and Packaging:
SwiftCD
Custom
CD
CD
Ship
Pingram
CD
Related Articles:
How Software
is Packaged
What to
Look for in a Logo
Where to Find
a Logo
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Developer
101
Software Packaging Options