Which analog format earns you the most?
Enter your release details below to compare net profit across vinyl, cassette, and CD. Includes production costs, platform fees, and marketing spend.
Profit Projections
Vinyl
Cassette
CD
Real Release Examples
Small Tour Package: "Local Waves" EP
Format: 100 cassettes, 50 vinyl, 30 CDs
Total Investment: $850
Net Profit: $420 (49% return)
This artist chose cassettes as primary format because shipping costs were lower for their regional tour. Vinyl was kept minimal for collectors who specifically request it.
Full Release: "Digital Desert" Album
Format: 200 vinyl, 150 cassettes, 100 CDs
Total Investment: $2,400
Net Profit: $1,180 (49% return)
Balanced distribution across all formats. Used pre-orders to gauge demand and adjust quantities. Bandcamp was primary sales channel with Discogs for secondary market.
Collector Edition: "Midnight Memories"
Format: 50 picture vinyl, 75 cassettes
Total Investment: $1,200
Net Profit: $980 (82% return)
Limited vinyl run for serious collectors, cassettes for casual fans. Higher upfront cost but lower per-unit production. Strong pre-order campaign reduced inventory risk.
Key Assumptions
- Vinyl price: $22 average (12" LP), production $8/unit for 300+ runs
- Cassette price: $12 average, production $4/unit for 300+ runs
- CD price: $14 average, production $5/unit for 300+ runs
- Sales split follows platform data from independent artists (30% vinyl, 35% cassette, 35% CD)
- Marketing spend covers promotion across all formats equally
- Pre-orders count as sold; unsold inventory is not recovered
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cassettes show higher margins?
Cassettes cost less to produce and ship. They also have lower competition on secondary markets. For small runs under 500 units, cassettes often beat vinyl on profit per unit.
How do I account for my time?
This calculator only shows financial profit, not your hourly rate. Consider how much you value your time when setting prices. Some artists add a flat fee per unit for labor.
What about wholesale pricing?
Wholesale typically runs 50% off retail. Enter wholesale price as your revenue if selling to record stores. You will need to adjust production quantities accordingly.