"I need the mp3 files so I can get CD's pressed up"

[DaKid]

More often than not, unfortunately.

[rockitrecordings]

In your situation it could reflect badly on you if you don't get it through their skulls, but I'm kinda glad that these idiots don't know what the heck they're doing. It means that even though they might have a firepod with ripped cubase or reaper, that they will never ever get to the quality of mixing that you can provide. Let amateurs be amateurs, more work for us.

[djanthonyw]

How about the people that cry for MP3 import features in software?

[rhythmtech]

"i tried to play that .rar file that you sent me but media player doesnt recognise it"

[Purple]

I will always give them an uncompressed wav and email them an mp3 converted at 328kbps.

Usually they want mp3's to email to others or put on myspace etc, so by emailing it then the file will usually never be burnt to a redbook CD (ie converted to wav and eventually converted again to mp3).

I always actually flick them an AAC too and recommend they use that instead wherever possible.

I'm sure mechanics roll their eyes every time when we go in and ask for the cheapest oil and parts for our cars. But meh, a crash course in the benefits of properly maintaining a car and I am enlightened and the mechanic is happy and the car lives a little longer, we all win.