best value vinyl lacquers?

[Indie Label Guy]

Hi,

In searching on Google, several links pointed me to this forum, so I figured I'd take the plunge and ask for help.

I work for an indie label (hence the creative username). We're about to do a run of 500 LPs, and I'm trying to keep the production cost as low as possible -- not because we're cheap (I prefer "thrifty"), but because we want to be able to sell it for cheap.

Unless they're offering specials, I've learned that if you go to the vinyl plant for things besides vinyl, you'll pay for the convenience factor. I therefore typically go to Place A for inserts, Place B for jackets, Place C for the wax itself, etc.

While trying to figure out how to get 500 raw LPs for about $2 a piece all-in, I had a mild eureka moment today: If the vinyl plants charge $500+ for lacquers and plating/processing, can I beat that price on my own, just as I can re: inserts/jackets/etc.? The short answer appears to be yes -- after just a few seconds on Google, I found a place that charges $100 less, which puts me closer to the goal -- but there are surely other options I'm unaware of.

That said, any recommendations for affordable vinyl mastering options who can do two sides of 12" lacquer mastering and two-step electroplating for approx. $400? Sorry if that price seems like an offensive low-ball to anyone here, but the total cost of the project will dictate our wholesale cost, our webshop pricing, the suggested list price, what price we'll be able to offer to the band itself, etc. -- and this is a "baby band" we'd like to be able to price aggressively.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[partytown]

I dont have the answers you're looking for but I'm in a similar situation. Do you mind sharing w/ me what you've found so far in regards to jackets, lacquers/plating, etc.. it'd be really helpful
thanks

[LNixMastering]

I think we can be of service!
www.lnixmastering.com