The cost of DVD replication depends on a number of factors, with volume and turn-time being the most dominant of them. Turn-time means how fast the job must be produced, and is measured from the time the master is received until the day it is ready to ship. Volume is the number of units a customer needs per master.

If you want to reduce costs, you must first evaluate the turn-time factor. A standard turnaround usually varies between seven and ten days. It is, however, not impossible to accelerate the timetable all the way down to 0 days, meaning same-day production. In fact, no plant will ever guarantee a turn-time. They will not charge for the quick turn if they don't deliver in time, but that hardly makes any difference if you miss an important trade show or other crucial deadline. So always choose a plant with a proven history if you have a deadline to meet.

Volume is another factor you must take into consideration. You should remember that the larger the volume you ask for, the less you have to spend per piece. And if you choose thermal printing instead of silkscreen or offset, the replicating cost will come down. If you so desire, you can also reduce expenditures on packaging.

You will find a number of replicating plants that will offer you competitive rates. They will offer you several replication packages and customize any replication to your requirements. They may offer you software DVD replication, music DVD replication, audio DVD replication or video DVD replication.

Some plants will not charge for packaging, wrapping and inserting if you order a thousand pieces of DVD5. You will also receive five-color disc printing free. And the more you order, the less the cost. If you order 1,000 pieces from them, the total cost is likely to be between $800 and $850.