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How to get physical version of digital product

by mangozilla
21 replies
I have a product that's a set of 2 instructional DVD's (if it were on DVD - only dnld video files for now) with an accompanying workbook. Right now customers can download the video files and PDF workbook, but I think there's a market for a physical product option.

It looks like Kunaki and Lulu could work with individual pieces, but can anyone recommend a service that can offer the same kind of POD/fulfillment service with combined media like this?

I'm a noob, so if there are other ways of providing this product that I'm missing, any input is aprpeciated!
#digital #physical #product #version
  • Profile picture of the author VinnyBock
    If I where you, I would make sure the downloadable version is selling at least a little bit before you invest more money..

    Just a thought...
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    • Profile picture of the author mangozilla
      Agreed... I'm not looking to invest more, but if I can get a print on demand service, the purchase price covers my cost.
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    • Profile picture of the author Elmer Hurlstone
      mangozilla,

      The PDF workbook files can be included on the DVD. I have a so designed product on my desk as I write.

      In the case of the product I'm referring to the workbook is only 17 pages. Yours may be longer.

      The advantage to including the PDF's on the DVD are primarily financial. You, and ultimately your customer, are going to have to pay for shipping. Bits and bytes on a disc ship more cheaply than a printed book.

      If the customer wishes to print the book it is their option.

      The downside is loss of, as Paul Myers so aptly named it, "Thud Factor".

      Although the content is exactly the same there may be a "greater value" perception by customers receiving both DVD and printed books.

      One way to counter the perception is by claiming "green". You're saving trees (paper) and additional load on fuel reserves (transportation) by sending the lightest possible package.

      HTH,

      Elmer
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      • Profile picture of the author mangozilla
        Thanks, Elmer. I could use the "green pitch" to support the absence of the physical workbook.
        Would there be any issues with a service like kunaki in combining video and pdf on the same dvd media?
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        • Profile picture of the author Elmer Hurlstone
          I wouldn't think that's an issue.

          On the DVD I mentioned there are 23 content files.

          1 "ods" OpenDocument Spreadsheet
          1 "xls" Excel Spreadsheet
          12 "mpeg4" Videos
          9 "pdf" Adobe Acrobat documents

          Additionally there are a slew of "housekeeping" type files which make it all work.

          The back of cover bar code area states, "Distributed by Kunaki, LLC"

          Good luck,

          Elmer
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          • Profile picture of the author mangozilla
            I think I should have clarified - my hope with the DVD is that it would offer my customers the convenience of being playable on their home DVD players. Elmer, sounds like yours is a data dvd, playable on a computer via a player that handles MP4, but not via a DVD player to a TV - is that right?
            If it does play vids in the DVD player, as well as allow printing documents from the DVD with a PC, I'm sold! I might be sold anyway...
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  • Profile picture of the author freudianslip27
    I am running into the same problem, and agree that having a product that is both a physical book and DVD or CD will make your distribution costs a lot higher.

    I am toying with the idea of having a "members only" link where people can go to download the pdf book. I was going to put it in the videos themselves, and also have it written in the background of the dvd index page.

    Matt
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    • Profile picture of the author Elmer Hurlstone
      I just tried the DVD in my entertainment DVD player attached to the TV.

      Didn't work.

      Sorry folks.

      I don't know if that degree of integration will work.

      Elmer
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
        Originally Posted by Elmer Hurlstone View Post

        One way to counter the perception is by claiming "green". You're saving trees (paper) and additional load on fuel reserves (transportation) by sending the lightest possible package.
        I don't think I'd use the "green" argument here.

        DVDs are made of plastic with mined metals and dyes and lacquers. They are difficult to recycle and are not accepted for recycling in many places. Include a jewel case, and you add to the problem, since those may be difficult to recycle and are also generally made from petroleum-based plastics.

        So, paper is probably greener than a DVD.

        Originally Posted by Elmer Hurlstone View Post

        I just tried the DVD in my entertainment DVD player attached to the TV.

        Didn't work.

        Sorry folks.

        I don't know if that degree of integration will work.
        It can be done. I think it depends on the capabilities of your DVD authoring software.
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        • Profile picture of the author Elmer Hurlstone
          Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

          I don't think I'd use the "green" argument here.

          DVDs are made of plastic with mined metals and dyes and lacquers. They are difficult to recycle and are not accepted for recycling in many places. Include a jewel case, and you add to the problem, since those may be difficult to recycle and are also generally made from petroleum-based plastics.

          So, paper is probably greener than a DVD.
          Dan, no argument. However, if you're going to have an integrated product-DVD and bound book-it will have marginally greater impact than a product delivered via one medium.

          At the end of the day, though, straight paper is likely "more green".

          If all else fails you can always suspend a no longer needed DVD from the rear view mirror of your '57 Plymouth.

          It can be done. I think it depends on the capabilities of your DVD authoring software.
          In the case I was citing it was a Kunaki produced DVD written and published by another marketer. I'm fairly certain his intent was "computer use only".

          Elmer
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          • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
            Originally Posted by Elmer Hurlstone View Post

            If all else fails you can always suspend a no longer needed DVD from the rear view mirror of your '57 Plymouth.
            I thought you're supposed to use them for target practice. That's always what happens in film & TV when the technological apocalypse comes after an EMP attack.
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            • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
              Not wanting to hijack the thread, but does anyone know of a service that will prepare all your videos and ebooks for physical product creation?

              I've been thinking of taking all my videos and reports and compiling them into a single product but I would like to outsource the creation and preparation.

              BTW i think createspace can do what the Op is looking for
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  • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
    Not directly related, but I plan on selling my eBooks on eBay as actual books in a self-printed spiral bound format that doesn't cost me much to produce, doesn't cost me much time to put together, and still looks professional. Plus, I'll have a tracking number associated with the payment so it will be harder for people to demand refunds when not offered the option.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Hi mangozilla/Warriors,

    Here is a list I compiled a while back when Ebay stopped allowing digital ebooks in auctions.
    It's called the P.O.D. report. It contains over 150 Print On Demand Publishers.

    P.O.D.report

    Enjoy!
    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author mangozilla
      Michael,

      Thanks for the list. 150 is a lot, but I looked through a few. Looks like most specialize in either print or CD/DVD, but not the combination. I'm sure many of them would work with me on a custom solution if my money's green enough!
      I hadn't considered CreateSpace, but their integration with Amazon's video on demand service sounds interesting...

      Steve, thanks for the tip. Looks like disk.com can create the pack, but their site doesn't indicate POD service or a way that I can avoid up front fees. I'll check into it...
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill_Z
    Yes disk.com can do it but there are alot of up-front costs. I am in the middle of creating a DVD/workbook product with them and so far am quite pleased with their service. It's not cheap but they are pro's.
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    • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
      Thanks Bill, i'll check them out
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  • Profile picture of the author RobFighter
    Another good service I've used to do what OP is looking for is Vervante. The beauty with them is that they don't have the upfront costs of disk.com...and they also bill "net 30" so you can be in profit before any outlay of funds.

    SwiftCD in San Diego is another option (althought you'll need to pay for a minimum of 100 printed books in advance).

    You may want to take a look at fellow Warrior Josh Anderson's service called Nanacast which can do what you want and much more.
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    • Profile picture of the author mangozilla
      Thanks. I had actually already contacted Vervante and am waiting for a reply.

      I'm thinking the simples way to start may be to order a short stack of dvd's from Kumaki, have the local Kinkos spiral bind a few books, and fulfill them myself, at least until I get an idea of what sales will actually be...
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      • Profile picture of the author RobFighter
        Originally Posted by mangozilla View Post

        Thanks. I had actually already contacted Vervante and am waiting for a reply.

        I'm thinking the simples way to start may be to order a short stack of dvd's from Kumaki, have the local Kinkos spiral bind a few books, and fulfill them myself, at least until I get an idea of what sales will actually be...
        You're right...doing it yourself for a short while you test demand and work out any kinks is a great idea. Best of luck with your project...I hope it's a huge hit!

        BTW-while you're fulfilling things yourself be sure to test some inserts with different back-end offers. If you don't have something of your own then use a solid, complementary affiliate product. Just put the offer on a separate, bright colored piece of paper (yellow or orange often work well).

        Rob
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        • Profile picture of the author mangozilla
          Rob - Thanks for that tip. Great strategy I hadn't considered, and it started a whole flood of ideas that would be better than just "here ya go!"
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