A guide by rainbowjam    

Although most CDs come in standard jewel case packaging, there are a variety of other ways a CD can be packaged which can sometimes be confusing for buyers.

I've been selling music on all formats for over 20 years and have found that I get quite a few questions about packaging terms. I always have hundreds of CDs listed in my eBay shop which are all 100% legitimate and are mainly £4.99 Buy-It-Now. So if you want a safe and easy purchase, visit my shop at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/rainbowjam. Well, that's the plug over; now back to the matter in hand. The different terms are explained below.

Jewel Case:

The normal plastic case with a plastic tray inside which holds the CD. Will include a paper inlay at the back and a paper inlay or booklet at the front. This is the standard packaging for CD albums.

Slipcase:

A cardboard box, open at either one or both ends which slips over the jewel case. Sometimes also holds a thicker booklet which doesn't fit inside the jewel case.

Box Set:

A box which is different to a slipcase as it doesn't have any open ends. Usually used to hold multiple CDs in either jewel cases or card sleeves but occasionally used as special packaging for a single CD.

Slimline Jewel Case:

A slimmer jewel case to standard with no inner tray; the CD is held in place on the back of the jewel case. Will include a paper inlay at the front with the disc visible at the back. This is the standard packaging for CD singles.

Wide/Fat Double/Multiple Jewel Case:

A jewel case which is at least twice as deep as a standard jewel case and opens at the back as well as the front to hold 2 or more CDs. Will include paper inlays at the front and back and may have a booklet inside as well. This is the standard packaging for older CD double albums.

Slim Double Jewel Case:

A standard jewel case with a special tray inside. The tray holds a CD on each side and flips open  inside the jewel case like the pages of a book. Will include a paper inlay at the back and a paper inlay or booklet at the front. This is the standard packaging for CD double albums.

Digipak:

A cardboard sleeve which opens up like a book to reveal a plastic tray glued inside which holds the CD. All the CD artwork is printed on the cardboard packaging. May include a booklet which will slot inside the digipak.

Fold-out Digipak:

Exactly the same as above but with extra fold-out sections on the digipak.

Slidepack:

A cardboard slipcase, thinner than those used to hold a jewel case, which holds a plastic tray (similar to the tray inside a digipak) containing the CD. All the CD artwork is printed on the slipcase.

Card Sleeve:

A cardboard sleeve identical to a record cover but in miniature. All the CD artwork is printed on the sleeve.

Plastic Wallet/Sleeve:

A clear thin plastic sleeve with a fold-in envelope style flap. Usually only used for promotional CDs; if you're offered a standard release (ie: not a promo) in this kind of packaging (with or without artwork) then it's probably a pirate copy. Check out my guide on the different types of illegal CDs and how to spot them. Assuming the CD is a promo, it will either have a generic insert (white paper with printed CD details), a picture insert (basic copy of the proposed artwork - usually poorer quality than the finished product) or sometimes no insert at all.

Well, thanks for taking the time to read my guide - hope it's been of some interest; if so then please register a yes vote and take a look at my other guides. Don't forget to visit my eBay shop for hundreds of 100% official Buy-It-Now CDs at just £4.99. I offer speedy delivery and reasonable postage rates; check out my feedback before you buy. If you like my items, please add me to your favourites list.

Best regards, rainbowjam