In the classical recording world, a sales figure of 5,000 CDs over several years is quite respectable. Schubert Symphonies No. 3 and 9, which was released last November has sold 2,500, and the Mahler Symphony No. 1, which was just released in the beginning of May, has already sold 1,000. The goal is to release one recording every six months. Arch Media is less than half way to that goal. Arch Media board members are optimistic that many more CDs can be sold once a strong distribution system is in place.
Efforts continue in that direction.
Looking at the numbers, it doesn't seem very likely that Arch Media will break even anytime soon. But there are several options that have been discussed. The first is to reduce the cost of the recordings, which is already happening. The second is, again, to focus on a strong distribution system. If all else fails, members of Arch Media management have also discussed the possibility of applying either for grants or an appeal for gifts from symphony subscribers interested in this activity.