so i wanna start a little record label...

xpost - Best way to find out about costs of most things is just to ask around - call companies that press vinyl, for example, and compare, and talk to friends who have put out records. There's no "normal price" for anything.

I'd imagine the whole distribution thing would be made easier by hooking up with a distributor. But I'd take one thing at a time and start out with online sales while researching the rest. Most businesses launch in stages and you probably shouldn't plan to have discs in stores across the country right away.

this is old but much of it is still relevant.

http://www.indiecentre.com/info/guide.cfm

and forget about economically sustainable unless you are lucky, a natural born hustler, and blessed with an uncanny understanding of what sells.

John-most small labels these days aren't investing in anything beforehand either. Artist gives them a CD and says "can you put this out".

This looks good:

http://www.rapcointelpro.com/

Hey guys I just started a record label called Fall Break Records and I'm looking to release DIY stuff that is at least vaguely psychedelic, but I'd love to put out anything jangly, folky, jammy, or jazzy. I'm planning on releasing digitally and on short run cassettes.

This is gonna be just a hobby for me, so if you have any tips, suggestions, comments, I'd love to hear them.

Also, if you've got stuff you want to release I'd love to hear it!

Check us out here: fallbreakrecords.com

I just stumbled upon the label "Modern Country Records" which has only 7 total releases, but reissued Television Personalities' "And Don't the Kids Just Love It" on cassette which is badass! How does one acquire the rights to do a reissue like that?

the traditional method is to not bother acquiring them (not saying this is what happened here)