UMVD Updates JumpStart

As expected, Universal Music & Video Distribution has revamped its JumpStart pricing initiative, raising boxlot prices higher, but now allowing discounts to figure into the equation.

According to a JumpStart letter sent to UMVD's accounts and obtained by Billboard, the $12.98 frontline titles will now carry a $9.49 cost, up from the $9.09 level that the program initially set when it was unveiled last September. Meanwhile, the $10.10 "superstar" cost increases to $10.35 and the list price increases $1 to $13.98.

Frontline catalog also changes to the above pricing levels, but for the first time the JumpStart program allows for discounts. Starting April 26, accounts can get discounts on eligible titles by choosing a minimum of 15 titles and giving them prominent in-store space for four weeks.

Select titles can be purchased at an 18% discount, which makes for a wholesale cost of $7.78. Additionally, the SoundSavers midline still carries the initial JumpStart everyday price of $6.06, but a 9% discount on select titles can get the price down to $5.51.

In another change, Verve Music Group titles will no longer be included in the JumpStart initiative, and will change back to conventional pricing.

All the pricing changes become effective April 26.

A UMVD spokesperson was not available for comment at deadline.