[HANASHIR:14823] business questions

[Shira Kline <shirlalala...>]

Hey everybody,
I'm gearing up to put out my first album (I'll send out more information later!)

I'm producing this independently, not with a record label.
My designer and printer have requested my UPC number.  I checked on line about 
how to do this and discovered the whole world of UPC numbers, bar codes.  I 
know many of you out there have tons of experience with this.  

Is it true that:
A UPC bar code is required if you want to sell the CDs through a distributor or 
at a store?
The only way to acquire a UPC number is through the Uniform Code Council?

Its a pretty steep cost, minimum $750 membership and then a smaller anual fee.
I see that everyone has a bar code on your CD, did you all go through the UCC 
and become a member and pay this big fee?  I know that if you are on a label 
the label takes care of all that, but what about you independent recording 
people?

Also, do you know if it is required to have a sales tax when you sell the CD?  
I understand that distributors and retailers take care of that for themselves, 
but what about when I sell the CDs to individuals?

What is a catalog number?  The designer asked about this, didn't know what to 
tell him...

This is my first time and my intro to the business world, any help, advice, 
comments would be a tremondous help for me.  Thank you!!!!
You can email me privately if you like at shirlalala (at) earthlink(dot)net

Shira Kline
shirlalala (at) earthlink(dot)net
Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.