Finance

Direct Sales Pricing and Fees in Velveteen

Updated June 12, 2026

The short answer

Direct-sale pricing uses the release's direct_sales_price_cents when set, otherwise Velveteen uses a default minimum: Single $1.50, EP $4.99, Album $7.99, or $4.99 when format is unknown. Fees are plan-based.

Fans can pay at least the minimum amount. The checkout uses the higher of the submitted amount and the minimum.

Default minimum prices

Single

$1.50 USD default minimum.

EP

$4.99 USD default minimum.

Album

$7.99 USD default minimum.

Unknown format

$4.99 USD default minimum.

Plan-based fees

Label

3% direct-sale fee.

Pro

5% direct-sale fee.

Artist

10% direct-sale fee.

Free or unknown

15% direct-sale fee.

Frequently asked questions

Can a fan pay less than the minimum?+

No. Velveteen uses Math.max against the minimum before creating checkout.

Can I set a custom price?+

Yes. Set direct_sales_price_cents on the release.

What currency is checkout?+

The checkout route creates Stripe line items in USD.

Do legacy plans have fee rates?+

Yes. LegacyLabel, LegacyPro, and LegacyArtist follow the Label, Pro, and Artist rates.

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