Breezy,

Yes, I would expect to get it cheaper at the gig than in the high street. Firstly, artists are probably going to make more profit from CDs they sell direct than from those in the high street, so they benefit if you buy from them. Secondly, its good marketing to encourage you to buy there and then, while you're in the buying mood. But if artists choose to charge full price that's their decision.

I'm not suggesting artists shouldn't discount their records at a gig. What I'm saying is that paying to get into the gig doesn't entitle you to get the CD cheap.

On the question of shrink-wrapping, I frequently come across articles advising that CDs should be shrink-wrapped as it looks more professional and distinguishes them from home-made CD-Rs.