These days, I very rarely purchase CDs. However, when I get interested in a smaller/indie artist, I do my best to buy CDs or other merchandise by them, because I know that monetary support can mean an awful lot to a struggling artist. However, I want to make sure that as much money as possible actually reaches the artist in question.

My preferred course of action is always to buy from the merch table at a performance; there, most, if not all of the profit goes directly to the artist. (Right?) If attending a concert isn't feasible, I see what's available straight from the artist online, if anything; if they're signed to a small record label, I'll try to go directly through the label.

Beyond this, I'm at a loss. I guess my basic question is, is there a way to know which retailers give the largest profit percentage back to the artist? For example, when big box stores (Target, Wal-Mart, etc.) mark down prices, whose profits are consequently decreased? I also know that the larger the record label, the larger cut they take of the earnings, so I'm also wondering if there are any general numbers about some of the bigger labels.

If you have any insights regarding monetary support of other kinds of artists (authors, filmmakers, photographers and so on), I would love to hear them as well. If I'm going to give in to the capitalist system, I figure I might as well do it as effectively as possible. Thanks!