Getting A Bar Code

If you plan on selling your music to retail stores and distributors, having a bar code is absolutely essential. In fact, many record stores (including the bigger independent stores) will not carry your product unless you have a bar code. Having a bar code is also necessary if you want to register sales for Soundscan, which is used for the purpose of tracking the sale of your CD product.

Only CDs and DVDs are registered with a 3rd party: The Nielsen Rating’s “Soundscan” so that they can track sales for the purpose of Billboard Charting.

Music bar codes are made up of four parts:

(1) The first six digits including the little number at the beginning makes up the vendor code. These numbers are assigned by the Uniform Code Council, and identify you as a vendor. For example, Universal Records products would all have the same vendor code.
(2) The next four digits make up the product code. The owner of the vendor code assigns these to each product for distribution by that vendor. It’s normally the catalog number.
(3) The second-to-last of the numbers make up the product type digit. This is always a 2 for CDs, 4 for cassettes, 1 for vinyl LP’s, or 7 for vinyl 7-inches.
(4) The very last number at the end of the code is called the check digit. This number is generated by a complex mathematical algorithm based on the first 11 digits. Sample Below of a finished Barcode.

Yes, the cost for your single barcode is only $40.00. This is a one-time fee. There are NO memberships, renewals, annual fees, setup charges, or any other ongoing commitments. (Includes the barcode number registering with Soundscan and the barcode image already generated allow 10 to 15 days and the information can be verified through Nielsen).
 Yes, our barcodes are UPC codes and they originate with the only legal source, GS1 (formerly know as the Uniform Code Council or UCC). (Uniform Code Council)
 Yes, your UPC code is unique.  Your number is GUARANTEED to be unique and authentic with no expiration.
 Yes, you OWN your UPC barcode outright. It can be registered in your name and re-issued by you for future reorder of your CD product once you have sold out or discontinued your current product.
 Yes, your barcode is a standard UPC-A General Use barcode. Our clients sell their products using our UPC codes all over the world in stores like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Amazon and many others.

What if I have more than one product or variations of a product?
In order for your retailer to properly identify your products in their inventory system, a UPC barcode is required for each product. We offer special discounts on bulk orders. Please call for details

How do I purchase the UPC barcodes from you? How and when do I receive them?
Simply click the “Add to Cart” button below. Then complete the required information and press “Submit.” Upon successful credit card verification you will receive an email confirmation of your UPC barcode purchase.
Upon receipt of your order, we assign your UPC barcode numbers with the 5 digits you provided along with our database prefix UPC digits and submit them to our Graphic Design department. They convert the numbers into barcode images and ready them for email. Your UPC barcode will be sent to you as an email attachment. The turn-around time is often one to two business days.

   For more information regarding UPC Codes, Bar Codes, GS1 Barcodes, Universal Product Codes (UPC) & more, please call on 1 609.620.0200 authentic & authorized UPC bar codes that originate through GS1 (formerly known as the Uniform Code Council or UCC).

VENUE SALES REPORTING PROCEDURE

(HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR ALL INDEPENDENT ARTIST)

Policies & Procedures for Reporting Sales to Nielsen SoundScan

Venue Sales

q       Nielsen SoundScan will count venue sales from labels that have 1 or more artists on the current label roster.

q       Nielsen SoundScan will only accept sales that occurred during the week period of Thursday thru Wednesday.  Sheets must be delivered on Thursday thru Friday 12:00 pm EST.

q       There will be a $500 annual fee to report venue sales to us which include all new venue accounts and renewals.

       or report your sales data with OMB for less than half the cost $200.

 

q       Nielsen Soundscan will not process sales that occurred at churches, libraries, YMCAs, malls, campgrounds, public and private schools, offices, lawn and house concerts are all ineligible venue sites.  If you are uncertain whether a venue site is eligible please check with SoundScan up to 2 weeks prior to the event for confirmation.

q       Settlement sheets must be completed with appropriate venue and label signatures in order for the sales to be processed.  A sales file in the EAN format will also accompany the settlement sheets in order to process the sales.

q       During the time that Nielsen SoundScan needs to verify sales and we are unable to confirm with the venue representative by the following Monday after the sheets have been submitted, Nielsen SoundScan will not process the files.

q       Music that is sold at concerts prior to the albums’ release date should be reported when the product is sent to the consumer.  Written notification must be presented to SoundScan prior to the pre-order event and must provide notification of pre-sale on the venue sheets that are submitted.

q       Product that is sold at 50% below manufacturer’s list price at a venue will not be processed.

q       Music sold at conventions and trade shows are only eligible if a ticket is sold separate from the convention ticket package.  A consumer must have the option of either purchasing a ticket separate from the convention ticket package.

q       Ticketing and CD bundling is not eligible if the consumer does not have an option to purchase the CD and ticket individually.  The consumer must have the option to purchase the ticket for entrance and the CD under his\her discretion.  The price of the single ticket must be different from that of the bundle. 

q       Shows that occur in a retail store (in-store appearance) should be reported by the retail store along with proper advanced communication to Nielsen SoundScan.

q       Purchases made by one individual in bulk for redistribution or gifts are also ineligible venue sales and therefore will not be processed.

q       Exclusives sold at venues are not eligible to chart.