SoundScan and BDS

Nielsen SoundScan is an information system that tracks sales of music and music video products throughout the United States and Canada. Sales data is collected weekly from over 14,000 retail, mass merchant and non-traditional (on-line stores, venues, etc.) outlets. Nielsen SoundScan is the sales source for the Billboard music charts. SoundScan can only track sales on CDs that have a UPC bar code. Disc Makers clients get a free UPC bar code when they make CDs with us... a savings of $750! Click here for bar code FAQs Once you receive your bar code number (either from the UCC or from Disc Makers) you must register it with SoundScan to ensure you are properly credited for all sales. To register, you need to fill out a Title Addition Sheet. You'll need a separate form for each release. • Download U.S. Word version• Download U.S. PDF version• Download Canada Word version• Download Canada PDF version (right click on a version and select "Save Target As...") The Title Addition Sheet must be submitted to SoundScan's Database Department by email at dbase@soundscan.com Once a title is submitted to SoundScan, it can take up to 10-15 business days for it to be entered into their system. Once entered, the title has the ability to be tracked by SoundScan. Note: In order to find out if a title is already registered with SoundScan, you may contact Client Services by email at clientservices@soundscan.com (If emailed please include the full UPC code), or call SoundScan at (914) 684-5525.For further questions visit the SounScan website at

BDS
Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems is the world's leading provider of airplay tracking for the entertainment industry. It's free to submit your music to BDS for tracking. You do not need a bar code to register with BDS. Radio formats monitored include Adult Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Album Rock, Classic Rock, Contemporary Christian, Country, Light AC, Modern Rock, Oldies, R&B (including Rap and Hip Hop), Spanish (including Latin Contemporary, Regional Mexican and Tropical Salsa), and Top 40. Additionally, Nielsen BDS monitors 7 U.S. Music Video Channels and 9 Canadian Video Channels. Nielsen BDS information is utilized exclusively by Billboard, Airplay Monitor and Canadian Music Network magazines in determining their radio airplay music charts.Submitting Your Music to BDS Send all mixes of your single releases (preferably on CD) to: BDS 8100 N.W. 101st Terrace Kansas City, MO 64153 Attn: Encoding Department Fill out and include a Media Information Form. The form is in the PDF format. If you don't have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®, click here to get it for free, then download the form.Click here to go to the Transactional/Non Client Media Information Form For more information on submitting your music to BDS visit their website at http://www.bdsonline.com/submit.html.

Bar Code FAQs
What is a bar code?Why do I need one? Where do I get one?
How much do they cost?
So, how are you able to give them away for free?
Is that illegal?
What do I do once I get a Disc Makers bar code?
What do I put down for "parent label?"
How do I get the actual bar code on my album design?
What about bar code stickers?
Can I use my bar code outside of North America?


What is a bar code?According to the Uniform Code Council's Web site, a bar code is "a precise arrangement of parallel lines (bars) and spaces that vary in width to represent data." Specifically, they represent a unique 12-digit number, sometimes called a Universal Product Code number. When placed on a product, these bars can be scanned by lasers so that stores can digitally record what products they have sold. You've probably seen how much time they save cashiers at supermarkets.Back to top Why do I need one?You don't, unless you plan on selling your CD in a store that requires you to have one. This would include all retail chains and online stores. If you're just selling CDs at your gigs and in little mom and pop stores, then you don't need one. Back to top Where do I get one? The Uniform Code Council dispenses all UPC bar codes. http://www.uc-council.org/.Back to top How much do they cost?For most indie musicians it's $750 plus yearly renewal fees.Back to top So, how are you able to give them away for free?Here's how it works. When you buy a bar code, what you're actually doing is buying a unique six-digit number for your company or band, let's say it's 123456. But what you're really getting is a range of numbers from 12345600000 to 12345699999 (plus one more number known as the check digit, but let's move on). So you can buy one UPC number and assign it to your first ten thousand releases. Now, while you might not produce ten thousand albums, a CD manufacturer like Disc Makers does. So, we've purchased many six-digit numbers and have been giving out all the possible 12-digit combinations to our clients. Back to top Is that illegal?Not at all. It's common practice. Major labels do this for their bands. Back to top What do I do once I get a Disc Makers bar code?If you want SoundScan to be able to track sales of your CD, you need to register your bar code number with them, so they know to attribute any sales to you, rather than to Disc Makers. You simply download the application form above, fill out the information.Back to top What do I put down for "parent label?"If you have a Disc Makers bar code, use your name or your band name for the Parent Label. That doesn't mean anything technically or financially (we do not get any money or anything for any sales you have). If you are on a label, put that down as your "Sub Label." If you don't, put your name or band name in that field as well. Back to top How do I get the actual bar code on my album design?We'll provide that for you. If you're supplying your own design, make sure you leave a 1.25" x .5" space where you want the bar code to appear and we'll insert it for you. Back to top What about bar code stickers?Stickers are a great way to get the value of having a bar code, without letting the bar code interfere with your graphic design. They are attached to the polywrap, so the store can scan the CD, but once it's purchased, the bar code gets tossed away with the wrapping. Disc Makers' bar code stickers cost $50 per thousand, plus a fee to apply them to your CD. Back to top Can I use my bar code outside of North America?Yes.Back to top