Question About Wal-Mart and Other Stores "Bargain Bins"

[Scandal 2000]

It seems like the music industry is starting to realize that if CD's are to remain somewhat viable (and DVD's as well), they had to come down on the prices. I really love all the bargain bins you now see at places like Wal-Mart. Here is my question for anyone that knows. (I have always wondered this)

Does a sold CD count in an artist sales figures if it ends up in the bargain bin at a discounted price? For instance, let's say ZZ Top's Elminator album.  If 1,000 people buy that album out of the various Wal-Mart bargain bins throughout the country, does it count in their sales figures or not?

[RJhog (Admin)]

I would think so. It goes through Soundscan when it is scanned at the register. Just like regular editions and deluxe editions, new vinyl all counts. Only if it is sold used does it not count. However, it will not help certification unless the band pays for recertification.

[Scandal 2000]

I was curious on that. I know that in the old days of the Columbia House Tape clubs, they did not count in artist sales from what I had always heard. In regards to your comment about recertification, that is one thing many people don't realize. You have to pay the RIAA for recertifications. That is why an album may be listed as only going gold or platinum when it has in fact sold millions. Gold and platinum albums are kind of overrated because the certifications aren't exactly accurate.

That does bring up an interesting point though. With declining CD sales, does anyone think the RIAA should change what qualifies as a gold (500,000 units sold) or platinum album (1,000,000) and perhaps lower the numbers?

 

[RJhog (Admin)]

I don't think so.  A legally downloaded full album still counts towards sales.  Look at Adele.  Over 6 million of her latest album.  I'm sure at least half of that was downloads.  Basically, you have to give the masses what they want, and us real rock music lovers are no longer the masses.  Van Halen will struggle to hit platinum with ADKOT, but I still don't think the requirements should change.  My personal opinion, of course.

 

Very nice, thought provoking thread Scandal.

[Jon]

I believe after a certain amount of time, the older albums will be considered catalogue albums and would show up on that chart. Could be wrong, but when Michael Jackson died, I believe that all his albums were top 10, but only in the catalogue chart. But then again, maybe they didn't sell enough to make the top ten of the regular chart, so what the hell do I know.

Very good question though. Which begs me to ask, do you have a plan on something????

[TageRyche]

I checked out the bargain section at Best Buy for giggles and the crap they had there wasn't even worth buying it at bargain prices.

If I check the Wal-Mart bin I hope they have a better selection.

[Gordon Williams]

Very interesting discussion, guys. I too think "bargain bin" sales count. And I do not think the qualification, or numbers sold, should change.

And I would think that the new Van Halen would go platinum. Quite a few of my friends have already bought it, and others are interested. And their new tour should help push sales along. And, with online downloads counting, I will be shocked if it does not reach platinum.

[RJhog (Admin)]

I read in Rolling Stone the first 2 weeks numbers were around 250K...

 

Adele sold 750K in the week after the Grammy's. 

 

It will be interesting seeing the next 2 weeks sales for VH.

[RJhog (Admin)]

Melodicrock.com is reporting previous week sales for Van Halen at 19K.  So the boys will have to keep that sales level for 12 more weeks to even reach Gold status...

[Gordon Williams]

Maybe VH waited too long to finally get something new out? Maybe a lot of fans have just written them off, and forgotten about them. But it's still early. The tour will help...but whether or not it gets any real radio exposure will be a big factor.

It ain't the 80's anymore...

 

[RJhog (Admin)]

They didn't exactly promote it either.