(11-25-2015, 11:17 PM)hitman horton Wrote:(11-25-2015, 01:06 PM)NancyL Wrote: That #1 also includes the however many free downloads with ticket purchases. And that's probably what made it.
I disagree. The chart reflects album "sales" and not albums given away.
Well, firstly - the chart does not reflect true album "sales" anymore. It is done with a combination of input that is included for chart position: It tallies units from album sales, song sales (10 songs equal one album) and streaming activity (1,500 streams equal one album).
Secondly, yes - albums included with the price of a ticket (or in your words "given away") do count - as long as they are redeemed. That is why they come with individual "codes" and why you had to input your zip code to redeem it. This has been going on for years. Heck, this year artists have gotten even more creative - If you caught a ride using the Lyft app service, you got the new Justin Bieber download included in the price. And yes, those counted as well. It may seem like cheating, but it is legal (in the world of charts):
These are the most updated specs in regards to having these "sales" count:
The requirement for reporting a digital download album sale bundled with a concert ticket are:
With purchase of tickets, with or without an additional fee, customer receives a unique PIN number redeemable for a digital download of the album. Transaction will count as a sale at the point of redemption. Sales will not be held or carried over to a subsequent tracking week, so the redemption should be timed to an album’s scheduled release date or any date thereafter.
In addition: the following conditions must be met.
• Bundle offer must be presented in advance (at least 15 days) for approval to both Nielsen SoundScan and Billboard.
• Any additional incentive for consumer to redeem album (i.e. contesting or further discount offers) is NOT allowed.
• Download album must have its own unique UPC code for clearer tracking.
• Digital fulfillment service must be a long-standing reporter to Nielsen SoundScan for 6+ months from the event occurring.
• There must be satisfactory proof provided to Nielsen SoundScan that the manufacturer received a reasonable and customary payment for each unit from the concert promoter or ticketing agency.
• Nielsen SoundScan must receive digital sales/redemptions directly from the digital service/fulfillment company and must include the consumer’s zip code for each download redeemed.
• The product that is offered as a download to consumers who purchased a concert ticket must be equivalent to product generally available at retail.