Get New Soundscan Forms To Report CD Sales At Venues & Album,Ticket Bundles

The rules for reporting CD sales at venues along with album/ticket bundles to Soundscan and Billboard have changed a couple of times in recent weeks, and it's essential to have the right forms.  (There's a link to them below.) This latest batch drops the requirement, which only lasted a couple of weeks, that fans sign a sheet when they purchased a CD to be submitted along with all of the other forms. But that doesn't mean that the rules are all that simple or even, in my opinion, fair.  My favorite reporting rules:

• It costs $500. – "There will be a $500 annual fee to report venue sales to us which include all new venue accounts and renewals."
• You have 48 hours to deliver. – "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."
• Non-traditional venues don't count – "Nielsen Soundscan will not process sales that occurred at churches, libraries, YMCAs, malls, campgrounds, public and private schools, offices, lawn and house concerts. If you are uncertain whether a venue site is eligible please check with SoundScan up to 2 weeks prior to the event for confirmation."

Of course, there's also the question of why reporting can't be done electronically. There's more on this story here. Read it and share what you think.  I promise to deliver your comments to Billboard and Nielson Soundscan. 

The new rules and forms to report venue CD sales and album/ticket bundles. (pdf)

MORE: The Battle Over Venue Sales Reports To Nielson Soundscan & Billboard