How does Nielsen Soundscan track sales?
Sales data from cash registers is collected from 14,000 retail, mass merchant, and non-retail (online stores) outlets. The advancement in technology allows Nielsen Soundscan to track album and single sales very accurately without calling anyone. Here is how Nielsen Soundscan track sales: There is a barcode on the back of every CD or cassette. When you are about to buy an album or single, the store clerk runs the barcode across a scanner. The sale is put into the store’s computer. The sale data is also sent to Nielsen Media Research offices for that region in which you live. Nielsen Soundscan clients include: • All major and most independent labels • Distribution companies • Artist managers, booking agents • Concert promoters, Venue owners • Online retailers and Digital Delivery companies Nielsen Soundscan also tracks sales data for singles and albums in Canada as well.
