Retailers Scanned Wrong Barcode
Sony BMG released a 3-CD set, called Electric 80s, in 2005. The compilation of the greatest electric hits of the 1980s featured a reproduction of a UPC bar code on the cover art, with the title “ELECTRIC 80s” placed in the space at the bottom of the bar code where the numbers would normally appear. The real bar code was placed in a corner on the back of the packaging, as it is for nearly all items.
Machine Readable Bar Codes
Many music retailers reported losses because the machine-readable bar code in the cover art was scannable by their systems, and cashiers mistakenly scanned the CD’s cover (rather than its back). This resulted in clerks collecting $17.46, instead of the set’s list price of $26.76, and it was reported that the cover art bar code caused stores to record sales of singer Jack Johnson’s CD, “In Between Dreams” instead.
Proper Barcodes
One music retailer, the HMV Group, used the issue as a way to brag about how they had no problems, because their clerks were ‘properly trained’. It claimed the incident demonstrated the value of purchasing CDs in specialty music stores, rather than buying them at general retailers. “Someone would have to be pretty stupid not to recognize that,” HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said. “Proper barcodes are always done on the reverse side of the CD.”
Conventional Cover Art
He added, “All our staff were aware of the cover artwork, and if fellow retailers and supermarkets did not, it just highlights that they are not really music specialists. We have not had any issues.” Stores pulled the set while a new version, with conventional cover art, was rushed to market.
The Answer
The answer as to whether retailers mistakenly scanned the wrong barcode on a CD is true or false, is that it’s true.
About Musical Artist Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is an American singer-songwriter, musician and filmmaker known for his laid-back acoustic sound and melodic tunes. He gained widespread popularity with his debut album, “Brushfire Fairytales,” released in 2001, which included hits like “Flake” and “Bubble Toes.”
“In Between Dreams” is Jack Johnson’s third studio album, released in 2005. The album features some of his well-known songs, including “Better Together,” “Banana Pancakes” and “Good People.”
“In Between Dreams” continues Johnson’s signature acoustic folk sound, characterized by his smooth vocals and mellow guitar playing. The album received positive reviews and commercial success, further solidifying Jack Johnson’s status as a prominent figure in contemporary folk and acoustic music.
If you enjoy laid-back, feel-good acoustic music, Jack Johnson’s albums, including “In Between Dreams,” are well worth checking out.
