BMG Music Club question (again)

I have just joined the BMG Music Club after being a member at now defunct Columbia House. I have gotten several of my free selections and noticed that some have the modified barcode with the "Mfg. for BMG Direct..." while some are regular issue CDs for retail. I know Coulumbia House used regular barcoded discs. To me the modified code is too distracting and bothers me. I know it shouldn't, since the music is the same. Somehow it cheapens the product for me. Hopefully, the Columbia House selections will somehow make there way back into BMG at some point.

I was wondering if this is the same practice with box sets as well? SACDs?

Does anyone here keep track of which are the regular issue CDs vs modified? I imagine it could change at any time.

Here is what I have ordered so far with the regular retail barcode:
Marshall Crenshaw - S/T (non-remaster)

 

it varies - sometimes when cds are brand new they still have the original barcode -- box sets are the same - they usually get redone with the BMG code over time --

to me its a minor distraction for the price savings...

 

When you buy from BMG or YourMusic, you have to be focused on the price tag and not the UPC symbol. Otherwise, you need to buy your music from your favorite music retailer to ensure you get one with a UPC.

 

In general, I'd say when you were at Columbia House, the Sony/Columbia CDs didn't have a special CDR label. But, the other labels might, especially RCA/BMG items.

I've noticed a lot of box sets at BMG music lately, haven't had BMG labels.

All the Blue Note CDs from BMG, have the BMG label.

If you ask before buying a specific CD, members here will be able to help you verify if it has a BMG label or not.

 

I've been under the impression that the presence or absense of a retail UPC on BMG club product depends in part on what label it's released on. When I was a member of BMG briefly around 2000, the CDs I ordered from Warner labels had UPCs.

Another thing: Although many Columbia House club items carried UPCs, in later years the UPC codes were often different from those of the retail item. They often carried weird numbers starting with "20831" and having a two-digit extension at the end.

 

The only issue with the barcodes on Music Club editions of discs, is that some of the larger chains that take used CDs won't touch a disc that won't scan in their system. The BMG Music Club barcodes (unless are the same as the retail issue) won't scan and certain stores will not buy them from you.

 

When I opened this thread, I was hoping it wasn't a question about barcodes, for two reasons. First, if it concerns you, do a search -- it's been covered quite extensively. Second, you're getting the discs dirt cheap, so to let a stupid barcode bother you is extremely weird. Sorry, just annoyed at all these threads -- get over it already!

 

Sometimes you aren't getting the discs that dirt cheap. Let's say you just order one disc (even when they are running specials) - you might pay $18.98 + shipping + tax. You would effectively pay much more than if you bought this at most other CD retailers. Then again, anyone coming to this forum wouldn't be so inclined to order one disc and pay after shipping, etc. $23.00?? Would they?? (I know I wouldn't.)

You are right, when you take advantage of their special (buy 1 get 3 free; or 60% off with no shipping) you are getting the discs darn cheaply overall. Most of the time I find my average (after shipping and tax) usually comes out to about $7.80 per disc. So personally, like you I don't let the barcode bother me, but even so, it does "cheapen" the look of the disc - not sure why (maybe I am "extremely weird" ).

 

Well, I was thinking more of yourmusic, which is $5.99 unlimited.

 

I agree, I am "extremly weird". No doubt about that. Maybe, that is why I visit this forum on almost a daily basis searching for the best sound possible from a recording. I knew this was going to happen when I brought this up. But that's beside the point. I am aware the BMG bar code has been discussed to death. When they do run a special deal, yes, the prices are good.

Sorry to anger anyone here. My intention was to have a thread where, those who are interested, can list titles that do not have the modified bar code.

 

Weird? Well, I wouldn't mind if BMG did away from that little ugly white label with the blah looking font to a custom BMG logo or something...

With BMG, there are ways to lower our cost basis if you want to bother with it.
Once you fulfill, you can cancel and they'll likely mail you to tempt you back with that same free offer. You'll get 10% off your first order. Hold off for a 'good' sale and use your 10%discount in quantity. Also you get freebies for getting spouse, friends, relatives to sign up.
Doing the math, it varies, but, $5-$6 is very possible. I read others quoting below $5 per.
They must be getting referral freebies.

 

You can get the average under $4 by referring yourself. You then get 5 free cds. I've fullfilled my contract, referred myself, fullfill and quit, etc. And it's perfectly legal, BMG allows up to 3 account at each address. It works this way:

1st Account
11 Free cds = $30.69
Fullfillment title purchased during "Buy 1 Get 3 Free" 4 cds = $28.99
5 Free for referral = $13.95

2nd Account
11 Free cds = $30.69
Fullfillment title purchased during "Buy 1 Get 2 Free" 3 cds = $26.37

34 cds for $130.69 for an average of $3.84 per cd including shipping charges. For some reason, it's difficult to get the "Buy 1 Get 3 Free" deal if you're a new member.

 

$3.84? self-referral? you gotta love'em!