Go LaLa For Used-CD Venture

I always took it to mean promotional versions of CDs, not so much CDs sent out to be promotional copies. You know the ones: they have promotional stamped on them or have different artwork, etc. I would guess that a hole punch through the UPC or having it crossed out would be fine, but then again, I don't really care if promotional copies come my way.

redsock sez:
What about the real deal, that was sent as a promo, with the barcode crossed out? Same disc, same art etc… but actually was a promo. That is stupid.

cd with barcode punched out are not considered promos… whats specifically not allowed are those cds that have promo language stamped on the booklet or printed on the cd, a practice which apparently has been discontinued. beyond promos anything that says advance release is no good.

I suspect that it's more a cover their ass legal thing as promotional copies are free, meant to be free, and no one can (or is supposed to) profit from them other than those who own the right to them and even that's by way of just getting the music heard for the sake of hoping to create future sales. I don't even think that music stores are supposed to sell them though I see them all the time. Maybe one of those things that just isn't enforced all that strongly or could be some loop hole I'm not familiar with like a royalty or tax thing paid to compensate. There are promos on eBay all the time too but that might too be overlooked. Don't know the details.

Holes and barcodes crossed out are usually cut outs. Merchandise that has been discounted and can't be (or shouldn't be) sold or resold at top list price dollar. There are probably rules about those too that I'm not fully aware of but they aren't promos per se though the band or lable may use an actual for sale copy and mark it as such.