Why is it NOT OK for me to customize or edit an existing UPC barcode?

A UPC bar code identifies an individual product in the marketplace. If you want SoundScan to track each sale, then you should purchase a valid unique bar code for your album/single and have all sales tallied and reported according to THAT serial number.

It is acceptable to have different bar codes for different formats of the same album: vinyl, download, CD, etc.

However, if you assign another album's bar code to a new release, combine two bar code numbers, or make up an invalid bar code number, you may be removed from CD Baby or any of our third party distributors (digital and in-store).

Using an incorrect or invalid bar code causes serious confusion for our distribution partners and can potentially limit another artist's ability to have their sales reported accurately.