Are returns factored into Nielsen's numbers? - Blu-ray Forum

CasualCat2001 · 12-16-2007, 01:46 AM

When Nielsen/VideoScan provides the disc sale numbers, are returns subtracted?

If not, is there a separate statistic or company for tracking returns?

Intuitively, I'd expect "the other format" to have more returns and therefore more false positive "sales" due to purchases out of ignorance due to its name.

It would be nice if that intuition was quantifiable though.

sj001 · 12-16-2007, 01:48 AM

Don't believe so.

I wish they were, because this would really hurt HD-DVD, especially in regards to Planet Earth.

Azumi · 12-16-2007, 02:15 AM

Technically, they should. Once a returned disc is processed to be resold, it automatically adds up to the stock of the retailer.

When the updated data is being sent to Nielsen for instance, it should reflect the global status of their supply chains. So if 50 #UPC were sold but 15 were returned, the store should normally report 35 sales to Nielsen.

Defective or damaged discs should be another matter. They're generally sent back to the Studio, and this one either replaces the unit or adds a credit in the balance account of the retailer.

Slapper · 12-16-2007, 02:29 AM

Even if Nielsen numbers don't reflect "product returns", I can guarantee the studios know how many are being returned. Returns WILL be reflected in the studio numbers one way or another and I'll bet returns on the red side are far greater than returns on the Blu side.

Just the name "HD DVD" lends itself to consumer confusion. "Oh, it will just play in hi-def on my DVD player! Cool!"

12-16-2007, 01:46 AM	#1
CasualCat2001 Member Member since:Dec 2007	Are returns factored into Nielsen's numbers? When Nielsen/VideoScan provides the disc sale numbers, are returns subtracted? If not, is there a separate statistic or company for tracking returns? Intuitively, I'd expect "the other format" to have more returns and therefore more false positive "sales" due to purchases out of ignorance due to its name. It would be nice if that intuition was quantifiable though.

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12-16-2007, 01:48 AM	#2
sj001 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Rochester, NY Blu-ray collection:317 DVD collection:17 Trading Score:5	Don't believe so. I wish they were, because this would really hurt HD-DVD, especially in regards to Planet Earth.

12-16-2007, 02:15 AM	#3
Azumi Active Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:France	Technically, they should. Once a returned disc is processed to be resold, it automatically adds up to the stock of the retailer. When the updated data is being sent to Nielsen for instance, it should reflect the global status of their supply chains. So if 50 #UPC were sold but 15 were returned, the store should normally report 35 sales to Nielsen. Defective or damaged discs should be another matter. They're generally sent back to the Studio, and this one either replaces the unit or adds a credit in the balance account of the retailer.

12-16-2007, 02:29 AM	#4
Slapper Special Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:I live in a pineapple under the sea... Blu-ray collection:277	Even if Nielsen numbers don't reflect "product returns", I can guarantee the studios know how many are being returned. Returns WILL be reflected in the studio numbers one way or another and I'll bet returns on the red side are far greater than returns on the Blu side. Just the name "HD DVD" lends itself to consumer confusion. "Oh, it will just play in hi-def on my DVD player! Cool!"

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