Why do some music CD's have a hole punched through the plastic case?

Answer 1

If it's what I think you're talking about...

Some CDs are meant for promotional use only. They are released to companies interested in carrying that CD several weeks before release. It allows companies to hear the music before they decide whether or not their company will carry that CD. These CDs will usually have "For Promotional Use Only" printed somewhere on the booklet or just have a hole punched through the UPC code so that it can't be scanned and sold.

Answer 2

Those are usually "advance copies", which are promotional runs of the CD - meaning that someone didn't pay for them after they were pressed. The band didn't get paid, it was simply a disc for promotion.

You'll find that a lot at used CD stores, where people turn in promotional CDs for money (or credit). The hole punch is a simple way of saying that no-body got paid for it.

I know one used CD store that did it themselves. If the customer came in with a hole in the case, they could offer less money or credit for a "used USED" CD, rather than one that the customer would have gone out and bought. It really only nets them 1-2 bucks per disc, but over time, that is a substantial profit margin.

Answer 3

so it can load