In the United States, the
Recording Industry Association of America (
RIAA) awards
certification based on the number of
albums and
singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards (see
music recording sales certification). Certification is not automatic; for an award to be made, the
record label must request certification. The audit is conducted against net shipments after returns (most often an artist's royalty statement is used), which includes albums sold directly to retailers and one-stops, direct-to-consumer sales (music clubs and
mail order) and other outlets.