As well as the point Bre gave, the commonly seen sales figure of 990k may not actually be its official sales. I'm not really sure how to explain it any further but I'm sure someone will (Gezza for instance).

The 990k is a shipment figure provided by PWL not an over the counter sales figure provided by Gallup- they gave the 80s figure as 844,000 which mysteriously morphed into 985k by the time the Top 80 of the 80s was counted down on NYE 1989- quite why Gallup didn't make sure their figures matched up is a further mystery. Anyhoo this higher figure is what has been used since but it probably comes from PWL and we all know what grasp of history and sales Pete Waterman has.

I understand it may be shipment, however it does appear to be the higher figure the OCC are using as the book that the OCC did a year or so back listed the higher figure in their section of songs nearing the million mark.

I understand it may be shipment, however it does appear to be the higher figure the OCC are using as the book that the OCC did a year or so back listed the higher figure in their section of songs nearing the million mark.

Oh I agree- Liam's point was I suppose that perhaps they have realised their error now so that 10k it needs to sell might not be 10k now- but that's just speculation :D