What is a Bar Code?
A bar code, also known as a UPC (Universal Product Code), is simply a unique 12-digit number that allows retailers to easily track sales of your product within their inventory system.
How Does a Bar Code work?
When you go to sell your product at a retailer (i.e. Target, Costco, or Amazon.com), that retailer will have you fill out a product information form. On that form is where you will put your company and product details as well as your 12-digit UPC bar code number. The retailer then manually enters that information into their inventory management computer. This way, when they scan your bar code at the register, it calls up that form in their system and gives you credit for the sale. In other words, the bar code is simply a link between your product and the product information form you fill out for each store that sells your product.
How many Bar Codes do I Need?
A bar code is simply an inventory tracking tool that retailers use in their computer systems. For example, if you sell a t-shirt that comes in one color and 3 different sizes you would need to buy 3 bar codes. This way, if one of the sizes is selling faster than the others, the store will be able to tell instantly which one needs to be replenished without having to do a manual shelf count.
Will my Bar Code work for any retail product?
Yes, all retail products in the United States (except for magazines and books) require the same type of 12-digit UPC bar code. Therefore, whether you need a bar code for your t-shirt, CD, toaster, or whatever it is you are selling.
Will my Bar Code work in a country other than the United States?
Yes, the bar code will work anywhere that either UPC or EAN bar codes are scanned – which is most of the modern world. This includes Canada, Australia, the UK, Europe, Asia, Mexico, South America, the Middle East, and anywhere else that they use bar codes.
Where do I get a Bar Code for my book or magazine?
Books use a special type of bar code based upon an ISBN number issued by the Library of Congress. These can be purchased at www.bowker.com. Magazines also require a special bar code with a Bipad number encrypted in it. These can be purchased at www.bipad.com.
Is there any information stored or encrypted within the bars of a UPC bar code?No. There is no information stored or encrypted within the bars of a UPC bar code. The bars are simply a style of font (called the UPC-A font) that correlates to the 12 numbers beneath the bars.
How Does information get linked to my bar code?
When you go to sell your product at a retailer (i.e. Target, Costco, or Amazon.com), that retailer will have you fill out a product information form. On that form is where you will put your company and product details as well as your 12-digit UPC bar code number. The retailer then manually enters that information into their inventory management computer. This way, when they scan your bar code at the register, it calls up that form in their system and gives you credit for the sale. In other words, the bar code is simply a link between your product and the product information form you fill out for each store that sells your product.
Will a bar code I purchase on this web site be completely unique to me?
Yes. The bar code you purchase from this web site originates from the U.C.C. and is guaranteed to be unique. You are the only person in the world who can legally use that bar code number.
Will my bar code ever expire?
No, your bar code will never expire. Once the bar code is issue to you, it will never be issued to anyone else again and it is yours for life.
Do I ever have to pay any Renewal Fees?
No, all of our fees are one-time only and you never have to pay any renewal fees or future fees of any kind. Because we joined the U.C.C. in 1999, which is before they started charging renewal fees (August, 2002), we don’t have to pay renewal fees. Therefore, you don’t have to pay renewal fees.
Are there any stores where my bar codes will not work?
The bar codes will not be able to be used at either Wal-Mart or Kroger’s. This is due to their application process and not to the actual functionality of the bar codes. In the application process for these 2 stores only, they require a copy of your GS1/UCC certificate with your own company’s name on it. Unfortunately neither we, nor any other reseller of bar codes, can provide you with this document. If you intend to sell your product at either Wal-Mart or Kroger’s, you must purchase your bar codes directly from GS1/UCC to get this document. The bar codes will work at any other stores in the world but these 2 stores.
Will my Bar Code be scan-able?
Yes. As long as the proportions of the bar code we e-mail to you are preserved and as long as it is printed at 300 dpi or higher, your bar code will be scannable.
What are EAN bar codes? Do I really need one?
The EAN bar code system is used outside of the U.S. and Canada and is 13 digits long. It is based upon the 12-digit UPC system with the simple addition of a single number that signifies a country code.
The great thing about having a 12-digit UPC bar code is that it will work in any country in the world. Therefore, if you have a UPC bar code you do not need an EAN bar code.
Is there anything that I need to do after I receive the bar code from you?
No. When you meet with your retailer, they will ask you what you want the product name, price, etc. to be. You will give them your 12-digit UPC number as well as the product information that you want them to program into their inventory system.
Can I print my bar code in anything other than black on white?
Yes, but it is very important that you always maintain a high degree of contrast between you bar code and its background.
Barcodes will be delivered via email. Usual turn around on receiving a barcode is within 48 hours of purchase. Most orders are available same day.
