Barcode Information
Every day we get asked lots of questions about barcodes and we know barcodes can be confusing at first. We are happy to talk you through the barcode process. Here we have put together lots of useful barcode information and advice.
How much does it cost for a barcode?
Why won’t my barcode scan?
How do I get a barcode for my product?
What is a TUN code?
How many barcodes do I need?
Can I make up my own barcode numbers?
How big should my barcode be?
Barcodes are globally unique numbers. This means no two products in the world have the same barcode number. Each SKU (stock keeping unit) has it’s own barcode number. For example if you have a coffee in 200gm packet and the same coffee in a 500g packet you need 2 barcodes, one for each size. Similarly, beer sold in a 330ml bottle and then a 4 pack of the 330ml bottles each need their own barcodes as they will be different prices.
It is worth spending the time to read up about barcodes. Work with a reputable barcode company like us. Use a printing company that have experience of working with barcodes. Be wary of any amazingly cheap or free barcode companies as there is normally a catch. Note that ‘free barcode generators’ are only making free images. They are not supplying unique barcode numbers. Also check the quality of the images they are making. You need to own your barcode numbers. You cannot make up barcode numbers.
Beware of fake barcode sellers
Barcodesellers.org aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the different barcode sales sites throughout the world. This is because many different websites are competing for sales and have hugely different levels of quality. We hear from people who have bought barcodes for very cheap prices to find that they are already in use or are incorrect formats.
It can be an expensive to print your product packaging so you want to make sure you have it right. And if something as simple as the barcode goes wrong, it can be a costly and time-consuming process reprinting the packaging or sticking sticky labels over the barcode. Hence it is important to get the job done right the first time around.
When you order from us you will receive an email with your barcodes. We include useful information on how to use and print your barcode correctly so your product barcodes will scan well at checkouts.
Guide to Retail Barcodes
To help you get started, we’ve created a downloadable Guide to Retail Barcodes that explains:
- The types of retail barcodes (EAN, UPC, ITF14, ISBN, ISSN)
- how many barcodes you need.
- Adding the barcodes to your product packaging
- Registering your barcodes and products with retailers and online databases
Need more barcode information?
Here we have created a list of barcode information and where you can find it on our website. If you still have any questions please contact us and we can help.