Have you ever wondered how products get barcodes? If you’re thinking about selling your own products, you’re probably wondering the same thing.
Barcodes are essential for tracking and identifying products in stores, warehouses, and supply chains. They’re also used to scan tickets, boarding passes, and other important documents.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different ways to get barcodes for your products. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to get started.
Whether you’re a small business owner or a large enterprise, we’ll help you find the best way to get barcodes for your products.
What Exactly Are Barcodes, and What Are Their Uses?
A barcode is a printed pattern of parallel lines with various widths and numbers that is readable by machines and used to identify products.
Typically, a barcode symbol has five components:
- A calm area
- The first character
- Data characters, optionally containing a check character
- The stop sign
- Another area of calm
What You Should Know
Each barcode, and consequently each product, is distinct in an inventory system because of all these symbols. Only a barcode reader is capable of reading the code. The reader converts the pattern into a number in digital format using a laser beam that can detect the reflections from the lines and the thickness of the space. Inventory management software, point-of-sale systems, and other applications use this digital format to send information about that product to various locations so users can use the data obtained to make informed decisions about their product and business.
Products can be scanned with barcodes to keep track of sales, clients, and inventory.
Linear or 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes are the two basic categories. The most prevalent kind of barcodes are linear ones, which may be seen on store items. Compared to linear barcodes, 2D barcodes are more recent and can store more data.
To translate the data encoded in barcodes and communicate it to a database or inventory management platform, warehouse operators utilize barcode scanners.
Compared to the dependability, speed, and accuracy they provide to warehouse operations, barcoding systems are incredibly affordable.
A Step-by-Step Way to Get Barcodes for Your Products
After covering all the necessary foundational information regarding the various types of barcodes, how to get them, and the significance of GS1, the following is our suggested procedure for getting barcodes for your products:
#1. Determine How Many of Your Products Need UPCs, GTINs, or EANs
You can apply for a UPC using GS1 if your product requires one. You should buy a block of UPCs if you require many barcodes, such as one UPC per SKU. Choose if you want to create your own barcodes or apply for them through GS1. It might be simpler to create your own barcodes if you only require one or two.
However, we advise requesting them through GS1 if you require many barcodes or intend to sell your product through third-party channels.
#2. Open a GS1 Account and Apply for a Company Prefix
If you’ve chosen to use GS1 to request your barcodes, register for an account and adhere to the website’s instructions. The fundamental information about your company and product (such as the product name, category, etc.) must be filled out.
To begin, you need to obtain a company prefix. Your company will be given a special number for the first few digits on all your barcodes.
#3. Obtain GTINs for Each Product
As was already explained, GTINs are special numbers used to identify products. They serve as the “serial numbers” for your products, if you will. These special numbers adhere to the GS1 standard and come after your corporate prefix.
#4. Create, Save, and Print Your Barcodes
Once you have your GTIN and corporate prefix, you can create the barcodes as you choose. You may generate barcodes using Microsoft Excel, the free web tool from GS1, or even your inventory management system. What matters is that your company prefixes and GTINs are monitored and kept in a widely used database.
Simply print or submit your barcodes digitally to your third-party marketplaces after you’ve generated them.
While creating barcodes that don’t adhere to the GS1 standards is certainly viable, we don’t advise it for two main reasons:
- The Majority, if not all, Third-Party Marketplaces want Barcodes with the GS1 Prefix.
So, by starting with GS1, you may avoid the hassle of having to refit your products with new labels if you decide to sell your products through other channels in the future. - GS1 barcodes are more reputable and do away with the chance of code overlap (scanning a barcode that contains data from another company or institution).
Types of Barcode for Your Product
Linear or 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes are the two basic categories.
The most popular kind of barcodes are linear barcodes. Products in stores often have these long, flimsy barcodes. Since linear barcodes may only hold a finite amount of data, product identification numbers (like a UPC) are often stored in them.
Compared to linear barcodes, 2D barcodes are more recent and can store more data. On items, packaging, and labels, 2D barcodes are square or rectangular. Because 2D barcodes can hold a lot of data, they are frequently used to store product data (such as nutritional information) or track inventories.
The two most popular barcode types are UPCs and QR codes, while many others exist.
#1. UPCs
The most popular kind of barcodes are UPCs (Universal Product Codes). UPCs are linear barcodes that are seen on many retail merchandise. UPCs are used to hold products.
The GS1, a global group that establishes standards for barcodes and other identification numbers (more on them later), is responsible for assigning UPCs.
You must submit an application to GS1 for a UPC if you desire one for your goods.
Pros of UPCs
- Since UPCs are the most widely used barcode type, shoppers and store staff are more likely to scan them.
- All barcode scanners are capable of reading UPCs.
- You can be sure that your UPC is unique because the GS1 assigns UPCs.
Cons of UPCs
- Because they are linear barcodes, UPCs can only hold a finite amount of data.
- You must apply for a UPC through the GS1, which can take some time.
#2. QR Codes
You can find 2D barcodes called QR codes on items, packaging, and labels. Inventory tracking and product information storage are both done with QR codes.
QR codes are spreading in popularity as companies explore ways to hold more information about their products. A smartphone or tablet can be used to scan QR codes, which can be used to maintain inventory or give customers product information (such as nutrition details).
You may generate a QR code for your goods utilizing a QR code generator for nothing.
Pros of QR Codes
- They can hold more data than UPCs.
- Smartphones and tablets may be used to scan QR codes.
- A QR code generator can be used to make QR codes for no cost.
Cons of QR codes:
- Because they are less popular than UPCs, customers and store staff might not be able to scan them.
- Only devices with a QR code scanner built in can read QR codes.
GTINs: What You Should Know
Products are given individual identifying numbers called GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers). GTINs can be found on product labels, barcodes, and packaging and are used to track inventory. The GS1, a global body that sets standards for barcodes and other identification numbers, assigns GTINs.
You must submit an application to the GS1 to obtain a GTIN for your product.
Numerous online markets demand GTINs obtained using GS1. More details are provided in the following video from the GS1 website:
- European Article Identifiers, or EANs, are specific identification identifiers given to products. EANs can be found on product labels, barcodes, and packaging to track inventory.
- The GS1, a global group that develops standards for barcodes and other identification numbers, again assigns EANs.
You must apply for an EAN through GS1 if you want an EAN for your product.
What is GS1 Exactly, and Why is it significant?
Global Standards One, or GS1, is an organization that develops standards for barcodes and other kinds of identification numbers.
The GS1 is crucial since it guarantees that each barcode is distinct. Businesses that want their barcodes scanned by outside parties, such as delivery services and brick-and-mortar partners, must do this.
You must submit an application to the GS1 to obtain a UPC, GTIN, or EAN for your goods.
How to Use GS1 to Get Barcodes
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a GS1-certified UPC for your goods because UPCs are the industry standard in North America.
- Create an account on the GS1 website.
- Request a UPC for your merchandise.
- Wait to receive your UPC from GS1.
- After receiving a UPC, you can use it as the barcode for your goods or store it on an RFID tag.
- GS1 also accepts applications for GTINs and EANs.
How to Get Barcodes for Your Products (Tips)
Here are some helpful hints regarding the acquisition of barcodes for your products:
Be sure to register your barcodes with the Global Standards One (GS1) organization if you plan to sell your products through an online marketplace.
The worldwide organization known as GS1 creates and maintains standards for barcodes and other types of identification numbers. If you register your barcodes with GS1, you can rest assured that they will be read by retailers and other businesses all over the world.
You will need to sign up for an account with GS1 and pay for a GS1 prefix in order to register your barcodes with the organization. A GS1 prefix is a special number that is allotted to your company and is completely unique. You will be able to generate barcodes for your products once you have obtained a GS1 prefix for your business.
If you intend to sell your products in retail stores, it is imperative that you check with your retailers to determine whether or not they have any particular requirements for barcodes.
There is a possibility that certain retailers have particular specifications regarding the size, format, or positioning of barcodes. For the sake of clarity, let’s say that in order to satisfy the requirements of a particular retailer, barcodes must be printed on product packaging in a particular size and must be located in a particular spot.
Before you begin printing barcodes for your products, it is essential to check with your retailers to ensure that your barcodes are compliant with the specifications they require. In the event that your products do not satisfy the requirements imposed by the retailer, they may be rejected.
Make sure to write down the barcode numbers on your items.
This will come in handy in the event that you require assistance from your barcode registry or need to reorder barcodes for your products.
You can maintain a record of your barcode numbers in either a spreadsheet or a database. Both options are available to you. It is essential that your record contain each of the following pieces of information:
- The number found on the barcode.
- The name of the product to which the barcode is attached.
- The date on which the barcode was first created.
- The date on which the barcode was initially registered (if relevant).
It will be much easier for you to keep track of your inventory and troubleshoot any issues that may develop with your barcodes if you maintain a record of the barcode numbers.
When it comes to obtaining barcodes for your products, in addition to the aforementioned pointers, here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Determine which type of barcode will work best for your products. There are numerous varieties of barcodes, and each one serves a distinct function best suited to its design.
- The UPC-A barcode is by far the most common type of barcode used for retail products. However, there are other types of barcodes, such as the QR code and the EAN-13 barcode, which are also available.
- If you are unsure which type of barcode would work best for your products, you should consult either your company’s barcode registry or an experienced barcode professional.
- Make use of barcodes of high quality. It is important that barcodes be printed with a high resolution and on materials that are long-lasting. This will ensure that your barcodes can be accurately scanned, even after they have been used multiple times.
- Barcodes should be displayed in a highly visible area. It is important that barcodes be placed in an area where they can be scanned quickly and easily. Barcodes, in order to be scanned accurately, should also be placed on a surface that is as smooth as possible.
- Conduct regular tests on your barcodes. It is essential to perform regular checks on your barcodes to determine whether or not they can still be scanned. You can validate your barcodes by employing the use of a barcode scanner or a barcode testing application on your mobile device.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to obtain the barcodes that are essential for the successful sale of your products.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Barcode for Your Product?
The cost to get a barcode for your product varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of barcode you need, how many barcodes you need, and where you purchase your barcodes from.
The most common barcode type is the UPC-A barcode, which is used on most products sold in the United States and Canada. UPC-A barcodes typically cost around $30 per barcode.
If you need a different type of barcode, such as an EAN-13 barcode or a QR code, the cost may be higher. For example, EAN-13 barcodes typically cost around $40 per barcode.
If you need a large number of barcodes, you may be able to purchase them at a discounted rate. For example, some barcode registries offer packages of 100 barcodes for around $200.
The cost of barcodes also varies depending on where you purchase them from. Some barcode registries charge higher prices than others. It is important to compare the prices of different barcode registries before you make a purchase.
In addition to the cost of the barcodes themselves, you may also need to pay for additional services, such as barcode design and printing.
Here is a summary of the factors that affect the cost of barcodes:
- Type of barcode
- Number of barcodes
- Barcode registry
- Additional services
Do I Need a Barcode to Sell My Product?
Whether or not you need a barcode to sell your product depends on a few factors:
- Where you are selling your product. If you are selling your product online, most marketplaces (such as Amazon and eBay) require that you have a barcode for your product. If you are selling your product in retail stores, some retailers may require that you have a barcode for your product, while others may not.
- The type of product you are selling. Some products, such as food and drugs, are required by law to have barcodes.
- The size of your business. If you are a small business, you may not need barcodes if you are only selling a few products to a limited number of customers. However, if you are a larger business, or if you are selling your products to a large number of customers, it is recommended that you have barcodes for your products.
Do Small Businesses Need Barcodes?
Barcodes are optional unless you’re selling in a retail market, which we define as “big box stores” like Walmart and Target. If your small business sells products, consider installing a barcode system. You oversee a huge inventory.
Do I Need a Barcode to Sell on Amazon?
YES! Users must input a UPC number (for general merchandise) and an ISBN (for books) as part of the item setup process to set up items in Amazon’s brand registry.
How Much are Amazon Barcodes?
If your company is small and you only have a few products, you may choose to get a single UPC or GS1 US GTIN. Each unit costs $30, and there is no renewal fee.
What Do I Need to Get a Barcode?
To get a barcode for your product, you will need to:
- Choose a barcode registry. There are many different barcode registries to choose from, so be sure to compare their prices, services, and reputation before you make a decision.
- Create an account and purchase a barcode package. Barcode packages typically include several barcodes and other services such as barcode design and printing.
- Generate barcodes for your products. You can generate barcodes online or using a barcode generator software program.
- Print out and label your products with barcodes. You can print barcodes on barcode labels or directly onto your products.
Conclusion
Barcode creation is quick and affordable. A computer, some software or font packs, a scanner, and a label printer are all required. Once you’ve set everything up, making 100 or 1000 barcodes will cost you roughly the same. Simply put, you have to invest more time in it. This is a great choice if you only require barcodes to maintain inventory or if your store is smaller.
However, you must register with GS1 to allow other companies (especially bigger big box stores) to stock your goods. You will be responsible for paying GS1’s registration and renewal fees. If you only require a single barcode, you might use a single GTIN and avoid paying a renewal cost. By working with GS1 to establish the inFlow GTIN Barcode Shop, where you can buy up to nine GTINs for your products, we even further simplified the procedure.
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