Tag: Barcode Reseller

Do I need to buy a Barcode Package? This is a common question, so we thought we would provide some simple answers.

Most people asking this question are wanting to obtain a barcode number for a retail product they have created. They are usually being asked by a retailer to put a retail barcode number on to their product, and theyre not sure where to start.

Most independent barcode companies, such as Barcode Limited in New Zealand, offer retail barcode numbers in a variety of forms, including as a barcode package. A barcode package usually contains a unique retail barcode number, a guarantee certificate and barcode images in a variety of formats. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you can order a barcode package like this online, and it will be emailed to you, usually within a few hours.

The barcode images you receive are the actual barcode picture, consisting of vertical black lines and spaces, with the barcode number written underneath. These barcode images are usually emailed to you in several different formats, such as .eps, .bmp, .pdf, .jpg or .tiff. Of these formats, the most accurate, and hence the best to use, are .eps and .pdf. When printing your barcode, it is important to have the edges of the lines as clean and sharp as possible. Hence, it is advisable to use a very accurate image format, such as .eps which is vector based. However, some graphics packages, which you might be using to produce your packaging artwork incorporating this barcode image, have specific image format requirements or limitations. Hence you will need to choose the format that works best for you, when you are inserting the barcode picture into the artwork for your packaging. If your packaging has already been printed, you can print the barcode picture onto sticky labels instead.

Companies like Barcodes Limited NZ will send the images to you in the standard size of 25mm x 37mm. Officially you can safely reduce them to 80% of this size (ie to 20mm x 30mm) when putting them onto your packaging. If you make them smaller than this, it makes them difficult for barcode scanners to read. If you like large barcodes, you can officially increase them to 200% of the standard size.

If you buy a barcode from a reputed Barcode Reseller, you will receive a unique number that will not expire, and that only you have the legal right to use. You can use your barcode worldwide. It is a one-off purchase & there are no future fees.

Can I just get a Barcode number without images? is another common question. Some people do not need barcode images, they only need a unique barcode number. If you are selling on Amazon, a barcode number is all you need. If you purchase your barcode from Barcodes Limited, then yes, you can just purchase the number without any images, saving yourself some unnecessary expense. And, if you buy just a barcode number and then later find out that you need images, it is easy to go back to the barcode company and order images.

There is a lot of confusion about retail barcode numbers. It is common for the manufacturer of a few retail products to suddenly be told that one of their wholesalers or retailers wants barcodes on the products. So, suddenly, the manufacturer is thrust into the mysterious world of retail barcode numbers.

Common questions quickly arise. What is a barcode number? What type of barcode number do I need? Where do I get a barcode number for my products? Do I have to pay annual fees for a barcode number? How do I get the barcode image onto my product? Is there a central database where I need to register my barcode number? These questions and many others are faced by the manufacturer.

To help relieve some of the mystery, we want to help answer these common questions.

Barcode numbers are purely a unique number that is represented by a series of dark bars with light gaps between them. The actual number of the barcode is usually written below the bars. Barcode numbers come in many different formats. The most common retail barcode number is an EAN-13 barcode. These are 13 digit numbers, with the first 12 digits being allocated and the last digit being a calculated checksum, which is based on the values of the other digits. EAN-13 barcode numbers are commonly used on retail products throughout the world. It is important to note that there is no product information encoded in a barcode number it is purely a unique number. When a retailer first receives the barcoded product, they either scan the barcode or type the number into their system, & also enter the product details, price, reordering info etc. After this, when they scan the barcode, the specific product information appears on their screen.
UPC-A 12 digit numbers are also commonly used in the USA. These US format numbers are basically the same as EAN-13 numbers, but have one less digit. UPC-A numbers are effectively a subset of the EAN-13 number system.

There are 3 main ways to get a barcode number.

Firstly, you can make one up. However, this is definitely not recommended. An essential element of the barcode number system is the importance of ensuring all the numbers used on retail products are unique. Hence, if you just make up a number, there is a high chance of someone else having the same number on a different product. If this happens, you have effectively stolen their number and are potentially liable for reprinting packaging, product recall and other damages incurred, so it isnt worth the risk.

Secondly, you can join an international organisation that is the controller of most retail barcode numbers. Joining this organisation requires the completion of membership forms, provision of your companies financial information, payment of a joining fee and also payment of annual fees. Many manufacturers find this to be a complex and expensive process far more than they expected for something they expected to be simple buying a barcode number.

Thirdly, you can purchase a barcode number from a reputed barcode reseller. These barcode resellers, such as Barcodes Limited in New Zealand, usually own a large group of barcode numbers that originate from the UCC or GS1-US, part of the international controlling body, but are outside their licensing system. Hence these barcode resellers are able to sell the barcode numbers for a relatively cheap one-off price, and usually dont charge any joining fees or annual fees. These Barcode Resellers are usually internet based, as you dont need to physically collect a product from them, and they operate from websites such as barcodes.co.nz. If you are considering purchasing a barcode from a Barcode Reseller, ensure you read their site carefully, and also look for testimonials from satisfied customers who are using their barcode numbers.
Actually, there is a fourth way to get a barcode number you can purchase one from a dodgy barcode reseller but this could be as dangerous as the first option of making up your own number, so it isnt recommended.

Once you have your barcode number, which you have probably purchased from a Barcode Reseller, it is reasonable easy to get the barcode on to your product. Usually you will receive barcode images when you purchase your barcode number, so all you need to do is incorporate one of these images into your product packaging artwork. The standard size EAN-13 retail barcode is 25mm x 37mm. Officially they can be reduced to 80% of size ie to 20mm x 30mm. If you have already printed your product packaging, then the easiest thing to do is purchase some barcode labels. These labels usually come in rolls of 500 or 1000 labels, and are relatively inexpensive.

Finally, there is no central database where you need to register your barcode number. Once you have your barcode number on your packaging, your product is ready to go to the retailers. You can then sit back and enjoy that well-earned cup of coffee.