A. 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.
Q. How Do UPC/EAN Bar Codes Work?
A. 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.
Q. What is an EAN?
A. EAN originally stood for "European Article Number," though it has since been re-termed "International Article Number." It refers to the bar code system used outside of Canada and the United States. EANs and UPCs are essentially identical to one another except that an EAN contains 13 digits whereas a UPC has only 12. The extra digit makes up part of the country code and refers to where the bar code was registered. The country code has no bearing on where the product itself was manufactured.
Q. If I Already Have a UPC do I Need to Purchase an EAN?
A. If you already have a UPC bar code, you can sell your product in most locations that use EAN codes. Some international stores only accept EANs, which means it’s a good idea to check with the retailer in advance. When your purchase your codes from Bar Codes Talk, Inc. we provide you with both versions.
Q. If I Already Have an EAN do I Need to Purchase a UPC?
A. If you already have an EAN bar code and you plan to sell your product outside Canada or the United States, you don’t need anything else.
If you plan to sell your product within Canada or the United States, you should be able to do so with an existing EAN. In 2005, American retailers were scheduled to adjust their systems to recognize EANs as well as UPCs; however, not all retailers complied. To be certain, we recommend contacting the store in advance or just purchasing a new UPC.
Q. Do I Have to Have a Bar Code in Order to Sell My Product in a Store?
A. If the store uses bar codes, (which most do), then yes – your items have to have them too.
Q. Will My Bar Code Work in Every Store?
A. Yes, except for a handful of retailers including Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger Family Grocery Stores, Fred Meyer, Macy's and Bloomingdale's. Many of these stores are on the Board of Governors for GS1 US and mandate that you provide a copy of your GS1 US certificate along with your bar code(s). Bar Codes Talk, Inc. will give you an Authentic Certificate of Ownership stating that you legally own your numbers; however, we can’t give you a GS1 US certificate.
Q. Do I Have to Have a Bar Code in Order to Sell My Product Online?
A. Only if the online retailer requests it.
Q. Will My Bar Code Work with Amazon?
A. Yes! Amazon.com and Amazon.ca accept our UPCs and Amazon.co.uk accepts our EANs.
Q. Will my Bar Code Work in a Country Other Than the United States?
A. Yes. Your bar codes will work anywhere that UPC or EAN bar codes are scanned. This includes most of Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia, Mexico, South America and the Middle East.
Q. Will My Bar Code be Unique to Me?
A. Yes. Our bar codes originate from GS1 US and are guaranteed to be one of a kind. You are the only person in the world who can legally use the bar code number(s) you purchase.
Q. Do I Need a Separate Bar Code for Every Product?
A. Yes. You also need a different code for every variation of a product (e.g. size, color). For instance, if you sell a shirt that comes in three sizes you need three different bar codes. That way, if one size starts to sell faster than the others, the store can tell what needs to be restocked without having to do a manual inventory count. If a shirt comes in three different colors as well as three different sizes, you’ll need nine separate bar code numbers.
Q. Will My Bar Code Work with Any Product?
A. Almost. With the exception of magazines, books and pharmaceuticals, all retail products in the United States use the same type of bar code.
Q. What Type of Code do I Need to Sell a Book?
A. Books often require an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). An ISBN and a scannable bar code are separate items. Bookstores always require ISBNs, but if you’re planning on selling your book elsewhere it’s worth your while to determine whether the retailer will accept a UPC or EAN bar code instead.
If you purchase an ISBN and need it converted into a scannable bar code, Bar Codes Talk, Inc. can do that for you. Contact Us! If your retailer will accept a UPC or EAN bar code, we can supply you with everything you need.
Q. What Type of Code do I Need to Sell a Magazine?
A. Like books, magazines are sometimes sold with regular UPCs or EANs; however, they often require special codes with 5-digit BIPAD numbers. As BIPADs are significantly more expensive than regular bar codes, it’s worth contacting your retailer in advance to see what they specify.
To apply for a BIPAD go to: www.bipad.com. If your retailer doesn’t require a BIPAD number, Bar Codes Talk, Inc. can supply bar codes for your magazines!
Q. Do I Have to do Anything After I Receive My Bar Code?
A. No. Just be prepared to provide it to your retailer so they can add you to their inventory system.
Q. Will My Bar Codes Ever Expire?
A. No. Once your bar codes are issued to you, they're yours for life. There are no future fees.
Q. Will I Have to Pay Renewal Fees?
A. No. All our fees are one time only.
Q. Why Are You So Inexpensive Compared to Other Resellers? What's the Catch?
A. No catch! We bought our bar codes in a bulk quantity from GS1 US, so we’re able to sell them to you in whatever denomination you need. Even better, we purchased our bar codes before renewal fees were implemented. Since we don't pay renewal fees – you don’t pay renewal fees!
Q. Will My Bar Code Be Scannable?
A. Yes. As long as you don’t alter the digital artwork and you print it at a resolution of 300 dpi or higher, your bar code will be scannable.
Q. Can I Print My Bar Code in Anything Other Than Black on White?
A. Yes, but the standard is black and white and many stores require that combination. If you choose to use a different option, it’s important that you always maintain a high degree of contrast between the code and its background. Never use the color red or any type of pastel.
Q. I Don't Have a Good Home Printer, But I Need My Bar Codes ASAP. Is There Any Other Option?
A. Yes! In fact, there are two options:
1. Request a RUSH order. We’ll mail your labels via UPS – Next Day Air to get them to you on the double. 2. Send us the contact information for your local commercial printer and we’ll arrange to send your file directly to them. Make sure you remember to tell them its coming!
Q. What Size Will My Bar Codes be When I Print Them?
A. 1.5 x 1.0 inches. We recommend printing on labels large enough to allow for ¼ inch margins on the left and right sides.
Q. Can I Change the Size of My Bar Codes?
A. Yes. We provide you with jpg, tiff and eps versions of your bar codes. If you need to adjust the size of the image, we strongly recommend that you work with the eps file so that there is no loss of image quality (use Adobe Illustrator or a similar professional layout program).
Q. Do You Sell Bar Code Scanners? How About Printers or Printing Software?
A. No. We specialize in supplying the bar codes themselves.
Q. Why Should I Purchase UPC Bar Codes From Bar Codes Talk, Inc. Instead of Going Directly to GS1 ?
A. All bar codes must originate from GS1 (formerly the U.C.C.) However, if you purchase them directly from GS1 you have to buy a minimum of 100 bar codes at a time at a minimum charge of $750. Plus they will additionally charge you an annual renewal fee of at least $150.
Our company has already purchased the bar codes in bulk from GS1 and we simply sell them off one at a time. This way, if you only need a small quantity of bar codes, you can get exactly what you need from us at a much lower price. Also, since we joined the GS1 in 1994, 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.
Q. What's Your Return Policy?
A. We don’t permit returns on our bar codes simply due to the nature of the product. However, we do guarantee that each number we sell will work as advertised.
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A. 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.
A. EAN originally stood for "European Article Number," though it has since been re-termed "International Article Number." It refers to the bar code system used outside of Canada and the United States. EANs and UPCs are essentially identical to one another except that an EAN contains 13 digits whereas a UPC has only 12. The extra digit makes up part of the country code and refers to where the bar code was registered. The country code has no bearing on where the product itself was manufactured.