Here is some introductory basic information about barcode numbers for retail products - it answers questions that we are frequently asked. For further information, see our FAQs, or Barcode Ordering Process, or Barcode Ordering Help.
Retail barcode numbers (usually EAN-13 format) contain no encoded product information - they are purely unique numbers (so you can be sure no-one else in the world is legally using them)
When a retailer first receives your product, they either scan the barcode or type the number into their system, & also enter your product details, price, reordering info etc. After this, when they scan your barcode, your product information appears on their screen.
There is no central database where you need to register your barcode number or product - you can just start using your barcode number as soon as you receive it.
The first few digits on EAN-13 barcode numbers indicate the country of origin of the barcode number. Our numbers start with 07, which indicates that they originally come from the US. However, it is important to note that this is only the country of origin of the barcode number – it says nothing about the country of origin of the product. We supply these 07 numbers to customers throughout the world, including many in the UK, Europe, Australia & NZ, and they use them without any problems.
Barcode numbers are used by retailers for 2 main purposes:
1. They are always used by the retailer for the product pricing at the checkout.
This means that if products are similar but have different pricing, they MUST have different barcode numbers;
2. Some retailers also use the barcode number & their computer system to keep track of stock and decide what needs to be reordered. If you are supplying to retailers that will be using this aspect of
bar coding, then you will need a different barcode number for each unique product you have.
The standard barcode size is 25mm x 37mm. Officially they can be reduced to 80% of standard
size – i.e.
down to 20mm x 30mm.
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"It is great to see that there are still BUSINESS MEN that understand the value of beneficial commerce for new businesses. I will use you for ALL my barcode requirements, GSI are a joke (you can quote me on that)." Sam McC |
