How to use your barcode
If you have ordered a barcode pack from us, you will receive your retail barcode by email with barcode images in a variety of formats. Once you have your barcode, you can start using it straight away by following the simple steps below.
1. Incorporate the barcode image into your product packaging or design
Choose whichever barcode image format (e.g. jpeg) you prefer.
Resize the image to fit into your product packaging. Please keep in mind our ‘Barcode Specifications‘. The standard size (for EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes) is approximately 38mm wide x 25mm high. The smallest recommended size is 80% of the standard size – about 30mm wide x 20mm high. If you print your barcode smaller than this, some retailers won’t accept it.
If you are placing your barcode on a curved surface, such as a bottle, the orientation of your barcode is very important – the barcode should be rotated so that it looks like a ladder (rather than a fence), so that the edges of the barcode don’t wrap around the curve.
You can get a bit creative with the barcode if you like. However, the main barcode image (the vertical bars and spaces) must remain unimpeded. If you want to print your barcode in a different colour combination (instead of black bars on a white background), please see our Barcode Colour Guide PDF.
You can then incorporate the image into your product packaging in an easily visible flat area (to ensure easy scanning). You could also have the barcode printed on adhesive labels to be manually applied to your product.
2. Print your packaging
Always ensure to review the label artwork prior to printing your product packaging. Verify that the barcode numbers are accurate and that the printed barcode image maintains its high quality while staying within the official size range. It is critical to check the artwork thoroughly before printing as changes and mistakes can happen at various stages in the process..
Once you’re happy with your barcode, it is a good idea to do a sample print and check that the barcode is the right size, and prints and scans correctly.
If your retailer asks you to get a barcode verification report, you will need to post us a sample of your printed barcode (on the label or packaging) to us for verification.
3. Send your product to your retailers
Once you’re printed your product packaging, the next step is to send the products to your retailers.
At this stage, the product is linked to its barcode. Upon the initial scan of the barcode into the retailer’s system, product information will not display. The retailer must input the product and its corresponding price into their system. Upon the initial scan of the barcode into the retailer’s system, product information will not display. Following this step, accurate product information will appear with each subsequent scan in that retail store.
4. Register your barcode number
If you purchased a “Barcode Package” from us, then you can register your barcode number and product details on the International Barcodes Database. To register your barcode number, please go to https://barcodesdatabase.org/barcode-registration/ . Barcode registration is optional. However, it will increase the profile of your product on the internet.
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