How to Purchase Barcode Labels

Barcodes speed up checkout time and increase efficiency.

Today, most retail stores speed up checkout times and reduce the cost of items by using UPC barcodes on every product. Barcodes allow a cashier to scan an item with a barcode reader and have all of the information about the product, including price, be transferred to the software being used by the cashier. UPC barcodes are regulated by GS1, an international non-profit organization that is dedicated to the development and implementation of global standards. Purchasing UPC barcodes and having them printed can be a simple task if you contact the correct organizations.

Instructions

Getting a UPC Barcode Number

1. Obtain a GS1 company prefix that is placed at the beginning of every barcode. This may be done by contacting the GS1 Member Organization in your country found on the GS1 website. A GS1 prefix is necessary for anyone wanting to sell their products with a barcode in the open market.

2. Assign number to your products. This is done by developing a formatting system for your numbers and placing your GS1 company prefix in combination with those numbers. Information about how to assign the different types of numbers to indicate details including the product, location and returns may be found on the GS1 website.

3. Verify with GS1 that your barcode number is in the proper format for use in the supply chain. The number needs to be properly verified for it to work right when scanned by a barcode reader.

Have the Barcodes Printed

1. Obtain barcode label design software with which you will design your barcode. This will usually be done by entering the numeric value of the barccode and pressing "Generate."

2. Find a barcode printing company, like UPrinting, that can print your barcodes.

3. Apply the barcode labels to your products and place them out for sale. You've done it!

Tips & Warnings

• If your products will only be sold by you and nobody else, a GS1 company prefix is not necessary.

References

• GS1: Barcode Implementation
• Barcoding for Beginners

Resources

• UPrinting