How to use your barcode
If you have ordered a “Barcode Package(s) from us, you will receive your retail barcode by email with the barcode images in several different formats. Once you receive your barcode, you can begin using it immediately by following the straightforward instructions outlined below.
1. Embed or design the barcode image into your product packaging
Select the barcode image format you prefer (e.g. jpeg).
Resize the image to fit into your product packaging. Please keep in mind our ‘Barcode Specifications‘. Standard size (for EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes) is about 38mm wide x 25mm high. The smallest recommended size is 80% of standard size – i.e. about 30mm wide x 20mm high. If you print your barcode smaller than this, some retailers won’t accept it.
If you place your barcode on a round surface, such as a bottle, it’s important to turn it properly. The direction of the barcode should look like a ladder rather than a fence – this will prevent the barcode’s edges from curling around the curve.
Feel free to add your personal touch to the barcode design, but don’t alter the main barcode image consisting of vertical bars and spaces. To have your barcode printed in a different colour combination from the traditional black bars on a white background, refer to our Barcode Colour Guide PDF.
You can then incorporate the image into your product packaging in an easily visible flat location (to ensure ease of scanning). You could also have the barcode printed on adhesive labels to be manually applied to your product.
2. Print your packaging
Always check your label artwork BEFORE printing your product packaging. Check that the barcode numbers are correct and that the barcode image being printed is still high quality and within the official size range. Changes and errors can occur at many stages in the process, so it is important to check the artwork thoroughly before printing.
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 have printed your product packaging, the subsequent step is to dispatch the products to your retailers.
The barcode is currently associated with the respective product. However, upon the first barcode scan by the retailer, product particulars shall not be displayed, and therefore, it shall be mandatory for the retailer to enter the item and pricing details into their system. This will then allow any consecutive barcode scans to exhibit the correct product particulars.
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.