BUYABARCODE.COM

How Bar Codes Work

What is a Bar Code?

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. The black lines of a bar code are simply a font (called the UPC-A font) that correlates to the 12-digit number.

How Does information get linked to my bar code?

A bar code is simply a 12-digit number. So when you go to sell your product at a retailer (i.e. Kmart, Best Buy, 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 (such as price) as well as your 12-digit UPC bar code number. The retailer then manually enters that information into their computer. This way, when they scan your bar code at the register, it calls up that form in their computer 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.

How many Bar Codes do I Need?

If you only have 1 product and you make a million copies of that product, you will only need 1 bar code. However, if, for example, you sell a t-shirt that comes in one color and 3 different sizes you would need to buy 3 bar codes. This way, if one of the sizes is selling faster than the others, the store will be able to tell instantly which one needs to be replenished without having to do a manual shelf count. For each different size, color, flavor, or style of your product, you will need a different bar code.

Will my Bar Code work for any retail product?

Yes, UPC bar codes work for all retail products except for magazines and books. Whether it is a t-shirt, CD, toaster, or whatever it is you are selling, they all require the exact same type of bar code - the UPC bar code.

Will my Bar Code work in a country other than the United States?

Yes, UPC bar codes will work anywhere that bar codes are scanned - which is most of the modern world. This includes Canada, Australia, the UK, Europe, Asia, Mexico, South America, the Middle East, and anywhere else that they use bar codes.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope it helped out. And best of luck with your business!

Testimonials

"We looked at many sites offering Bar codes and I mean a lot. We use our codes from BuyABarcode.com in several major Supermarkets and many other retail outlets with no problem. And the service is top of the line, as they are easy to contact and quick to respond, which puts you at ease."

Best Regards,
Island Joe's Coffee

"Using Buyabarcode.com was so simple. Within hours we had our bar codes. Now we sell to a National Paint Chain who requires bar codes. Quick, Simple, Inexpensive and a Great Return On Investment!"

Grant Wiscour, Vice-President/General Manager
Metroplex Waste, Inc.

"I am one of your certainly many, many happy customers! From the get go (when, as fresh start up business owner, I had no idea about how bar codes work at all) you made it easy to understand the why, what and how. It was a relief to get a clear response to my concerns so quickly! I will most certainly remain a faithful return customer! Thanks so much for your great, reliable, and affordable services. The quality and turn around time are also amazing! I will be sure to continue spreading the word about where I got my bar codes as often as it comes up!"

Heidi Junger
Onesta Organics

"I want to let you know that I am very grateful for the service Buy a Barcode has provided us time and time again. The service has been great and I know that I can count on you when we are adding a new product to our Counter Surveillance store. Buy a Barcode is a quick and easy way for us to assign our new products a barcode. All of our orders have been received promptly without fail. I really appreciate the great service you provide as it is truly a great value."
Thanks Again,

G Marston
MicroVideoX