Important Questions To Ask Before Buying Barcodes
Barcodes are essential tools for selling online and through major retailers as well as for managing inventory and tracking sales. However, there are a few important questions to consider before purchasing barcodes for your business. Learn important questions to ask before buying barcodes.
Does the Seller Register Your Products With GS1?
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) registration is the process of assigning a unique identification number to each item in your inventory. This number allows you to track sales, shipments, and returns more efficiently. Make sure the barcode seller registers your products with GS1 before purchasing barcodes from them. GS1 is the international organization that ensures each product has a unique identifier to avoid confusion between similar products.
Do They Offer Technical Support?
Having barcodes is not enough: you must make sure the barcodes are scanned accurately and efficiently. If there’s an issue with your barcode, you should be able to rely on technical support from the seller. Ask if they provide any support services before investing in their product.
Have the Barcodes Been Used Before?
If the barcodes have been used before, there’s a chance that they are not unique; products bearing the same number could still be in the supply stream. This could lead to issues at the point of sale, such as incorrect data being recorded or items being sold for prices different from those listed. Duplicate barcodes will interfere with transactions and could cause them to fail. Make sure you ask if the barcodes have been used previously and if they are still valid.
What Countries Recognize the Barcodes?
It’s important to check if the barcodes are supported in all countries where you plan to sell your products. Does the seller offer international support? Do their barcode systems comply with global standards? If you sell in Europe, you need EAN numbers, whereas, in the US and Canada, you need UPC codes. Knowing the answers to these questions can help ensure you choose the right barcodes for your business.
How Do I Calculate How Many Barcodes I Need?
Depending on the type of product you sell, you may need a different number of barcodes for each item. Before buying any barcodes, calculate how many you need and what type would best suit your business needs. This depends on variations in things like size, color, capacity, or power features.
For example, if a shirt comes in four sizes and two colors, you would need eight barcodes. If a nail gun comes in electric and pneumatic versions and two sizes for different types of nails, you need four barcodes. Calculating how many barcodes you’ll need in advance can help you avoid wasted time and resources.
What Is a Company Prefix?
A company prefix is a unique identifier assigned to you by GS1. This allows companies to use product codes specific to their brands and helps avoid confusion between products from different companies. Make sure the barcode seller provides you with your own unique, GS1-registered company prefix before making your purchase.
What’s the Best Barcode Plan To Buy for the Products I Sell?
Depending on the number of products you sell and how many variations you need for each item, the best plan for your business will vary. GS1 sells barcodes in batches of 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, and 100,000. The plan you choose depends on the products you sell and how many variations of them you offer. Make sure to ask about the different plans available before you purchase and choose one that fits your needs and budget.
Are the Barcodes Compatible With Most Barcode Scanners?
When buying barcodes, make sure that they are compatible with barcode scanners, POS and inventory systems typically used by sellers who carry your products. This helps ensure that employees can scan and process orders quickly and easily without any technical difficulties.
How Can I Test the Barcode for Accuracy?
The easiest, low-tech way to test a barcode is to print it out and take it to a brick-and-mortar store that carries your products. Ask a clerk to scan the barcode and see if the correct product, including size and color, comes up.
A better way would be to use your own scanner or a testing service. But the most reliable way to ensure your barcodes are authentic is to buy them from a barcode seller that purchases barcodes directly from GS1. The seller should also register them for you with the organization.
Will the Codes Work for Amazon and Walmart?
If you plan to sell your products on Amazon or Walmart, make sure that the barcodes you buy are compatible with their systems. Ask the seller to demonstrate that they offer codes that will work for these and other international retailers.
How Can I Use Barcodes To Track Inventory?
You can use barcodes to track inventory accurately and efficiently. Know how much inventory you have on hand and compare that with the orders you’re receiving from sellers of your products. This will help you make sure you always have enough products in stock for your customers.
When Would I Need To Change a Barcode for a Product?
You may need to change a barcode for a product if you are making changes to the product, such as changing its size, color, material, or packaging. Ask the seller what their policy is on replacing barcodes and how much it will cost.
How Do I Know if a Barcode Seller Is Legitimate?
Scammers can easily say they offer UPC codes for sale. It’s important to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate and reputable seller. Read reviews from other customers if available. Ask for references and proof of GS1 registration before making any purchases.
Barcodes are a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes, but there are important questions to consider before buying barcodes. Make sure to ask about GTIN registration, technical support, product compatibility, and pricing plans before making any purchases. Additionally, check the seller’s legitimacy by researching their credentials and reading customer reviews. By asking these questions, you can ensure you buy the right barcodes for your business needs.
