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Selecting a Bar Code for retail
Hello all. I am finalizing the design for my retail package and one of the things I need is a bar code. I am trying to select a manufacturer for the bar code, but when I googled bar codes, I get many links to many companies. A little confusing and overwhelming.
Can anyone suggest a manufacturer that they are using? Is there a least expensive manufacturer?
Are there some that are better to work with? Flexibility to add additional sku`s, etc.
How much should I expect to pay?
Can I have the box producer print my code directly on the retail package? Is the print quality of the bar code satisfactory to the retailers and their scanners?
Anything else I should know?
Thank you so much!
Jo Anne
Can anyone suggest a manufacturer that they are using? Is there a least expensive manufacturer?
Are there some that are better to work with? Flexibility to add additional sku`s, etc.
How much should I expect to pay?
Can I have the box producer print my code directly on the retail package? Is the print quality of the bar code satisfactory to the retailers and their scanners?
Anything else I should know?
Thank you so much!
Jo Anne
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Comments
The "membership" for a start up company is $750.00 so be prepared. It will assign you up to 100 UPC`s for that price. It sounds like you are at the same stage I am as I too just completed my packaging (well... I`m still doing revisions on the graphics, but other then that, it`s complete) so I am having my contract packager print the UPC right on the box. There are plenty of label vendors out there, but if you`re doing the packaging, IMO why not just plan for it and put it right on the box? The program you get from the GS1 for assiging UPC`s even gives you the size the code should be and the placement based on your type of packaging. Good luck!!! Email anytime!
You have provided the following information:
Annual Revenue:
0to100
Prefix Registration Type:
New
Today`s Date:
6/12/2007
Your fee breakdown is as follows:
One time Activation Fee:
$245.00
Annual Registration Fee:
$1,045.00
SME Subsidy:
-$295.00 *
GST Total:
$59.70
Fee Total (CAD):
$1,054.70
Date of Expiration:
5/31/2008
Fee Total for each additional year:
$795.00
Note 1:
Fees are in Canadian dollars.
Note 2:
This is not an invoice when printed and is intended for estimation purposes only. Fees are subject to change.
* You have been identified as a small to
medium-sized enterprise (SME) and as such a
credit of $295.00 has been applied.You can create your own barcode graphics or have a printer do them for you. I would suggest having a sample run and then taking it to your customer or a retailer to see if the barcode scans.If you plan on having multiple sku`s using the same packaging, for example different colours, it may be more economical to do a larger print run without the bar code and then having a label with the bar code (and any other sku-specific information) applied post-printing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Product_Code</A>
Unlimited tech support, UPC`s, a bunch of "supply chain" management stuff that I don`t understand yet because I`m not there, newsletters, access to the GS1 "online membership center" with resources for managing your supply chain practices, access to supply chain education opportunities and access to (with more $) the annual "U Connect" conference, which is the "one conference to learn about the supply chain best practices and business process solutions from successful companies of the GS1 US, this year speakers include J. Alexander Douglas of Coca-Cola North America, Craig Herkert with Wal-Mart International division and Randy Mott of Hewlett-Packard" (there are a bunch more, but this post is getting too long already Sorry!
Okay, that`s some of the stuff I got when I joined. I`m not at the point in my biz where I see the value in all this yet, but I do know if I ever want to run with the big dogs, I don`t have a choice... I need my GS1 Company prefix to make my UPC codes or I don`t get in to the major retailers period. I`m not agreeing with it, it`s just one of those necessary evils and expenses of being a manufacturer so plan for it. It`s not going away and it`s not getting any cheaper!
"Yes, our barcodes are UPC codes and they originate with the only legal source, GS1 (formerly know as the Uniform Code Council or UCC). (If you are looking for EAN barcodes, click here to learn more.)
Yes, UPC codes are only issued from the GS1, so they are "real". Yes, your UPC code is unique. Unlike many of the supposedly "free" bar code issuers, your number is GUARANTEED to be unique and authentic. There is no danger of cross-over, duplication, or expiration of your barcodes.
Yes, if it is issued through the GS1, there is no chance of duplication Yes, you OWN your UPC barcode outright. It can be registered in your name and re-issued by you for future products once you have sold out or discontinued your current product.
Yes you OWN the barcode because you bought it from a reseller. As far as "registered"... they don`t say it`s registered w/ the GS1... who is it "registered" with? Registered with www.upccode.net</A> I would guess. Not sure what good that does. Yes, your barcode is a standard UPC-A General Use barcode, as applicable to all products, except pharmaceuticals. Our clients sell their products using our UPC or EAN codes all over the world in stores like Amazon, Home Depot, Sports Authority, Walgreens, and many more.
Correct UPC-A is General Use, I`d double check with Walmart or Target before ..... ooops, didn`t mention them... Maybe they did get by Amazon and Sports Authority at one time. Yes, we are a real U.S.-based company with a real business office. Feel free to call to schedule a time to come see us at our Atlanta headquarters anytime!
Okay, so you`re "real", I`m glad Scooby Doo isn`t going to answer the phone
Yes, we not only supply you with the barcode numbers but we even create the actual UPC code image for you. Your $89 entitles you to a scan-quality Adobe Photoshop image with your numbers and bars already generated!!!
Any printer or contract packager can do that Yes, we even have a certificate available stating that the UPC numbers have been assigned by us to you and only you."
What is "a certificate"? and okay, so it`s a pc of paper saying "the UPC numbers have been assigned by us to you and only you". That`s probably EXACTLY what the certificate says. I have a certificate saying I`m "Mother of the Year" from my 2 year old, but that doesn`t hold much water against my best friends... they too think they are mother of the year. Unless you have THE "GS1 Company Prefix Certificate", it`s about as good as my "Mother of the Year"... Which is pretty freakin fantastic if you ask me!!! I have actually heard of a large retailer asking for your "Company Prefix Certificate" and if you don`t have it, you`re out of luck.
Today`s supply chain management and EDI stuff is so complicated and precise, if you`re not playing by the rules, you can`t play. Again... not saying it`s right... just saying that`s the way it is. I`m all about saving a buck or two... but I have not found a way around this one. On the bottom of the certificate is clearly states
"The GS1 Company Prefix and the corresponding U.P.C. company Prefix (thereafter "the Prefixes") are licensed for the sole use of the applicant and are restricted to the member to whom they are assigned. Any other use of the numbers is prohibited, including but not limited to, renting, leasing or subdividing all or a portion of the Prefixes. Upon the sale of the company, division or a product line, the sales Agreement should specify which party in the transaction will have use of the Prefixes. Only one company may use the Prefixes."
Having said all that, you can actually go your entire product life cycle w/o having UPC codes. Online, specialty stores, local boutiques, no problem. You WILL run into trouble as soon as you hit the big time. I WILL be hitting the big time so this is a decision I have made for my business.
I hope this helps clarify things. Sorry Bert... did I give you more then you wanted? So sorry!!! If in my ramblings I am still not clear, post again... I`ll give it another shot! Sometimes I get carried away!!!
GrillCharmer2007-6-13 10:0:8
Thanks again
For the smallest company prefix (the 9-digit one) GS1 will charge an initial fee of $750 mutiplied by a factor that is based on your existing or projected annual sales revenue.
Then they will charge annual fees FOREVER. This year the annual fee for the 9-digit prefix was $150.
No matter what the fees are for that year you must pay them or your numbers are gone. Yes, GS1 does raise the annual fees. They just did so this year on the 6-digit prefix (by 33%), 7-digit prefix (by 20%), and 8-digit prefix (by 5.5%).
Over the life of your business, these annual fees will add up!
Additionally, GS1 does not provide barcodes. It will be your responsibility and your extra cost to get the UPC numbers you obtain from them turned into the print-ready barcode graphics. While some packagers offer this service as a value-add, not all do it for free.
The Team at Simply Barcodes (www.UPCcode.net)