UPC Bar Code - Frequently asked questions about UPC codes and information on the process of issuing barcodes.

What is a UPC barcode? And how does it work?

Universal Product Codes (also known as GTIN-12) appear as lines (bars) of varying widths representing the series of numbers commonly shown below the bars. Barcode scanners, as you will know them from your favorite retailers, read the bars and convert them back to the 12-digit UPC number that they represent. This number is then looked up within the retailer's inventory system to find the corresponding product name and price that you provided them with when you signed your agreement for them to carry your product .
In short, the UPC is a 12-digit unique code for your product represented by scannable bars.

What are EAN barcodes? Do I really need one?

The EAN barcode system is used outside of the Americas and is 13 digits long. An EAN barcode (also known as GTIN-13) is just another version of UPC barcode and, in our opinion, has little use at all.

Here's why…
The UPC code is 12 digits long and can be read both by UPC and by EAN scanners. Therefore, the UPC barcode is ideal for worldwide product roll-out since they can be read universally.
As of Jan 2005, all American retailers were scheduled to be able to read the additional 13th digit in EAN barcodes. However, we cannot confirm that all retailers have complied with this changeover and would recommend using UPC instead of EAN barcodes to assure universal compatibility.

How do I purchase the UPC barcodes from you? How and when do I receive them?

Simply click the "Order Now" button on the home page. Then complete the required information and press "Submit." Upon successful credit card verification you will receive an email confirmation of your UPC barcode purchase.
Upon receipt of your order, we assign your UPC barcode numbers from our database and submit them to our Graphic Design department. They convert the numbers into barcode images and ready them for email. Your UPC barcode will be sent to you as an email attachment. The turn-around time is often within an hour. On rare occasions it may take our team long as one to three business days. (If you have specific completion time requirements, please call to check on the current schedule.)

Is there anything that I need to do after I receive the barcode from you?

Only CDs and DVDs are registered with a 3rd party: The Nielsen Rating's "SoundsScan" so that they can track sales for the purpose of Billboard Charting.

Other products are registered purely at the retailer level. When you meet with your retailer, they will ask you what you want the product name, price, etc. to be. You will give them the 12-digit number and the information that you want them to program into their inventory system.

What if I have more than one product or variations of a product?

In order for your retailer to properly identify your products in their inventory system, a UPC barcode is required for each product. We offer special discounts on bulk orders. Please call for details.

Do you require a tax identification number?

No, a tax identification number is not required to purchase barcodes. Our barcodes can be supplied to a person or a company without supplying a tax ID or social security number.

My business is located outside of the United States. May I still purchase from Simply Barcodes?

Yes, you may purchase your UPC or EAN barcodes from us. If your product will be sold in the North American market then we recommend that you purchase UPC barcodes. If you plan to sell only outside of North America then you may want to consider purchasing EAN barcodes through our EAN website.

Why should I purchase UPC barcodes from you instead of getting them from the GS1 (formerly known as UCC) directly?

The six main differentiators between our company and GS1 are:

Our significantly lower initial cost.
We do NOT charge you any ongoing annual fees. Our UPC barcodes are sold for a single, straight-forward, one-time fee.
We do NOT require you to disclose your Federal Tax ID or Social Security Number.
We do NOT require you to release your annual sales figures.
We include the barcode graphic for free, a service GS1 does not offer at all.
We can complete your order within hours, not days.

Should you represent a business that needs UPC codes for a very large number of products/product variations or if you are definitely going to be selling through one of the only two retailers in the world known to require direct UCC membership: The Kroger Co. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. then you will have no choice but to deal with GS1 directly.

I am still not convinced of your legitimacy! Is there a reference that I can check on?

The best reference we can offer you is GEORGE J. LAURER, the inventor of UPC barcode. On his website he referred to us as "The best company I have found to date." Additionally, you should read our many client testimonials. Feel free to Google any of these companies, ask for the person listed under the testimonial, and have them share with you the actual experience that they have had with our product/service.

Do CDs and DVDs require a specific ending number?

No! That is a common myth. It is completely false!
We will be glad to provide you a list of recent DVD and CD releases for Hollywood movies and popular bands that document this rumor to be incorrect. Standard UPC/EAN barcodes are used for both movie DVDs and for audio CDs.

Can I print my barcode in anything other than black on white?

Yes, in fact. A company called Barcodeman has some very good information on this subject. Please click the following link to find out more: http://www.barcodeman.com/info/color_bc.php

What are acceptable dimensions for UPC barcode printing?

The nominal size of a UPC symbol is 1.469" wide x 1.02" high. The minimum recommended size is 80% of the nominal size or 1.175" wide. The maximum recommended size is 200% of the nominal size or 2.938" wide. Width is much more important than height. The width influences the distance between the bars and how well the laser can distinguish between them. We strongly recommend test scanning any UPC code prototype produced by your manufacturing facility before going into mass production. (Please note that all barcode labels that you purchase from us are test-scanned and confirmed scannable by our equipment.)