1. What is a barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable code, either linear or two-dimensional, used to track and monitor products to which it is attached for stock control. Linear barcodes are printed labels with a series of black lines of different widths forming a code. Two-dimensional barcodes are graphical images which can store codes, information, or direct users to URLs.
2. How are barcodes used?
After the manufacture or creation of products, they will need to have barcodes to be able to be sold at retail stores. Retail stores will add the barcode information of the products into their system, and once a product is purchased, the barcode will be read at the check-out. This enables both the retail manager and product manufacturer to keep track of products and better provide for the supply and demand of consumers.
3. Will I need an ISBN or ISSN barcode?
You are looking to sell your publication at retailers, bookstores, online stores, libraries or distribution warehouses. If you have produced a book, novel, e-book or any once-off publication, you will need to purchase an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) barcode for your product. If you are creating a newspaper, magazine, or serial publication, you will then need to purchase an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) barcode for your product.
4. Will my case barcode number be the same number as my ISBN or ISSN number?
No. Case barcodes reflect the number of items within the case itself. It makes tracking inventory much easier for the retailer as they can count items per box and open the box and count the contents individually. Therefore, the barcode number for the case barcode will be unique and if you are transporting your publications by 10, 20 or 50 etc. in a box, you will need a case barcode to reflect this.
5. Why are barcodes made up of so many lines?
The lines on barcodes are merely a representation of the barcode number. Think of it as an alternative numerical system. Just as the Roman Numerals system uses letters to indicate different numbers, so does the barcode system use different lines and widths to represent a different number – ultimately forming a code for each specific sequence of lines.
6. Once I purchase a barcode, is it completely unique to me?
Yes. When buying barcodes, you can be certain that that your barcode numbers are fully registered and it is guaranteed that your barcode number will be unique. Once you receive your barcode, you are the only person legally allowed to make use of it. Barcode World guarantees that our barcodes have never been used before and upon purchase, will be completely unique to you.
7. Will my barcode ever expire?
No. Once you purchase a barcode from Barcode World, the barcode is yours for life. No one will be able to register your product barcode number without your permission.
8. Will my barcode be scannable?
Printing your barcode above the quality of 300dpi as well as using the correct dimensions will ensure that barcode will be scannable. Usually, companies can assist you by supplying you with a template which elaborates on the correct dimensions for your barcode.
9. Is there anything that I need to do after I receive the barcode?
Now that you have purchased your barcode, you can take it to the retail store of your choice and have it registered so that your publications can be sold. Once your book has been printed however, you are required by law to submit 5 free copies of your book to the National Library's 'Areas of Legal Deposit' in South Africa. This step ensures that the ISBN can be permanently assigned and added to the global database. Do not hesitate to contact us to ask questions about this process.
10. Can I print my barcode in any colour besides black and white?
Yes. Provided you allow for a high degree of contrast between the barcode lines, it will be accepted and your barcode will still be able to be scanned effectively.
A barcode is a machine-readable code, either linear or two-dimensional, used to track and monitor products to which it is attached for stock control. Linear barcodes are printed labels with a series of black lines of different widths forming a code. Two-dimensional barcodes are graphical images which can store codes, information, or direct users to URLs.
2. How are barcodes used?
After the manufacture or creation of products, they will need to have barcodes to be able to be sold at retail stores. Retail stores will add the barcode information of the products into their system, and once a product is purchased, the barcode will be read at the check-out. This enables both the retail manager and product manufacturer to keep track of products and better provide for the supply and demand of consumers.
3. Will I need an ISBN or ISSN barcode?
You are looking to sell your publication at retailers, bookstores, online stores, libraries or distribution warehouses. If you have produced a book, novel, e-book or any once-off publication, you will need to purchase an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) barcode for your product. If you are creating a newspaper, magazine, or serial publication, you will then need to purchase an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) barcode for your product.
4. Will my case barcode number be the same number as my ISBN or ISSN number?
No. Case barcodes reflect the number of items within the case itself. It makes tracking inventory much easier for the retailer as they can count items per box and open the box and count the contents individually. Therefore, the barcode number for the case barcode will be unique and if you are transporting your publications by 10, 20 or 50 etc. in a box, you will need a case barcode to reflect this.
5. Why are barcodes made up of so many lines?
The lines on barcodes are merely a representation of the barcode number. Think of it as an alternative numerical system. Just as the Roman Numerals system uses letters to indicate different numbers, so does the barcode system use different lines and widths to represent a different number – ultimately forming a code for each specific sequence of lines.
6. Once I purchase a barcode, is it completely unique to me?
Yes. When buying barcodes, you can be certain that that your barcode numbers are fully registered and it is guaranteed that your barcode number will be unique. Once you receive your barcode, you are the only person legally allowed to make use of it. Barcode World guarantees that our barcodes have never been used before and upon purchase, will be completely unique to you.
7. Will my barcode ever expire?
No. Once you purchase a barcode from Barcode World, the barcode is yours for life. No one will be able to register your product barcode number without your permission.
8. Will my barcode be scannable?
Printing your barcode above the quality of 300dpi as well as using the correct dimensions will ensure that barcode will be scannable. Usually, companies can assist you by supplying you with a template which elaborates on the correct dimensions for your barcode.
9. Is there anything that I need to do after I receive the barcode?
Now that you have purchased your barcode, you can take it to the retail store of your choice and have it registered so that your publications can be sold. Once your book has been printed however, you are required by law to submit 5 free copies of your book to the National Library's 'Areas of Legal Deposit' in South Africa. This step ensures that the ISBN can be permanently assigned and added to the global database. Do not hesitate to contact us to ask questions about this process.
10. Can I print my barcode in any colour besides black and white?
Yes. Provided you allow for a high degree of contrast between the barcode lines, it will be accepted and your barcode will still be able to be scanned effectively.