Questions?
What would you like to know about the barcode and underlying Universal Product Code? If it isn't listed below please ask us.
- Why should I purchase my Barcode from UPC4u instead of GS 1?
If you need thousands of barcodes you should go to GS 1. But if you need at most a couple of hundred barcodes, we will be much less expensive. The minimum from GS 1 is US$ 750.00 and GS 1 requires annual renewal payments. UPC4u's minimum is less than $10.00 and we have no renewal fees. Pay UPC4u one time and the number is yours in perpetuity without renewal fees.
- Where in the world will a Barcode from UPC4u work?
Our Barcodes work everywhere! Our barcodes are standard UPC symbol Barcodes and as such are grandfathered into all the other barcode technologies everywhere else in the world. UPC, EAN, GTIN or other barcodes anywhere in the world incorporate the UPC. All locations that scan standard barcodes and can scan and checkout items using the UPC format that we provide.
- What do I need to do after I receive the UPC Barcode from UPC4u?
You need to incorporate the Barcode into your standard packaging. It will help checkout clerks if you look on other products in or near your product category and place yours in relatively the same location on the retail package. You printing should be 600 dpi.
- Must the colors only be black and white?
No, but the black bars must be a dark color, the white background must be a light color, and you must keep a high degree of contrast between the dark bars and the light background. Red is not an acceptable dark color. The symbol is read by red light and a red light sees a red bar as white. If necessary get a red filter and look at your colored symbol through it to see what the barcode reader sees.
- Can I change the shape of the Barcode?
Yes, but you must do it carefully. Barcodes from upc4u.com may be magnified up to 200% or down to 80% from the size delivered by upc4u. You must not trim anything from the left, right or bottom of the symbol. If you trim off some of the top of the symbol, you will be reducing the ease with which the barcode can be scanned by the checkout operator, so tread lightly here. The more you trim the less easy it is to scan at the checkout.
- How many Barcodes do I need?
You need a separate Barcode for each different item-description. A good way to do this is to write down each significant descriptor of the product you are selling. You will need a separate barcode for each unique combination of item-descriptions. If for example the package color is significant then you need a separate code for each package color. If there are different package colors but it makes no difference to purchaser what the package color is, then one Barcode will work for all the package colors.
- Can I use my UPC4u Barcode on any product?
The UPC4u Barcode will work on any product that is sold using standard Barcode scanning. This includes grocery, drug store, and mass-merchandising outlets but also on-line distributors that sell by single units and scan barcodes in their distribution warehouses.
- How does my Barcode get into the checkout equipment to be sold?
When a retailer or distributor agrees to sell your product he will ask you for your UPC number. He will put the UPC number into the checkout system or provide it to retailer and other sales outlets he deals with. UPC4u will guarantee that the number you buy from us is unique. This uniqueness is a matter of trust between you and your sales outlets. Don't ever falsify a UPC number.
- Are there any items where a UPC4u Barcode does not apply?
Actually, yes. A few catagories of items have identification requirements that the standard Barcode could not handle and modifications were provided in the Barcode technology to include them but they are not included in UPC4u's offerings. These catagories include books, magazines and coupons. Books use a special type of bar code based upon an ISBN number and are available at www.bowker.com. Magazines also require a special bar code with a Bipad number encrypted in it and are available through www.bipad.com. Coupon family codes require different setup.