Further questions
about how to register barcodes in South Africa
Barcode Fundamentals
1. How does a barcode work?
A barcode is a numerical and pictorial representation of a unique code used to identify and track a specific product within a retail environment. When a barcode is scanned, both pricing and tracking information are communicated to the retailer via the retailers network. This information is pre-loaded onto the retailers computer inventory system when the product is first introduced to the store. Each and every barcode worldwide is required to be completely unique so as to prevent duplication in retailers inventory systems.
2. What number of barcodes should I order?
When you purchase barcodes, it is important to ensure that each and every type, style, colour, weight and flavour of product (where applicable) is supplied with an individual barcode number. An example of this would be if you produce chocolates in two different sizes and two different flavours: you would require a separate barcode for each variation. As such, you would need 2x2 barcode, totalling 4 separate registered codes.
3. Where can my barcodes be scanned?
The simple answer is almost anywhere. Your barcodes are supplied in both EAN and UPC formats to ensure that they will be compatible with whatever scanning system a retailer may have. This applies to South African retailers as well as all other shops around the world that use barcodes. Please remember that some retailers may have different barcoding systems in place or may have specific requirements when it comes to registering their bar codes, so we strongly recommend that you always confirm which systems they are using before printing your product labels.
4. Can I use my barcodes for my music album, CD or DVD product?
Yes you can! We supply a large number of artists with barcodes for their cds and dvds. Our codes are also suitable for use online.
5. You sent me a barcode pack with my purchase, how do I access the barcode files within it?
When you purchase barcodes from Buy Barcodes SA we will mail you your registered barcodes within 1 hour via what is called a 'Barcode Pack'. This is a compressed file in which you codes, registration docs, certificate and a variety of other useful tools are supplied. All that you need to do is download the file from your email account, and decompress the folder using a standard folder unzipping tool. Please don't hesitate to call us if you require further assistance with this process.
Different formats of codes (EAN-13 and UPC-A)
1. How many types of barcodes are there?
There in fact more than 15 types of barcode representations in use around the world, but only two are used within shops and retailers. These are UPC and EAN codes, and the only real difference between them is that an EAN code is made up of 13 digits while a UPC code is made of 12 digits. UPC codes are by far the most common type of codes used around the world, but many retailers are able to accept both due to recent improvements in barcode scanning technologies. It is always advisable that you confirm which types of codes your retailers require before printing. Due to the variety of systems in use around Southern Africa, Buy Barcodes SA supplies your with your codes in formats, EAN and UPC. So you will always be covered.
2. What about the other types of codes?
Should you wish to have your registered GTIN numbers sent to you in another format, please let us know and we will make a plan. We can supply codes in whichever format you or your retailer desires.
BUY BARCODES SA policy
1. Are there any other hidden costs?
No, your purchase is always once-off and extends across the lifetime of your product. We supply you with registered barcodes at the lowest prices in South Africa and we ensure that you will never need to pay another cent towards your registration. Once purchased, the codes will become the property of you or your company and you will own the sole rights to their use worldwide.
2. What if I should wish to get a refund on a purchase?
Unfortunately a barcode is a digital product, and as such is usually not able to be returned or refunded. This is due in part to the nature of the product, and also due to our need to protect the integrity of our registered database. In exceptional circumstances, however, management are willing to consider refunds, please note though that this is not the norm.
Sizing and label dimensions
1. What dimensions do my barcodes need to be?
The truth is that barcodes scanners are able to scan a wide variety of barcode dimensions. It is often useful to take your sample labels/product packaging to your retailers to check that they are able to scan the codes correctly. Our barcodes are supplied at the ideal image sizes for printing, where possible try to stick to these.
2. My packaging is already printed, what do I do now?
Not a problem at all! We provide a first class sticky label printing service to all our clients. We offer hi-resolution printing at extremely affordable prices. Please check our label printing page for more details.
3. Can I print my codes in anything other than black and white?
Yes, you may, however the higher the contrast, the more likely you barcodes will be able to be scanned. It is wise to check the scannability of printed codes to ensure that everything is still operating correctly before major print runs.
4. Is there a sample package available?
Yes. Please click the link to download a sample barcode package.
1. How does a barcode work?
A barcode is a numerical and pictorial representation of a unique code used to identify and track a specific product within a retail environment. When a barcode is scanned, both pricing and tracking information are communicated to the retailer via the retailers network. This information is pre-loaded onto the retailers computer inventory system when the product is first introduced to the store. Each and every barcode worldwide is required to be completely unique so as to prevent duplication in retailers inventory systems.
2. What number of barcodes should I order?
When you purchase barcodes, it is important to ensure that each and every type, style, colour, weight and flavour of product (where applicable) is supplied with an individual barcode number. An example of this would be if you produce chocolates in two different sizes and two different flavours: you would require a separate barcode for each variation. As such, you would need 2x2 barcode, totalling 4 separate registered codes.
3. Where can my barcodes be scanned?
The simple answer is almost anywhere. Your barcodes are supplied in both EAN and UPC formats to ensure that they will be compatible with whatever scanning system a retailer may have. This applies to South African retailers as well as all other shops around the world that use barcodes. Please remember that some retailers may have different barcoding systems in place or may have specific requirements when it comes to registering their bar codes, so we strongly recommend that you always confirm which systems they are using before printing your product labels.
4. Can I use my barcodes for my music album, CD or DVD product?
Yes you can! We supply a large number of artists with barcodes for their cds and dvds. Our codes are also suitable for use online.
5. You sent me a barcode pack with my purchase, how do I access the barcode files within it?
When you purchase barcodes from Buy Barcodes SA we will mail you your registered barcodes within 1 hour via what is called a 'Barcode Pack'. This is a compressed file in which you codes, registration docs, certificate and a variety of other useful tools are supplied. All that you need to do is download the file from your email account, and decompress the folder using a standard folder unzipping tool. Please don't hesitate to call us if you require further assistance with this process.
Different formats of codes (EAN-13 and UPC-A)
1. How many types of barcodes are there?
There in fact more than 15 types of barcode representations in use around the world, but only two are used within shops and retailers. These are UPC and EAN codes, and the only real difference between them is that an EAN code is made up of 13 digits while a UPC code is made of 12 digits. UPC codes are by far the most common type of codes used around the world, but many retailers are able to accept both due to recent improvements in barcode scanning technologies. It is always advisable that you confirm which types of codes your retailers require before printing. Due to the variety of systems in use around Southern Africa, Buy Barcodes SA supplies your with your codes in formats, EAN and UPC. So you will always be covered.
2. What about the other types of codes?
Should you wish to have your registered GTIN numbers sent to you in another format, please let us know and we will make a plan. We can supply codes in whichever format you or your retailer desires.
BUY BARCODES SA policy
1. Are there any other hidden costs?
No, your purchase is always once-off and extends across the lifetime of your product. We supply you with registered barcodes at the lowest prices in South Africa and we ensure that you will never need to pay another cent towards your registration. Once purchased, the codes will become the property of you or your company and you will own the sole rights to their use worldwide.
2. What if I should wish to get a refund on a purchase?
Unfortunately a barcode is a digital product, and as such is usually not able to be returned or refunded. This is due in part to the nature of the product, and also due to our need to protect the integrity of our registered database. In exceptional circumstances, however, management are willing to consider refunds, please note though that this is not the norm.
Sizing and label dimensions
1. What dimensions do my barcodes need to be?
The truth is that barcodes scanners are able to scan a wide variety of barcode dimensions. It is often useful to take your sample labels/product packaging to your retailers to check that they are able to scan the codes correctly. Our barcodes are supplied at the ideal image sizes for printing, where possible try to stick to these.
2. My packaging is already printed, what do I do now?
Not a problem at all! We provide a first class sticky label printing service to all our clients. We offer hi-resolution printing at extremely affordable prices. Please check our label printing page for more details.
3. Can I print my codes in anything other than black and white?
Yes, you may, however the higher the contrast, the more likely you barcodes will be able to be scanned. It is wise to check the scannability of printed codes to ensure that everything is still operating correctly before major print runs.
4. Is there a sample package available?
Yes. Please click the link to download a sample barcode package.
FOR ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR SALES TEAM. THEY ARE STANDING BY TO TAKE YOUR CALL, AND ARE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU WITH ANY BARCODING PROBLEMS YOU MAY HAVE. WE WISH YOU A PLEASANT BARCODING EXPERIENCE, FROM THE BUYBARCODES TEAM.
© Buy Barcodes South Africa. All rights reserved.
© Buy Barcodes South Africa. All rights reserved.