All About Barcodes
What is a UPC or barcode?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) or barcode is a unique 12-digit number that allows retailers to track sales of your product through their inventory and check out systems (POS). We are all familiar with the black and white stripped box on the back of most of the goods we buy - that’s a UPC barcode.
How Does a barcode work?
When you sell your product to a retailer, they will ask you to fill in a product information sheet, that will include your company name, price, the name of the product and your unique 12-digit barcode number. The retailer then manually enters that information into their own inventory system and can then track sales and inventory automatically. It also ensures that when one of your discs is sold, or scanned at the checkout, you are credited for the sale.
Do I need a unique barcode for each disc?
Yes. For example if you are a band or recording artist with multiple discs (singles or albums) and one disc is selling faster than the other(s), the store will be able to tell instantly which one needs to be replenished without having to do a manual shelf inspection.
Will my barcode work outside the US?
Yes. Your barcode will work anywhere that UPC or EAN barcodes are used - which includes Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, Mexico - in fact most of the developed world.
What's the difference between a UPC barcode and ISBN number?
ISBN numbers are used for books and magazines - not DVDs or CDs. ISBN numbers are issued by the Library of Congress.
How does my information get linked to my barcode?
When you sell your discs to a retailer, that retailer will have you fill in a product information form which links the two together. There is no central database, or encrypted information contained inside the barcode.
Will my barcode by unique to me and my product?
Yes. Barcodes issued through PacificDisc originates from U.C.C and is guaranteed to be unique. You will be the only person who can legally use that barcode.
Will my barcode ever expire?
No.
Do I ever have to pay renewal fees?
No
Will my barcode be scannable?
Yes, so long as the proportions of the barcode are preserved and as long as the resolution remains 300 dpi
What’s an EAN number and do I need one?
EAN barcodes are used outside the United States and Canada and is 13-digits long. It is based on the 12-digit UPC system with an additional number that signifies the country code (similar to phone numbers). The beauty is that having a 12-digit UPC code that works just about anywhere in the world means you don’t need a EAN barcode if you sell overseas.
Why should I purchase a barcode from PacificDisc instead of the U.C.C?
All our barcodes originate from the U.C.C. If you purchase them directly you will have to buy a minimum of 100 barcodes - at a minimum charge of $750. Since we have already purchased barcodes in bulk, we can issue these one at a time to our customers.
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