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Acquiring a barcode can be a daunting task to people who are not familiar with the process. Here at Barcode Solutions, we aim to make the process of registering for a retail barcode in South Africa as smooth and effortless as possible as you can see on our website https://www.barcodesolutions.co.za/buybarcodes/. Here in this article are eight facts that are important to know. This will hopefully clarify any confusion that may surround barcoding technology.
Firstly, what is a barcode? A barcode (also called a UPC and EAN code), can be defined as a unique numbered code that is between 12 and 13 digits long. When logged with a retailer, it allows for the monitoring of a product within the retailer’s inventory.
Why do you need a one? Many retailers in South Africa and worldwide will require a barcode in order to stock your product. In this way, acquiring one for your product will open up new opportunities for you to sell your product and make a success of your business. In addition, barcoding your product will help you to track the sales and save both time and money in the long run.
Is there more than one kind? There are various different kinds and it is crucial to figure out which specific one will best suit your business needs. They are divided into two main kinds: one dimensional and two dimensional. One dimensional are the most common and widely used throughout the world. Under this type of retail barcode there are a few different varieties. UPC-A are 12 digits long and are utilized to scan consumer products around the world, but mainly in America. UPC-E is a smaller version which has only 6 numbered digits.
The EAN format is the important one to know when you are buying for use within South Africa. This format looks similar to the UPC–A but is 13 digits long. Another version is the EAN-8 which is shorter and used when there is limited space available.
We supply both of these versions with each order so that you can use your retail barcode anywhere in the world. These days, scanners can read both UPC & EAN so it is completely up to you and your retailer to choose which version would suit your business best.
A box Code (ITF-14) assists in supplying goods in bulk. Scanning the barcode on a crate of beer will bring up the exact number of bottles in the crate itself. Not all retailers require a box or case code. However, they do make the process of bulk buying easier. You would need to get an ITF-14 format in addition to the EAN code on each individual product. We are fully equipped to design an ITF-14 to suit your business needs.
An example of a two dimensional barcode is the QR Code. This can be defined as 2D matrix, used in tracking and marketing. This allows customers to access your company website through their mobile phones. This will link your customer with any special offers or discounts and any promotional material. QR codes also make SnapScan possible so that clients are now able to pay via their phones without the need for cash or card. Another interesting article in this regard is Cashless Payments using QR Codes. We provide a quick and effortless QR-Barcode design service. We will have your website linked to the code within 24 hours of purchase.
How is a Retail Barcode used? If you have a product that you would like to get onto the market, you will probably take it to a store like Checkers or Game. If they are happy with your product, they will manually enter your product information into their system. It is at this stage, that they will need to register your unique EAN into their inventory. After, this, every time it is scanned, your personal account will be credited with the sale. Therefore, it simply acts as a bridge between your product and your account. It can be used for monitoring and tracking products throughout the selling process. They can also be used to assist with stock control. As discussed earlier, a box barcode assists with the buying of goods in bulk and QR Codes are used for SnapScan.
Will my barcode work for any retail product? All products in South Africa fall under the UPC or EAN Code system and therefore they all require the use of UPC or EAN. The only exceptions to this rule are books, newspapers, and magazines.
How many numbers do I need? For each different size, colour, flavour, and variation of your product, you will need a separate retail barcode. For example, if you are selling backpacks in two different colours and two different sizes, you will require 4. The reason for this is that the retailer can then keep track of the precise sales of each of the four products. If the smaller, pink backpacks are selling at a faster rate, the retailer can then order more of them and thereby keep up with market demand and make a profit.
Will I have to pay a yearly renewal fee? When you purchase from us you pay a once off fee and the barcode is yours for life. There are no yearly renewal fees or hidden costs at all. They come with a certificate of authentication that guarantees that they are truly unique and have not been used before.
How do I attach my image to my product? There are two main ways of doing this. Either you include your unique image into your package design. This is the easiest way since it will then automatically be on each of your products. However, many people do choose to print their barcode onto stickers which they then manually attach to each of their products. Either way is perfectly fine. You can choose which will suit you best.
Making a success of your business is easy with Barcode Solutions South Africa. We are here to assist you with all your individual requirements. We are a trusted reseller and provide top quality codes at the lowest prices. Please feel free to contact us for more information about how you can boost your business.
