I'm not sure what I need...
If you are not sure about what to order, please have a scroll through these questions - they may help you decide
Do I need a Barcode Package?
Most people choose to order a "Barcode Package". A barcode package will give you a unique barcode number, a guarantee certificate, & barcode images (these will be emailed to you).
The images are the actual barcode picture (vertical black lines & spaces with a number underneath). We email the images in several different formats (.eps, .bmp, .pdf, .jpg & .tiff) (have a look at our sample images). You can then choose the format that works best for you, and insert the barcode picture into the artwork for your packaging. If your packaging has already been printed, you can print the barcode picture onto sticky labels instead.
We will send the images in the standard size (25mm x 37mm). Officially you can safely reduce them to 80% of size (20mm x 30mm) when putting them onto your packaging. If you make them smaller than that it could be too difficult for scanning machines to read.
If you buy a barcode from us, you will receive a unique number that will not expire, and that only you have the legal right to use. You can use your barcode worldwide. It is a one-off purchase & there are no future fees.
Can I get a Barcode number without images?
Yes, you can - there is the option of purchasing just one "EAN-13 barcode number (without images)" on the Shop page of our website.
Some people do not need barcode images, they only need a unique barcode number. If you are selling on Amazon, a barcode number is all you need!
If you buy a barcode number from us & later find out that you need images it is easy to come back to us and order images.
I already have a Barcode number; can you give me images for it?
Yes we can, we can give you images for your barcode number (whether you purchased it from us or not). There is an option to purchase "barcode images (with barcode number purchase)" on our Online Shop page. If you want images for a number that was not issued by us, you will notice that the price is a little more (this is because a small setup fee is included in the total price).Please tell us what your barcode number is in the "instructions to merchant" part of the PayPal transaction form - or else email your number to us. We will use it to create your barcode images.
After we receive your order, we will email the images in several different formats (.eps, .bmp, .pdf, .jpg & .tiff). You can then choose the format that works best for you, and insert the barcode picture into the artwork for your packaging or book/magazine cover.
What do I need for my Book or Magazine?
You will need to get an ISBN number (for books) or an ISSN number (for magazines) first. If you don't have an ISBN or ISSN number, you can get one from the appropriate organisation - please read our ISBN & ISSN page for more information.
Once you have your ISBN/ISSN number, please come back to us & order "ISBN-13 or ISSN-13 images" (You do not need to order a barcode number as well - your ISBN or ISSN is a unique number & is used as a barcode).
After your order, please send us an email with your ISBN or ISSN number. We will use your number to create your barcode & images.
How do I buy Barcode Labels?
You can find out how to get sticky labels on our Barcode Labels page. You can either purchase labels + a barcode number, or else you can purchase labels by themselves (if you already have a barcode number).
The labels come in rolls of either 500 stickers or 1000 stickers. We will get them printed in the standard barcode size (40mm wide x 30mm high) unless you email us to request the smaller size (32x22mm). Please allow 2-3 days for printing & 4-5 days for delivery.
My Barcodes need to be Verified, can you help?
Yes - please find out about barcode verification reports & how to order one by reading our Verification page.
Some retailers require verification reports to be done on the final packaging of new products entering their stores - you'll need to contact your retailers to find out if they require one. If they do, you will need to post your final printed packaging or label to us to be verified.
A verification report is simple a test scan of how readable your barcode is - it is given a grade (a pass grade is A, B, C or D). We use an independent company to verify the barcodes (we don't do this ourselves). Reports usually take 2-6 days after we receive your packaging or label. We will email the report to you when it is completed.
Note: Make sure your barcodes are of a reasonable size (20mm x 30mm is the smallest recommended size). A common reason for failed verification reports is that the barcode was too small to be easily read by scanning machines.
I need more than one Barcode, what should I do?
We offer you a reduced price when you order three or more barcodes at the same time (the reduced prices are shown on the Shop part of our website). There is a reduced price for bulk orders of 3, 5, 10 or 20 barcodes (with images & a guarantee certificate).If you need more barcodes then this, please email us to find out what our reduced prices are for larger orders.
Our ordering process flowchart takes you through the steps from placing an order to receiving your barcodes.
If you have any questions about your order, or if you need your barcode quickly, please email us.