Common Questions:
We've listed some of the most common questions that we receive from our customers. If you can't find an answer to your query here, please contact us and we'll get back to you promptly.
1. What exactly is a barcode?
Barcodes are unique numbers that are linked to products that allow stores to easily and efficiently track inventory and simplify the buying process. The numbers on a barcoode are represented by vertical lines called bars. These bars are then able to be read by a barcode scanner that is able to interpret what number a barcode is by the amount and the width of the bars on it. Once the barcode scanner has scanned a particular barcode, information about the product linked to that barcode will appear on the store's inventory system.
2. How many types of barcodes are there?
When it comes to barcodes for retail products there are two types: UPC and EAN. UPC barcodes are 12 digits in length and are generally used in the USA and Canada while EAN barcodes are 13 digits long and are used in most of the rest of the world. There are also other types of barcodes such as QR codes that can be read by cellphones and "Code 128" barcodes that are used for tracking internal inventory that is not for sale.
3. Where do barcodes come from?
All barcodes originate from the global body known as GS1. They are a non-profit organisation that distributes barcode numbers across the world, ensuring that each business ends up with a unique barcode number. Barcodes Namibia only sells authentic, unused GS1-registered barcode numbers.
4. How many barcode numbers do I need?
You need a different barcode number for each size, flavour, colour and variation of product that you are selling. As an example - if you are selling bottled water in two different sizes (500ml and 750ml) and each size comes in two different flavours (strawberry and unflavoured) then you will require four different barcode numbers, in total, as listed below:
500ml Strawberry flavour
750ml Strawberry flavour
500ml Unflavoured
750ml Unflavoured
5. How do I use my barcode?
Firstly you need to purchase GS1-registered barcode numbers, which you can do right here at Barcodes Namibia. After that you need to either insert the image of your barcode onto your products packaging or print barcode labels with your barcode image and attach these barcode labels to your product. The next step is to take your product with its respective barcode to the retailer of your choice. Once at your retailer, your product will need to be registered on their digital inventory system. They will scan your barcode and then ask you for information about the details of your product - name, description, size, flavour, price etc. They will link all this information about your product to the barcode number so that whenever that barcode is scanned in the future, all the information about your product will appear on their system.
6. Can I see a sample of your barcodes?
If you'd like to see what our barcode packages look like feel free to download our sample barcode package:
When it comes to barcodes for retail products there are two types: UPC and EAN. UPC barcodes are 12 digits in length and are generally used in the USA and Canada while EAN barcodes are 13 digits long and are used in most of the rest of the world. There are also other types of barcodes such as QR codes that can be read by cellphones and "Code 128" barcodes that are used for tracking internal inventory that is not for sale.
3. Where do barcodes come from?
All barcodes originate from the global body known as GS1. They are a non-profit organisation that distributes barcode numbers across the world, ensuring that each business ends up with a unique barcode number. Barcodes Namibia only sells authentic, unused GS1-registered barcode numbers.
4. How many barcode numbers do I need?
You need a different barcode number for each size, flavour, colour and variation of product that you are selling. As an example - if you are selling bottled water in two different sizes (500ml and 750ml) and each size comes in two different flavours (strawberry and unflavoured) then you will require four different barcode numbers, in total, as listed below:
500ml Strawberry flavour
750ml Strawberry flavour
500ml Unflavoured
750ml Unflavoured
5. How do I use my barcode?
Firstly you need to purchase GS1-registered barcode numbers, which you can do right here at Barcodes Namibia. After that you need to either insert the image of your barcode onto your products packaging or print barcode labels with your barcode image and attach these barcode labels to your product. The next step is to take your product with its respective barcode to the retailer of your choice. Once at your retailer, your product will need to be registered on their digital inventory system. They will scan your barcode and then ask you for information about the details of your product - name, description, size, flavour, price etc. They will link all this information about your product to the barcode number so that whenever that barcode is scanned in the future, all the information about your product will appear on their system.
6. Can I see a sample of your barcodes?
If you'd like to see what our barcode packages look like feel free to download our sample barcode package:
| sample_barcode_package.zip |
7. Are barcodes linked to product information on a central database?
While there are various databases on the internet where you can type in a particular barcode number and you will find out who owns that barcode, you won't be able to find any information about the product itself. Product information is linked to barcode numbers at retailers themselves. Barcode numbers, once purchased, are effectively completely "blank" and contain no information except for a unique number. Information about the products that will be linked to that particular barcode number needs to be manually entered at each different retail chain.
8. What details do you need from me if I want to buy a barcode?
The only information that we require from you is the company or individual name to which we must transfer ownership of the barcodes. As mentioned in the previous question, your product information will be linked to your barcode numbers manually when your product gets in store. Buying barcodes from us is therefore a very simple process.
9. What size should I print my barcodes in order for it to be able to be scanned correctly?
You can find more information about barcode sizing on our sizing guidelines webpage.
10. What products can I use my barcode for?
Barcodes can be used for ALL types of products, including things as varied as bottled water, food items of various types, cds, dvds, electronic goods, hygiene products, stationery and many more. Books and magazines are the only exceptions that may require different types of barcodes depending on where you want to distribute your book or magazine. Books require ISBN barcode numbers and magazines require BIPAD numbers. Some retailers do accept standard UPC and EAN barcode numbers on books and magazines so it's worth your while to ask your retailer beforehand.
11. At which stores can I use my barcodes?
Our barcodes are accepted at nearly all stores worldwide. As of yet, we are unaware of any stores in Namibia that will not accept our barcodes. We can not, however, guarentee acceptance due to the fact the final decision always rests with the individual retailer and not us :) But we can assure you that our codes are currently being used throughout Southern Africa with great effect. There are a handful of stores around the world that do require you to be a personal member of GS1 when selling products with them. These include Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger Family Grocery Stores, Fred Meyer, Macy's and Bloomingdale's amongst others. In the event that you one day get into these stores, you will unfortunately have to go through the full GS1 registration process.
12. Do your barcodes have annual renewal fees?
No. Once we have issued you with your barcode numbers they are yours for life. You will never have to pay anything again to keep your barcode numbers active. If you get your barcodes through GS1 you will have to pay a yearly fee to keep your barcode numbers active.
13. Why can you sell barcodes without annual renewal fees and at such competitive prices?
Prior to 2002 one was able to purchase barcode numbers without yearly fees. GS1 changed their policy in that year and started charging yearly fees for the use of their barcodes. A few of the companies decided to take GS1 to court over this and ended up winning the court case. The settlement that was reached on 28 August 2002 was that for barcodes purchased prior to 28 August 2002 annual renewal fees would not be applicable and the terms and conditions upon which the barcodes were bought fell away. This meant that the companies effectively became the sole owners of the barcode numbers and were now also allowed to resell them! Barcodes Namibia has purchased large quantities of unused barcode numbers from various companies that purchased barcodes prior to 28 August 2002. This allows us to offer extremely competitive rates for small to medium sized businesses and also allows us to sell our barcodes without annual renewal fees.
14. Will my barcode work outside of Southern Africa?
Most defnitely. Barcoding has become very standardised with modern barcode scanners being able to scan both EAN and UPC barcode numbers. If you buy barcodes from us we will send you both types of barcodes - both EAN and UPC. This will allow you to sell your product anywhere in the world where the barcoding system is being used.
15. Will I receive a completely unique number?
Most defnitely! Barcodes Namibia is legally bound to keep a strict database of all barcodes bought and sold. This means that every barcode that goes through our system is tracked from beginning to end so that each barcode issued is completely unique and unused.
16. Does my barcode have any expiry date?
No. Your barcode will be yours for life and will always be able to be used as long as the barcoding system is in place.
17. Do I have to print my barcode in black and white?
No, but it is recommended unless you're very sure about what you're doing. If you keep a high degree of contract between the barcode and the background your barcode should be scannable in colours other than black and white.
18. What happens if I want a refund on my barcode purchase?
Once we have sent you your barcoode package we cannot accept refunds. The integrity of our business and our product relies on us knowing that our codes have never been used on another product before. If you have received a barcode package from us, and then send them back, we can't be sure that those barcodes will remain unused and would therefore have to discard them.
19. How do I receive the barcodes?
Upon receipt of payment, we will send your barcode package to you via email in a compressed zip file.
20. How quickly will I receive my barcodes?
We guarantee that we will send all barcode packages within 24 hours of receipt of payment. We usually, however, take no longer than 3-4 hours.
21. What will be inside my barcode package?
Your barcode package will include your GS1 registered barcode numbers listed in a pdf and excel spreadsheet file. It will also include EPS, JPEG and TIFF images of the barcodes that you can use to print labels or that you can insert in your product packaging. Lastly you will also receive a certificate of ownership guaranteeing you or your business as the sole owners of the barcode numbers purchased.