Need to Register?

bdemon · June 23rd, 2008

There's an online retailer I want to pitch my goods to. Their FAQ says:

"All Suppliers should be registered with the UCC (Uniform Code Council).
All Suppliers should be applying the “UPC-A” barcode type to each item. UPC-A symbols have 10 digits plus two overhead digits.
Size should be 4.5cm x 3.5cm."

Being registered with the UCC...does that mean I have to do that $700-800 initial registration? Because I just wanted to get a barcode for one product and see how well it sold--assuming they picked it up.

Which leads to my other question, any advice on where to buy a single barcode? I found a website that's something like $80 bucks for one, but I like checking out references before diving into the first site Google spits out.

Comin'OutSwingin · June 23rd, 2008

If you are going to be offering more than 1 size and/or color, you're going to need a separate bar code for each size/color.

Which means if you're offering sizes small through 2XL, then you'll need 5 bar codes. Then if you're offering those 5 sizes in 2 colors, then you'll need 10 bar codes, 1 for each size in each color.

If they won't accept code39 and insist on you using registered UPC codes, then you're much better off joining the council if you're going to have a few sizes and more than 1 color.

It beats paying $80 for each code that you'll need. If you join the council, you get unlimited codes.

bdemon · June 23rd, 2008

Yeah, makes sense, but I'm not pitching the shirts just yet, I'm pitching one of my guitar posters, since they seem to be selling better (on Printmojo, anyway). If I get my foot into enough doors, I suspect the membership thing would make sense later. Right now I need one barcode.

Comin'OutSwingin · June 23rd, 2008

I see. Makes sense.

Well, then I would just make sure you get a good deal. I've seen single bar codes range from about $35 to $100.

I would investigate the company to make sure that they are selling unique codes. I've heard stories about some companies selling codes that are already in use.

DSGRAPHITA · June 23rd, 2008

You can certainly order bar codes for under $100... it's registering a Universal Product Code (UPC) that is expensive - if you need a unique UPC code that will work for all US retailers, it must be registered (that way your code is Unique to you) That is the more expensive part of the equation.