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What is a EAN barcode? And how does it work?
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EAN barcodes (also known as GTIN-13) appear as lines (bars) of varying widths representing the series of numbers commonly shown below the bars. Barcode scanners, as you will know them from your favorite retailers, read the bars and convert them back to the 13-digit EAN number that they represent. This number is then looked up within the retailer's inventory system to find the corresponding product name and price that you provided them with when you signed your agreement for them to carry your product.
In short, an EAN is a 13-digit unique code for your product represented by scannable bars.
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What are EAN barcodes? Do I really need one?
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The EAN barcode system is used outside of the United States and Canada. An EAN barcode (also known as GTIN-13) is 13 digits long. The EAN is just another retail product barcode and should used only for products sold outside of North America.
The EAN barcode, in our opinion, not yet useful for global application.
Here's why…
The UPC code is 12 digits long and can be read both by UPC and by EAN scanners. Therefore, the UPC barcode is ideal for worldwide product roll-out since they can be read universally.
As of Jan 2005, all American retailers were scheduled to be able to read the additional 13th digit in EAN barcodes. However, we cannot confirm that all retailers have complied with this changeover and would recommend using UPC instead of EAN barcodes to assure universal compatibility.
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So, how do EAN codes work? How does information get associated with my barcode symbol?
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| 1st. |
You purchase a EAN code(s). There is NO information other than the official EAN barcode number stored or encrypted into your barcode symbol. |
| 2nd. |
You print the EAN barcode image directly on your product or order pre-printed barcode labels from Simply Barcodes. |
| 3rd. |
You place your product with a retailer/distributor. |
| 4th. |
Each retailer/distributor asks you to provide information about you and your product. |
| 5th. |
The retailer/distributor enters the information in their sales/inventory management system and associates it with your product's EAN number. |
| 6th. |
When your product is scanned at the register, the scanner reads the EAN number from the barcode, looks up your product's price and description in the retailer's database, and your sale is recorded. |
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Client Testimonials
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"It's the high level of personal service that keeps us coming back to Simply Barcodes."
Dean Conrad
Ludorum Games / Scene Cinema Ltd.
Hessle, United Kingdom
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"Thank you for your excellent service. Since we do have repeated needs in our factory, I will certainly use your services again."
Bernard Bowiz
PIC Intl. Ltd.
Hong Kong
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| "Excellent customer service. Very much appreciated, looking forward to doing business in the future."
Rita Langis
Groupe Jigeu
Grand-Barachois, Canada
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"You did a great job, everything was handled well, Thanks."
Max
Crisis Support Services, Inc.
Footscray, Australia
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"Thank you so much for the quick processing of this order!! What great customer service!! I will definitely be calling again!!"
Kimberley Kincher
Healthy World Project International
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"This is all new for us. Thanks for your awesome service. Everything is progressing in the right steps."
Ryan Sharp
Perfect Food Company Inc.
Vancouver, Canada |
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How many EAN codes do I need?
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In order for your retailer to properly identify your products in their inventory system, a different EAN barcode is required for each product. For example, if you are selling two flavors of bottled water in small, medium, and large, then you will need six different EAN codes. Simply Barcodes offers special discounts on bulk orders. Please call for details.
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Do you require a tax identification number/social security number?
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No, companies are not required to supply a tax ID number and individuals are not required to supply a social security number.
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How do I purchase from Simply Barcodes?
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We offer several purchase options:
- Place your order directly on the secured order forms on this website using your American Express, Visa, or MasterCard.
- Or, call us and place the order by phone.
- Or, use your PayPal account by sending funds to paypal@SimplyBarcodes.net.
- Or, mail us a check/money order along with a completed order form to the address shown in the Contact section.
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What happens after I complete my purchase?
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| 1st. |
Upon completion of your order, you will receive an email confirmation of your EAN barcode purchase. |
| 2nd. |
Simply Barcodes then assigns your official EAN numbers from our database of GS1-issued codes and submit them to our graphic design department. |
| 3rd. |
The digital barcode images are generated from the numbers you purchased. |
| 4th. |
Your EAN barcodes are emailed to you as an attachment. |
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When do I receive my EAN code?
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The turn-around time is often within an hour. On rare occasions it may take our team as long as one business day. If you require RUSH completion, please call 877-768-4977 (toll-free) or +1-404-885-6066 (international) to make arrangements.
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Do I need to do anything else with my EAN code once I receive it?
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Only a few retail products require additional steps.
CDs and DVDs: Audio CDs should be submitted to the Nielsen Rating's SoundScan so that they can track sales for the purpose of Billboard charting. Our EAN codes are compatible with the SoundScan system. At the time of publication of this FAQ, SoundScan registration was still free of charge. Additionally, it is a myth that CDs and DVDs require a specific ending number. We can provide you with a list of recent DVDs and CDs that show various ending numbers, proving this rumor is completely false.
Books: In addition to your EAN code, bookstores will require you to add an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) code. Obtain your ISBN number from ISBN.org and have Simply Barcodes create your ISBN barcode graphic at a cost of only $25.
Magazines: Magazines require the addition of a 2-digit issue code to indicate the issue number for a given year. For example: A quarterly magazine has four issues per year and therefore requires the four issue codes 01, 02, 03, and 04.
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How can I get help with putting my EAN code on my product?
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If you would like to order pre-printed barcode labels, please click label printing. All orders received before 2 p.m. EST on business days are completed the same day and shipped for free within the continental U.S. For international shipping, please contact us with your address for a shipping quote.
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Can I print my labels in black and white?
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Barcodes do not have to be printed in black and white. For more information on the subject visit this great color guide.
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What dimensions should my EAN code be?
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If you are having the EAN code printed directly on your product, here is some helpful information:
The nominal size of a EAN symbol is 1.469" wide x 1.02" high. The minimum recommended size is 80% of the nominal size or 1.175" wide. The maximum recommended size is 200% of the nominal size or 2.938" wide. Width is much more important than height. The width influences the distance between the bars and how well the laser can distinguish between them. Simply Barcodes strongly recommends test-scanning any EAN code prototype produced by your manufacturing facility before going into mass production. (Please note that all of Simply Barcodes' pre-printed barcode label orders are test-scanned and confirmed scannable by our equipment. Click here to learn more about our label printing service.)
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My business is outside of the US, can I still purchase from Simply Barcodes?
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Yes, you can purchase your UPC or EAN barcodes from Simply Barcodes. If your product will be sold in the North American market then Simply Barcodes recommends that you purchase UPC barcodes.
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Why should I purchase EAN codes from Simply Barcodes instead of getting them from the GS1 (formerly known as UCC) directly?
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The seven main differentiators between our company and GS1 are:
- Our significantly lower overall cost.
- We do NOT charge you any ongoing annual fees. Our EAN barcodes are sold for a single, straight-forward, one-time fee.
- We do NOT require you to disclose your Federal Tax ID or Social Security Number.
- Our price is fixed. We do NOT increase prices based on your existing/projected sales figures.
- We do NOT require you to release your confidential annual sales figures at all.
- We include the barcode graphic for free for all orders.
- We can complete your order within hours, not days.
Should you represent a business that needs EAN codes for a very large number of products/product variations or if you are definitely going to be selling through one of the only two retailers in the world known to require direct UCC membership: The Kroger Co. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. then you will have no choice but to deal with GS1 directly.
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I am still not sure, is there an outside source where I can check to see that Simply Barcodes is legitimate?
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The best references we can offer you are our customers. Please read our many client testimonials. Google any of these companies, ask for the person listed under the testimonial, and have him or her share with you the actual experience that they have had with Simply Barcodes.
Another reference that we can offer are the barcode experts. GEORGE J. LAURER, the inventor of UPC/EAN barcode, once highlighted Simply Barcode on his website as "The best company I have found to date." Industry expert Russ Adams also noted Simply Barcodes on his website.
Finally, feel free to check with the Atlanta chapter of the Better Business Bureau. The chapter awarded our firm a "Satisfactory" rating.
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I need to speak with someone who can help me?
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Our customer service team is available to take your call, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday at +1-404-885-6066 (international) or 877-768-4977 (toll-free).
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