Frequently Asked Questions - The Barcode 411


Are you confused how and where to buy Legal EAN Codes? Not sure whom to trust? We hope that the information below will help guide you through the process of obtaining EAN codes for your products. These answers below cover some of the most common questions about EAN codes that we have heard from our many customers over the years. Feel free to call us at 1-877-872-2060 (toll free for USA/Canada) or 1-404-885-6066 (international) to talk to one of our barcode experts who will answers any additional questions you have about purchasing an EAN code.
		My business is outside of the US, can I still purchase from Simply Barcodes?

		What are EAN barcodes? Do I really need one?

		What is a UPC barcode? And how does it work?

		Does Simply Barcodes put my product information in my barcode symbol?

		How many EAN codes do I need?

		Do you require a tax identification number/social security number?

		How do I purchase from Simply Barcodes?

		What happens after I complete my purchase?

		In what format do I receive my barcodes?

		When do I receive my EAN code?

		What if I am selling to The Kroger Co., Macys, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Sears Brands, LLC or other stores that require GS1 membership?

		I am still not sure, is there an outside source where I can check to see that Simply Barcodes is legitimate?

		I need to speak with someone who can help me?

My business is outside of the US, can I still purchase from Simply Barcodes?

	Yes, you can purchase your EAN or UPC barcodes from Simply Barcodes. If selling only outside of North America, Simply Barcodes recommends purchasing EAN barcodes through our EAN website. If selling in North America, Simply Barcodes recommends that you purchase UPC barcodes.

What are EAN barcodes? Do I really need one?

	EAN stand for European Article Number. Retail products outside of North America feature a single standard EAN barcode. Retail products sold within North America feature a UPC barcode. In short, the EAN is a 13-digit unique code for your product represented by scannable bars. EAN codes (also known as GTIN-13) appear as lines (bars) of varying widths representing the series of numbers commonly shown below the bars. Barcode scanners read the bars and convert them back to the 13-digit EAN number that they represent. When you reach an agreement with a retailer to carry your product(s), they request the information required by their unique proprietary sales and inventory tracking systems. Your 13-digit EAN number, when looked up within the retailer’s inventory system, finds the corresponding product name and price. This information helps the retailer keep accurate inventory data, review sales, and reorder.

What is a UPC barcode? And how does it work?

	In short, the UPC is a 12-digit unique code for your product represented by scannable bars. Universal Product Codes (also known as GTIN-12) appear as lines (bars) of varying widths representing the series of numbers commonly shown below the bars. Barcode scanners read the bars and convert them back to the 12-digit UPC number that they represent. When you reach an agreement with a retailer to carry your product(s), they request the information required by their unique proprietary sales and inventory tracking systems. Your 12-digit UPC number, when looked up within the retailer’s inventory system, finds the corresponding product name and price. This information helps the retailer keep accurate inventory data, review sales, and reorder.

Does Simply Barcodes put my product information in my barcode symbol?

	NO, your barcode symbol only contains your official EAN barcode number. Each retailer maintains their own sales and inventory tracking systems. So you must provide your product information for each retailer carrying your products.

How many EAN codes do I need?

	In order to properly identify your products in their inventory management system, each retailer requires a different EAN barcode for each unique product. Example: You produce and sell picture frames and want to offer your frames for sale on Amazon. You carry two colors, dark walnut and cherry, and both frames come in three sizes including small, medium and large. How many unique EAN codes are required? The answer: Six Why? Product One: Dark Walnut Frame Small Product Two: Dark Walnut Frame Medium Product Three: Dark Walnut Frame Large Product Four: Cherry Frame Small Product Five: Cherry Frame Medium Product Six: Cherry Frame Large

Do you require a tax identification number/social security number?

	No, companies are not required to supply a tax ID number, and individuals are not required to supply a social security number.

How do I purchase from Simply Barcodes?

1^st	Go to our Order Page or call us at +1-404-885-6066 or toll free at 1-877-872-2060.
2^nd	Place your order.

We only require that you provide contact and billing information. You are not required to provide product information.

Your retailer collects your product information, which they associate with your barcode at the Point of Sale.

Note: We also accept PayPal, checks or money orders. If using one of these payment methods, please download and complete an Order Form and include it with your payment.

PayPal	Checks/Money Orders
Send funds to: paypal@SimplyBarcodes.net	Send funds to: Simply Barcodes 3179 Maple Dr., Suite 20 Atlanta, GA 30305 U.S.A.

What happens after I complete my purchase?

1^st	Upon completion of your order, you will receive an email confirmation of your EAN barcode purchase.
2^nd	Simply Barcodes then assigns your official EAN numbers from our database of GS1-issued codes.
3^rd	The digital barcode images are generated from the numbers you purchased.
4^th	Your EAN barcodes are emailed to you as an attachment.

In what format do I receive my barcodes?

For your convenience, you receive your barcode graphic in three different formats so that your graphic artist, printing company, or manufacturing facility can work with the graphic in their preferred software.


	EPS Format - This layered, vector EPS file, generated in Adobe Illustrator, is the preferred format of most graphic designers due to its quality and versatility, particularly for resizing. EPS is an "exchange" format, not necessarily associated with one specific graphics program. An exchange format is one intended for multiple applications to be able to open.

	TIFF Format - This layered TIFF file, created in Adobe Photoshop, works well for graphic artists who prefer to work in Photoshop and need a transparent background. This format is not suitable for significant resizing.

	JPEG Format - This uncompressed, high-quality JPEG file, created in Adobe Photoshop, is the most common file format. However, it is not suitable for significant resizing.

When do I receive my EAN code?

	The turn-around time is often within an hour. All orders received before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on business days are completed the same day. Orders placed after 4 p.m. will be processed next business day. If you require RUSH completion, please call 1-877-872-2060 (toll-free) or +1-404-885-6066 (international) to make arrangements.

What if I am selling to The Kroger Co., Macys, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Sears Brands, LLC or other stores that require GS1 membership?

	In this case, we absolutely recommend that you go directly to GS1.

I am still not sure, is there an outside source where I can check to see that Simply Barcodes is legitimate?

	We understand with all of the confusing information available on the web that you might be concerned about legitimacy. Our company, in business nearly a decade, maintains an A+ rating with the BBB. All of our codes originate with the governing body, GS1 and never previously used. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff stands ready to answer your questions and do more than just sell you a barcode. We work with you to help your company successfully market your products. GEORGE J. LAURER, the inventor of UPC 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. Our best reference remains our over satisfied clients.

I need to speak with someone who can help me?

	Our experienced bilingual customer service team welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your unique situation. Call us now! +1-404-885-6066 (international) or 1-877-872-2060 (toll-free) Hours of operation, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.