Cheap Barcodes

How is it that you don’t charge license fees or joining fees?

We don’t charge license or joining fees because the barcodes we sell come from a unique historical situation. These barcodes originate from the same system as GS1 barcodes but are no longer under GS1’s control. As a result, we can sell them without the ongoing fees GS1 charges.

Here’s how this became possible. In the 1990s, GS1 licensed 13-digit barcodes to members and charged recurring fees. Meanwhile, the Uniform Code Council (UCC) in the USA sold 12-digit barcodes for a one-time cost, without license fees. Their barcodes were compatible with the 13-digit system, effectively creating a competing option.

In the late 1990s, the UCC merged with GS1 and became GS1-US. They began charging all members annual fees, including those who had already paid a one-time fee. Many original members objected. This dispute led to a class-action lawsuit, which the members won in the early 2000s. The court ruled that GS1 could not retroactively impose licensing fees. This decision confirmed that those barcodes were outside GS1’s control.

Resellers purchase these unused barcodes and offer them for sale. They are legitimate, globally accepted, and have never been used on products.

As for barcodes sold online for extremely low prices—be cautious. Many of these are fake or recycled. They may cause major issues with retailers and cost more in the long run. If you use an invalid barcode, you could face packaging reprints and product recalls.

What about barcodes advertised online for extremely cheap (i.e. 50c)?

Occasionally we come across companies offering barcodes for 50 cents (or some unbelievably low price). Usually, these companies aren’t around for long or are very difficult to contact. In many cases, the barcodes they sell are not legitimate retail barcodes. Buying barcodes at these prices is a false economy. You may save some money on barcodes; that doesn’t even compare to the amount it will cost to reprint your product packaging and swap out the barcodes if the barcode does turn out to be non-legitimate.

We can prove that our numbers are legitimate EAN-13 numbers that have never been used legally before (until you). Furthermore, we check all our numbers for illegal use before sale so that at the time of sale, you can be sure no one is illegally using them. There are many other advantages to our barcodes. Please see here for more information on our barcodes.

Tips for buying quality barcodes

When purchasing barcodes for your products, it’s essential to ensure their quality and legitimacy to avoid scanning issues and potential retail rejections. Here are key considerations to guide your purchase:

1. Source from Reputable Providers: Opt for barcode suppliers with a track record of reliability. Established providers often offer barcodes that are part of the GS1 system, ensuring global compatibility.

2. Verify Barcode Legitimacy: Ensure the barcodes are unused and not recycled from other products. Using recycled barcodes can lead to conflicts and scanning errors. Ask for a sample barcode.

3. Check for Hidden Fees: Be cautious of suppliers offering barcodes at unusually low prices without clear terms. Some may have hidden fees or provide barcodes that are not legitimate.

4. Understand Licensing Requirements: Depending on your region and the barcode type, you may need to obtain a license. For instance, GS1 barcodes typically require membership, while our barcodes have no other costs.

5. Consider Future Needs: If you plan to expand your product line or enter international markets, choose barcodes that are widely accepted and can accommodate future growth.

By carefully selecting a reputable provider and ensuring the legitimacy of the barcodes, you can streamline your product’s entry into the market and avoid potential issues down the line.