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 If
you have your
UPC bar code number...
Cummings Design can create
the bar code symbol for your retail product package and design
your retail product packaging with your bar code on it. However, to do
so, you first need to get your UPC bar code prefix from the UCC by
completing the application.
If you do not have your UPC bar code prefix...
We can also design your retail product
packaging without the bar code, and leave a space for the UPC bar code
symbol (or a temporary label).
Should
you get a bar code for the first printing of your product packaging?
Many of my retail product packaging clients are unsure whether or not they
need a bar code. The UCC will keep $250 (at the time of this writing) as a
processing fee should you decide to return the package with your bar code
prefix and not go forward with the licensing of your bar code. Also, a
retail buyer may have certain bar code requirements. Therefore, I
recommend many clients wait until they know they actually need a bar code
and have discussed this with the retailer before applying for a membership
at the UCC.
Can you
print a package or label without a UPC bar code?
Yes, and often it's the best way since there is no other way to get a bar
code in advance other than to become a member of the UCC.
I typically
leave a suitable space on the package or label to accommodate a bar code,
and recommend that the quantity of the first printing run be limited. For
the first run, a separate bar code label may then be printed and affixed.
Once the product is in the retailer's system and at the time of the next
printing, I can then add the bar code to the packaging. This does add cost
to the printing (printing a smaller quantity first, then a second printing
later), though it insures
that you will not have a bar code that is unacceptable to a retail buyer.
See HISTORY
of the UPC Bar Code.
See HISTORY of the
UCC (Uniform Code Council, Inc.)
The company that
assigns all US bar code prefixes.
If
you need retail packaging design, click
here.
For
all other types of advertising, promotion, business consulting and more,
please click here to our home
page.
Note:
This article is of an editorial nature. All trademarks and copyrights are
owned by their respective owners. If you see errors or omissions, please contact
me so that I may make necessary corrections. I feel the history of the
bar code (as well as the future) is important and created this page since
I found little about this elsewhere. I am doing my best to cross-check and
verify information presented. Thanks - Rob Cummings.
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us or return Home or see Pricing
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