This page has information on what a barcode is, who do you register your barcode with, how to get a barcode, and a helpful FAQ that answers many common questions you may have.


    Let's start with a little information of exactly what a barcode does. As most of you know, the barcode, or UPC (Universal Product Code) is a series of numbers that identify your product, and associates your product with the unique prefix number.

    The UPC consists of two parts: the machine readable bar code and the human-readable UPC number. The UPC number is the unique 12 digit identification of an individual consumer product. The entire UPC number includes a six digit manufacturer number assigned by the Uniform Code Council. The first number is called the "number system character". It identifies what kind of product the barcode belongs to... (In the U.S., a number 2 indicates meat or produce, a number 5 is for coupons, all music and related products always start with a zero or a 6). The six digits are followed by a five digit item number assigned by the owner/controller of the product. The 12th digit is what is known as a check character. This check digit is used to verify the accuracy of the entire UPC number. This is very important when cashiers have to enter a UPC number by hand, it tells the computer if the number was entered correctly.

    There are different size/ types of barcodes needed for merchandise, shipping containers, coupons, and many more categories. The UCC also has guidelines as far as placement, size, format, quality, and even the white space around the code. Many of the products put out by indie bands, dont meet these guidelines.



So you want to get your own barcode, but dont want to pay the UCC fees? ManyCD manufacturers (including Artist Toolbox) will generate a free bar code if you use their replication services. There is a well-known large duplication house that touts "free barcode!! a $750 value!"... Don't believe it, they've already paid the fee for use in manufacturing their own product. Once these companies pay the UCC fee, they can generate 100,000 unique barcodes! If you grab any product by Sony, Warner Bros, (or any other large company for that matter) you will notice the first six digits are always the same.

Frequently Asked Questions:


I'm going to produce my product myself, do I need to have a barcode?

No, but if you intend on tracking your sales through Soundscan, you do. Also, many retail outlets wont accept your product without a barcode. (clicking the above link walks you through how you register your product with Soundscan)

I'm starting my own imprint or indie label, do I need to purchase my own unique company identification number from the Uniform Code Council?

No, but if you're an indie label, and intend to release several pieces of product by several different bands, I would recommend you paying the fees and getting your own number. In order to generate your own bar codes, you must register your company with the UCC. This fee is approximately $750 and is a one-time fee. You can then manufacture your own barcodes and share them with other bands too.

Many companies and CD manufacturers allow you free use of their barcodes. There are some popular manufacturers that shout "free barcode!! a $750 value!". Don't believe it. There are many companies (including Artist Toolbox) that will allow you a free barcode if you use their replication services.

I see all major labels have a barcode on an annoying sticker on the top spine, do I need this?

No, the top spine sticker is a convenient way for store clerks to scan in your product to their inventory without having to remove the item from the case. Artist Toolbox recommends this sticker if you're trying to put out product with the look and feel of a major label product.

Does the UCC provide me with bar codes?
 
The UCC does not produce bar codes.  There are many commercially available programs out there that generate bar codes for you. Artist Toolbox uses BAR CODE PRO by SNX. It's really a simple program that is incredibly easy to use. I tought myself how to use it in minutes.

Does my company have to pay the UCC a fee for each product? 
 
No, the UCC Company Prefix you will receive will allow you to assign many unique Item Reference Numbers for your different products.  The UCC only maintains the UCC Company Prefix portion of the barcode.

How do I assign my numbers (Item Reference)?
 
Each product is defined by a unique set of numbers, referred to as the Item Reference Number.  It is suggested that these numbers are chosen sequentially for each of your products starting with 1 for the first item (i.e. 00001 for a 5 digit reference number). Make sure EACH item has its own unique item reference number.

Do I need to register my products with the UCC? 
 
No, the Item Reference Numbers that you assign are maintained within your company.  They are not registered with the UCC.  You need to register the number with SoundScan if you intend to track sales of your product.

Got a question not answered here? Drop me a line: info@artisttoolbox.com