Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

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Tracy Barnhart, Owner
Giverny, Inc. / Mini Me Geology
http://www.GivernyOnline.com
http://www.MiniMeGeology.com

Hey there-

It`s not that difficult to get UPC codes. All the information you need is right here. It`s not that expensive. http://www.startupnation.com/forums/10213/1/www.gs1us.org/ean_ucc_system/membership/need_upc.htm

Good luck,
Ron

What are UPC Codes and how do they work? Candy Bag Advertising.

Tracy, I would recommend designing your packaging so that you can put UPC stickers somewhere on there if (when!) you explode onto the mass retail scene.  There are many sites out there that will print out these stickers for you after you provide them with your code.

One of the first products we designed didn`t take this into account and we did the smart thing and sold in boutiques, but then when the larger stores were interested, we had to completely redesign our package and scrap all of our printed packaging - quite an expensive lesson for us.  Hopefully you won`t fall into that trap now!

If you leave a spot for a UPC sticker later on, you can make sure that your product has legs before you invest in new packaging, which you`ll have to eventually do anyway to meet the MegaLow Marts of the world happy.

As Ron posted, it`s now a very expensive process once you need to step it up.

So my bottom line advice, spend as slowly as you can in the beginning, but realize that you might have to adjust your packaging in the future.

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Tracy Barnhart, Owner
Giverny, Inc. / Mini Me Geology
http://www.GivernyOnline.com
http://www.MiniMeGeology.com

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Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
Grill Charms
                                                                                                    

http://www.qualityupc.com
QualityUPC is the most trusted source for purchasing authentic registered UPC barcodes. We are the fastest, easiest, and most cost effective way to get your product on the shelf. We are proud to offer only the highest quality of barcode purchasing, printing, and customer service. You can simply make your purhcase with the click of a few buttons or speak with one of our barcode specialists at 1.888.659.1117. Either way we’re here to help!

• The cost of your single barcode is only $29.99. There are no memberships, renewals or hidden fees. And if you decide to purchase in bulk, we’ll give you a discount. Saving is good.

• Your UPC barcode number is guaranteed authentic, and one-of-a-kind. Here at QualityUPC we know that Security is everything. We’ll also send your company an official certificate with your unique UPC number assignment.

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Tracy Barnhart, Owner
Giverny, Inc. / Mini Me Geology
http://www.GivernyOnline.com
http://www.MiniMeGeology.com

Hi Tracy,

There are many companies out there which can sell you barcodes for your products.
The one place you`re thinking of is GS1-US the main hub for where your company can become a member and purchase a prefix (usually 9-digits out of the 12- digit code). Their services are $750 for a membership fee plus $150/year for the longevity of your company. On top of purchasing the company prefix you must purchase barcode software to produce the other remaining digits. This software is usually around $200 or so. These are all costs your company can save by going through us.

GS1-US used to be the U.C.C. (Uniform Council Code). Any company who bought their prefix from the U.C.C. before August 2002 and never used their codes is legally allowed to resell them to consumers who need a few codes. This is where we come in because we bought our prefix in 1991.

Our company produces barcodes for small businesses that don`t want to pay the large GS1-US fees and yearly renewals. We simply legally sell barcodes to companies like yours for a fraction of the cost. Once we sell you the barcode it is yours for life and we have no ownership of it thereafter.

The prefix doesn`t necessarily matter because the retailer you are selling to takes all of your products information and enters it into their system.
This is how the barcode and your product become one scannable entity, not because the prefix number is automatically correlated with your company & products info.

Also, George Laurer is the inventor of the UPC barcode.  He has put up a page of legal legitimate resellers listed on his site. We have the seal of satisfaction from him.
Please visit his the direct link to his webpage is:  http://bellsouthpwp.net/l/a/laurergj/UPC/Needcode.html

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please give us a call anytime M-F 8am-5pm MST at 888.659.1117. You can also visit our website at http://www.qualityupc.com and refer to our F.A.Q. page.

Best,