A barcode is a machine-readable representation of a unique number, allowing retailers to track product sales in their inventory system. It typically consists of dark ink on a light background, forming high and low reflectance patterns that are converted to binary digits. UPCs (12 digits) and EANs (13 digits) are common types of barcodes.

How To Put A Barcode On A Product

How to Put a Barcode on a Product: A Simple Guide for Small Businesses in Australia

Adding a barcode to your product is crucial for managing inventory, tracking sales, and ensuring your products are easily scannable at checkout. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to put a barcode on your product.

Step 1: Choose the Right Barcode Type

There are several types of barcodes, but the most common ones for product labeling are:

EAN (European Article Number): Widely used globally, especially outside the US.
UPC (Universal Product Code): Common in retail for tracking products.
QR codes: Used for digital products, marketing, and promotions.

For Australian small businesses, EAN barcodes are commonly used for retail products.

Step 2: Buy the Barcode (GTIN)

Own your barcodes. Make sure you are purchasing from a reputable source. See how long the barcode retailer has been in business and if they have knowledgable staff. We’ve been supplying barcodes since 2007. Click here to read about us.

Make sure you select the correct barcode format, such as EAN-13 or UPC-A, depending on your needs.

Step 3: Print the Barcode

Once the barcode is generated, you can print it. There are two ways to do this:

Direct Printing on Packaging: If you’re designing custom packaging, you can print the barcode directly on it.
Barcode Labels: If you’re using pre-made packaging, you can print barcode labels and stick them to your product.

Make sure the barcode is placed in a position that is easy to scan, like the back or bottom of the packaging.

Barcode Size

The size of the barcode matters. A barcode that is too small might be hard to scan, while one that is too large can take up unnecessary space. The standard size for an EAN-13 barcode is 37.29mm (width) by 25.93mm (height), but make sure it remains clear and scannable regardless of the size. See our Barcodes Dimensions page.

Location of the Barcode

Placement is also key to ensuring the barcode scans correctly. The barcode should be placed where scanners can easily access it, typically on the back or bottom of the product packaging. When placing the barcode, keep these guidelines in mind:

Avoid wrinkles or curves: Barcodes must be placed on a flat surface, as wrinkles or curves can distort the barcode.
Leave space around the barcode: Barcodes need a “quiet zone” (space around the barcode) to be scanned properly. The quiet zone should be at least 10mm on each side of the barcode.
Visibility: Ensure the barcode is visible and not covered by other labels, stickers, or text.

Step 4: Test the Barcode

Before sending your products out, always test the barcode to ensure it scans correctly. Use a barcode scanner or a smartphone app to check that the barcode is readable and accurate. This step helps avoid issues when your product is being sold. We offer two testing services; Artwork Test and a full Verification Report (only needed for FMCG stores i.e. Woolworths, ALM and Bunnings.

Conclusion

Adding a barcode to your product is a simple but important step in managing your small business effectively. Whether you’re selling online or in physical stores, a barcode helps with product identification, inventory control, and overall business organisation.

With the right barcode on your product, you’ll be ready to scale your operations, improve sales, and reduce errors. Taking the time to add barcodes will make your business more efficient in the long run.

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