Vertical Lines + Numbers =

Barcodes

Yes, if you want to sell your product and not give it away to your mom and relatives, you are going to need a barcode. Barcodes are needed when your distributor or store that sells your product requires it. There is no law that says your must have a barcode on a product. However for stores, it is efficient for them to track each product they sell with a unique code.


Getting one is not actually that challenging. The cost can range quite a bit though and this depends on you and how many are needed.

If you are going to be cranking out items, it would be best to get your own. However, as this article is tailored more towards the inventor who needs one-offs, there are a number of companies that will sell you barcodes.

A few companies that will do this are:
- Simply Barcodes: http://www.simplybarcodes.net
- Buy a Barcode: http://www.buyabarcode.com
- Barcodes talk: http://www.barcodestalk.com



The BBB (Better Business Bureau) have given the above good marks. A good Google search will get you many more companies that can be used.

Barcodes can be printed using most computer printers. The simplest way to print a barcode is to use a barcode font. Also, print it in black and white on white paper. Do not use coloured ink or coloured paper. The printing with colour will reduce the contrast between the bars and spaces.  With the awesome invention you have, hopefully your goal is to have the barcode printed during the printing of the product's packaging. For this, you will have to obtain a barcode film master from a vendor that specializes in this.

The size is normally 1.469" wide X 1.02" high. The minimum recommended size is 80% of that or 1.175" wide X .816" high. The maximum recommended size is 200% of normal or 2.938" wide X 2.04" high.


The organisation that makes this all possible is GS1. GS1 is an international not-for-profit association with member organisations in over 100 countries. GS1 is dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply and demand chains globally and across sectors. The GS1 system of standards is the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world. GS1's main activity is the development of the GS1 System, a series of standards designed to improve supply chain management.

You can read more exciting info about GS1 at their site. Saying that, the focus for you is to concentrate on following your passion and getting that Open Source Hardware invention out there for all to enjoy!