What IS A BARCODE? and why would I need one

Retailers Want Barcodes If you're releasing a CD or DVD on a site like CDBaby or Amazon they want to see a barcode.

Aren’t Barcodes for Cans of Peas? So why does something that goes on a can of peas, have to go on your CD?

Barcodes A barcode is graphic that can be reader by a scanner when something is purchased.

Barcodes are Unique Everything that is meant to be sold in a store is typically required to have a barcode, each item is intended to have a unique series of numbers. For CDs and most items like that its a unique 12 digit number series using 0-9.

If they are required - where do you get one? Most CD Duplication Services provide them - CDMaker.com provides them at no charge for example and other CD DVD Duplication Services might have a small charge.

What if You Want Your Own? GS1 US, a nonprofit group that sets standards for international commerce. You can find them by Googling for them. Make sure you are sitting down when you see the fee for obtaining your own master number.

OK but what are they for? The short answer is - inventory control.

The Long Answer Amazon's database of products they sell on their website is different from Walmart's. Even though there are computers, the first time your product hits a distribution network someone will actually need to input the title, author, description, product details and price.

When a barcode is scanned - The computer pulls up the name and price and also updates the inventory when its sold.

No Magic with Barcode Itself The barcode in and of itself doesn't have a special code that contains the price. Its in the computer system of the store where its sold - namely the prices is a field in the record of that CD or DVD but its not in the numbers themselves.

Barcode Size When you are designing your artwork, leave a white box of 1.5 inches wide and .75 inch tall so you can have your duplicator place a barcode in the artwork. If you don’t have your own, ask your duplicator if they will provide one.

Now You Know what Barcodes Do If you have any questions about barcodes or need a disc duplication service that provides them at no additional charge, contact www.cdmaker.com and speak with an expert in providing your project with a barcode.