FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Everything you need to know about official retail barcodes for your products.
What is a Barcode?
A barcode is an image of lines representing a unique series of numbers (usually 12 or 13 digits) that can be easily read by a scanner at the checkout or a mobile app. Barcodes serve as the unique identity of your product across retail systems and supermarkets.
Can your barcodes be used in every store (Shoprite, SPAR, Jumia, etc.)?
Yes, our barcodes are accepted in almost all retail stores, supermarkets (such as Shoprite and SPAR), and marketplaces both locally and internationally. Nearly 98% of our barcodes are accepted by retailers worldwide without restrictions, as they come from a legitimate universal system.
How can Barcodes be sold with just a one-time payment (no annual fees)?
In the 1990s, the Uniform Code Council (UCC) in America sold barcodes without annual fees. When the UCC merged to become GS1 and tried to impose annual fees, a class-action lawsuit was filed and won by the early members in 2002. As a result, those classic numbers are free from GS1's rental system. We use this inventory of classic numbers, so we can sell them to you individually with a one-time payment system, forever.
How many barcodes do I need to buy?
You need one different barcode for each product variation (size, flavor, color, etc.). For example, if you sell Cassava Chips with 2 sizes (100g and 250g) and 3 flavors (Spicy, Cheese, Original), then you need a total of 6 different barcodes so the checkout system can accurately detect the price and stock of each variant.
Will my barcode have a Company Prefix?
If you buy individually, you won't get a specific company prefix. Actually, this is a huge advantage for SMEs! Renting a Company Prefix requires you to pay expensive registration and annual fees to GS1, even if you only have 5 products. We break up the number blocks so SMEs can purchase individual barcodes as needed without the burden of annual rental fees.
What data is automatically stored inside my barcode?
A barcode is just a unique number converted into an image of lines. The barcode itself does not store company data or product names inherently. When you register (list) a product at a retail store, you provide that barcode number along with the product information to the store. The store is the one who enters that data into their computerized checkout system.
Are the barcode numbers I buy unique (never been used)?
Yes, we guarantee 100% that the numbers we sell have never been used on any retail product before. Our numbers are unique and original. We also include an Official Certificate of Ownership as authentic proof that you are the sole and legal owner of the barcode numbers.
What is the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13 barcodes?
Both are universal barcode systems. UPC-A (12 digits) is most commonly used in the United States and Canada. EAN-13 (13 digits) is the standard most commonly used in all other countries, including Nigeria. We highly recommend EAN-13 for products sold in the local market or exported outside North America.
How much can the barcode image be resized?
The official standard size for EAN-13 is around 37.3 x 25.9 mm. You can shrink it down to 80% (around 30 x 20 mm) or enlarge it up to 200%. We recommend not shrinking it beyond 80% to ensure infrared scanners at checkout can still read it quickly.
Can I print the barcode on a colored surface?
Yes, as long as there is very high contrast between the barcode lines and the background color. Dark blue barcode lines on a white background will scan, but yellow lines on white will not be read by the machine. We always recommend pure black on a plain white background (or very light colors) to avoid checkout issues.
What do I do after receiving my barcode order?
As soon as payment is confirmed, our system will email your barcode numbers and high-resolution image files (PNG, EPS, PDF). You can directly insert the image into your product packaging design or print it on sticker labels.
Still have questions?
As an independent provider, we prioritize fast, transparent service and heavily support the progress of SMEs. The Barcodes Nigeria expert team is ready to help you.