|
| Barcode Guide
Save Money: Barcode Errors Are Costly!
Once a magazine is printed, the two largest costs of distribution (aside from promotions) are shipping and improper barcoding. Avoid these costly errors by ensuring the barcode and issue name/number printed on the cover match, and the correct price appears on the front cover.
Remember if the price of an issue changes, the barcode must also change – and it is much cheaper to change in advance. Also note, it is not possible to use the same UPC for issues that come out in the same calendar year.
| |
Manufacturer's Code |
Bipad |
Check Digit |
UPC |
| Identifies |
your primary distributor |
your title |
authenticity of the barcode |
the issue, either by issue number, season or month |
| When to Change |
whenever there is a price change |
only if you leave your original distributor |
calculated by the barcode generator |
each issue in a calendar year |
| Conditions |
usually supplied by your distributor, who owns the actual number but generally lets a title use it for free |
this number stays with your title, but If you do stand-alone issues with a sales schedule that overlaps your regular title, they should have their own bipads |
|
you cannot use the same UPC twice in a calendar year, and the UPC you choose MUST match something printed on your cover (season, month, issue number) |
Have a magazine but no barcode? Read: Speaking in Code: Obtaining Barcodes and UPCs for You and Your Magazine by Gavin Babstock.
If you need barcodes or advice on barcodes please email Gavin Babstock, Warehouse Manager at gbabstock@magazinescanada.ca.
Last Update: Tuesday, November 29 2005 |
MagCareers
 Magazines Canada's site for jobs in the creative industry: editorial, advertising, production, design, circulation and more! 
|
|
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for this project.
