Barcode Company Prefix
Very occasionally, a retailer will require you to have a company prefix.
This is uncommon and tends to be just the big chains like Walmart.
Some retailers will ask for a GLN (global location number) instead. GLNs are used in electronic transactions, such as purchase orders or invoices, to ensure clarity in logistics and supply chain management for tracking product movements, regulatory reporting, and in any scenario where precise identification of locations or parties is required.
There are two ways you can get one
(1) Join GS1 and pay their joining fee and annual license fees; or
(2) Purchase barcodes from our company in blocks of 10, 100, 1000, or 10,000. We are the ONLY barcode supplier that we know of that provides unique company prefixes.
If you order a single barcode number from our company, you won’t receive a company prefix (single barcode numbers don’t come with company prefixes).
However, you’ll receive a unique company prefix if you order your bar codes in quantities of 10, 100, 1000, etc, as you will own the whole set in that range.
Prefix Length
The length depends on how many variations are required to make 13 digits.
For example – if you purchase ten barcode numbers, then of the 13 digits, the first 11 will be your company prefix, the 12th digit will vary from 0-9 (giving you ten different barcode numbers), and the last digit is a calculated checksum.
Similarly, if you purchase 20 barcode numbers, you will get two company prefixes (giving ten barcodes for each).
If you purchase 100 barcode numbers, then of the 13 digits, the first ten will be your company prefix, the 11th & 12th digits will vary from 00-99 (giving you 100 different barcode numbers), and the last digit is a calculated checksum.
10 barcodes = includes an 11-digit company prefix with product code allocation 0 – 9 (for up to 10 unique products)
100 barcodes = includes a 10-digit company prefix with product code allocation 00 – 99 (for up to 100 unique products)
1000 barcodes = includes a 9-digit unique company prefix product code allocation 000 – 999 (for up to 1000 unique products)
Barcodes can be purchased here.