Customer Education:
How do I get a Product Bar Code

If you want to sell your products in retail stores then you need to get a bar code. The bar code on most retail products in this country is called a UPC (Universal Product Code), and you obtain them from the Uniform Code Council. You first need to become a member of what is mysteriously called their GS1 US Partner Connections (alright NO conspiracy theories please). The amount you pay is dependent on the number of different products you will be selling, and your company's gross revenues. The processing time is usually just 3-5 days and then you receive your company prefix number. You can then create your full bar code number for each product with the help of the membership kit you will receive. Once you have your number you just need the software to create your bar code. The Kopco Graphics design team will be happy to take care of that step for you. One point to remember when you are designing your labels is to keep a space for the bar code. The official size requirement is around 1" high x 1.5" wide. In reality we do bar codes here that are as small as 0.5" high and 1" wide. If the bar code is any smaller than that you will have difficulty scanning and your retailer will not be happy! We here at Kopco always do a test scan for you to make sure your bar code is ok. One last important point, your bar code needs to be on a white background to be scanned easily, it’s the contrast between the background and the black lines that make it work!

One Final Comment----The cost of purchasing your own UPC Code prefix number can sometimes be cost prohibitive to smaller companies that only have a few products requiring codes. There are a few companies that will sell you a small number of UPC codes for a small fee each. This is frowned upon by the Uniform Code Council but not illegal. Try a search on something like "buy a barcode" to find some companies that offer this service.

Now Blaze those sales trails!!!! Happy Hunting!!!

New Product:
Printed Ribbons!

Kopco Graphics is proud to present a new product in our lineup of materials, Ribbon!
This is a great option for businesses looking to add a little extra something to their packaging, and promote their company. There are several material choices and colors and each of them can be printed with one color, of your selection. Print you company name, logo, slogan, promotional campaign…anything you like!

Ribbon can be ordered in rolls of 100 yards. (Minimum order of 1 roll)
All different widths and styles available! Call today for a sample packet!