Overview of what barcodes are for CD DVD duplication are, how to get them and why.

1. WHAT IS A BARCODE?
and why would I need one

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.