charmerbaits Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 We're looking at all the programs out there now and I'm curious as to what other people are using. What programs are you using and how user friendly are they? Why type of printer do you use? Any and all information is appreciated. Thanks, Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike-A-Pike Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Charlie. I can only speak based on what we currently use and that is QuickBooks for general accounting. If we had need of UPC Codes, I think I would expand or upgrade our existing copy to include it. http://quickbooks.intuit.com/?lid=site_header From a sole source method of tracking raw materials, finished product, purchasing and payments, along with pay roll, I think this is the method I would persue. You may seek an antalyst to help you make your choise, but they naormally cost you hard earned cash to go ahead with what you've already desided. JMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubeman Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 A friend of mine invested some big dollars buying UPC's. I believe you need to buy a yearly licence and pay so much per number if you want to do it so your baits can be sold anywhere without duplicating someones elses. All in all, if you don't have to don't bother. Most stores can supply you with thier own #'s. Again this is just what he told me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charmerbaits Posted January 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I don't plan on registering them since they are for the shops around here. The only time you need to register is if you are marketing for interstate or national business. At least thats my understanding. Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bladesandbaits Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 Charlie. This is where I get mine. http://www.buyabarcode.com/index.php?/en There may be better deals out there but It was the best deal I could find at the time. There is a pretty good Q&A section as well. Once you buy an initial block, they get cheaper becuase the set up fees were paid on the first block. Once you purchase them they will send a file to you that contains all the blocks you purchased and other information as well. I just had them email them to me and saved them to a disc. When I first wanted to print them I just called up the file and printed on my laser printer using avery label sheets.Now I have a printing company make them for me on a roll.They print them from a file I sent them as well. If you still have questions just call the guy and he can clear anything else up for you. I have some of my products in some pretty big stores and have had zero problems with these codes. Regards, Blades Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaBassHunter Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 I might be able to help with this ...I would look at this site will help you better understand what you are getting into.. http://www.cummingsdesign.com/bar_code.htm also once you have the prefix you can add your own last 5 digits to make your own codes to match up with as many products as you desire. I will check monday to see what program we are using to create bar codes at work "printing company" also make sure when you print a bar code the prefered method will be a thermal transfer printer since most dot matrix barcodes will not read or scan. any more questions contact me Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass-Boys Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 The store that excepted my baits to sell has told me that I need packages w/ the codes on them.. and I found that 100 lables would be just under $ 1000.00 for the 1st year,.. then apx. $ 150.00 per. membership after that. WOW.. !!!!! Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.J. Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 The stores that I have my stuff in use their own codes. I was looking into them a few years back and couldn't believe what they cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charmerbaits Posted September 24, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 I know several small companies that use bar codes and it costs them no where near that. They are not using a "Nationally Registered Barcode", they have developed their own using several different programs that range in cost from $300 - $1000. None of these guys sell to your big chain stores and have no plans too. We are probably going to go this route as well since I have no desire to sale to the big stores. They are nothing but trouble. After the original setup costs the bar code labels are averaging 1-2 cents each. You can come up with your own barcode just like the stores you sale to do and use them for all of your customers. Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basseducer Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 Charlie, I use a program call Wasp Bar Code Labeler. It has several styles of barcodes for different applications. Some stores use different styles and this program lets you match what they are using instead of being locked into a UPC. You can also get a barcode scanner to make filling orders a breeze. Like Spike said, Quickbooks is a great business program and inventory tracker, plus it works well with Wasp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted September 25, 2008 Report Share Posted September 25, 2008 (edited) One of the big things is to have the Bar Code Fonts. Have worked with them a little several years ago. Several ways to do this and depends on the market you are serviceing .. When I get a chance I will try to find out where I got the Fonts I did have ... Made a program in FileMaker for checking in customers at a trade show ... Their Name Tag was printed with a Bar Code for their Account Number .. Then was scanned into a program I made for keeping track of attendace to checking them in thru the meal line. So your Stock Number could be coded with Bar Code for scanning in at Check Out. Also had a program for scanning in bar codes in my program "Salesman Order Pad" where a salesman could scan the bar codes into the order system. Just some random thoughts on the subject. If I find The UPC info will post it. My JSC Edited September 25, 2008 by JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishAction Posted September 26, 2008 Report Share Posted September 26, 2008 Unless a store has a their own private label, they normally do not have a UPC prefix. Barcodes on the products from the producer are used by the stores for data capture. Creating a barcode from scratch may cause problems for a registered barcode holder and prevent stores from using electronic ordering, call EDI. The code breakdown is: 1st digit - catagory code, 2 thru 6 -- manufacturer identification code, 7 - 11 -- item number assigned by the manufacturer, 12th digit -- scanner runs a math formula and beeps if scan formula matches last digit, call a check digit. UPC codes are used to identify the manufacturer, product, place orders, receive goods, track sales, etc. It is a very orderly system and highly effective way to manage an inventory based business. And, of course, it's part of the price of entry to a lot of outlets today. I'll be glad to help anyone who needs it. We label our products using thermal transfer printers and run labels for other users. Charlie BAGGETT TACKLE CO Valdosta, GA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 (edited) Charlie Good Reply. I was not clear in my note as I was talking of using "Bar Codes" and not UPC codes. A Thermal Printer as you stated "Is the way to go" for good reading by scanner. JSC Edited September 27, 2008 by JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishAction Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 Maybe some clarification is due on programs. Due you mean programs to make and print barcode labels? Or just general business use? Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
