How Many Barcodes Do You Need?

Deciding how many barcodes your enterprise needs is an essential aspect of ensuring smooth retail operations in New Zealand. Whether considering product variations or packaging options, understanding your barcode requirements can help streamline inventory management and enhance the overall shopping experience for your customers. 

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In New Zealand, EAN-13 barcodes are the standard format used for retail products, both in stores and online. An EAN-13 barcode comprises 13 digits and represents a globally unique number assigned to each retail product. These barcodes are recognised universally (in New Zealand and globally) and enable efficient scanning and inventory management across the retail supply chain. For New Zealand businesses, understanding how many EAN-13 barcodes are required is essential for effective product tracking and sales.

Assigning Barcodes to Different Products

The number of EAN-13 barcodes you need depends on the range of products you offer. Each unique product needs its own EAN-13 barcode to ensure accurate identification at the point of sale. For example, if you sell a T-shirt in various sizes and colours, each variation (size, colour) needs a separate barcode. This allows retailers to manage inventory effectively and provides valuable data on sales performance for each variant. Failing to assign individual barcodes to each product variation can lead to inventory inaccuracies and complicate the sales process.


Considering Packaging Variations

Beyond individual products, packaging variations also influence the number of EAN-13 barcodes you need. For instance, if your product is sold as a single item, in a multi-pack, and in a different configuration such as a promotional bundle, each packaging type needs its own barcode. This differentiation is crucial for retailers to manage stock correctly and for you to track the sales of different packaging options. In the competitive New Zealand retail market, ensuring that each packaging variation has a distinct EAN-13 barcode helps streamline logistics and enhances the consumer purchasing experience.

Planning for Future Growth

As your business grows, the need for additional EAN-13 barcodes will likely increase. It's important to plan ahead and consider how many barcodes you might need as you introduce new products, packaging variations, or even rebrand existing items. In New Zealand, EAN-13 barcodes are typically purchased in blocks, which can be more cost-effective if you anticipate needing a large number. By planning for future barcode needs, you can avoid delays in product launches and ensure that your inventory system remains organised and efficient. Proper barcode management is essential for scaling your business and maintaining smooth operations in the retail environment. 

For more information or to order EAN-13 barcodes, please visit Barcodes NZ. They specialise in providing barcode services and solutions to businesses in New Zealand.