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What is it?
 The UPC bar code was developed by the Uniform Code Council in order to ease inventory control and sales tracking.
The UPC bar code consists of a 12 digit number and its equivalent in bars and spaces.
The first 6 digits represent the manufacturer's UCC Company prefix (in our case, it is 803597).
The next 5 digits indicate the individual product identifier. This identifier can be any combination the manufacturer chooses, but particular to what we are discussing here, all CD products must have a '2' as the fifth digit of this group, whereas with a cassette product the fifth digit must be a '4'.
The final digit in the UPC bar code is called a 'check digit', which is determined by a process of adding up the previous 11 digits.
Should I have one for my project?
If you want to place your project in retail stores, a bar code is a must. It also adds an air of professionalism to your product, showing that you care enough about the retailer's need to accurately track sales. |
How can I get one?
There are two ways - you can apply to the Uniform Code Council for membership, which will cost $750.00, or we can assign a UPC bar code to your project for a one-time fee of $50.00. A Raintree-assigned bar code belongs to your project exclusively in perpetuity.
Where does it go on my package?
Anywhere on the outside of the package is acceptable, but common practice is to place it somewhere on the back of the package. If you are designing your own packaging, simply leave a white box, 40 x 15 mm, where you'd like us to place the bar code.
For CD replication projects in jewelcases, we can also place the bar code, along wth artist, title and catalog information on our optional topspine labels for an even more retail-friendly package.
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