Why You Should Avoid Cheap Random Number Sellers
Barcodes play a crucial role in global product identification, and it is essential for businesses to understand the risks of using barcodes from unverified sources. While some companies claim to simplify barcoding, they may not adhere to GS1/UCC standards, which are globally recognized as the benchmark for barcode authenticity and uniqueness.
Concerns About Randomly Generated Barcodes
Certain providers openly state that their barcodes are “private numbers” not sourced from GS1UCC numbering system. These numbers may serve limited internal purposes but often fall short for businesses aiming to expand into major retail markets.
Risks for Businesses
- Uniqueness Is Not Guaranteed:
Without adherence to GS1 standards, there is no assurance that the barcodes generated are unique. This creates a risk of product conflicts, particularly if another company decides to use the same approach of generating random numbers. - Retailer Rejection:
Large retailers often reject products with barcodes that cannot be traced back to GS1, making such numbers unsuitable for businesses targeting these markets. - Historical Issues with GS1 Prefixes:
Some providers have previously issued numbers with prefixes such as 890—associated with GS1 India (which has since been ruled illegal by an Indian court). While this practice may no longer occur, businesses should remain cautious, as barcodes from unofficial sources can lead to complications with retailers and supply chain partners.
Examples of Barcodes From Unverified Sources
Publicly available information on quickbarcode.com‘s Clients page highlights numbers they have sold with prefixes like 893, which closely resemble the 890 prefix associated with GS1 India. However, 893 is actually the GS1 country code for Vietnam. Examples include:
- 8939997693372
- 8939997699176
- 8939997732354
Additionally, there is also an example of an overlap with a JAN (Japanese Article Number):
- 4950666647162
These examples underscore the potential for conflicts and highlight the importance of sourcing barcodes from reputable providers.
Conclusion
Barcodes are a critical component of product identification and retail distribution. Businesses should prioritise barcodes that adhere to global standards to avoid long-term risks, including retailer rejection and duplication. While some providers may offer cheaper alternatives, these can result in complications that outweigh the initial savings.
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