Barcodes:

If you're planning to sell your CD or DVD in a retail setting you should really have a barcode - even with on-line services like CDbaby or Amazon. If you are ordering packaged CDs or DVDs of 500 units or greater from CDman, we will be happy to generate a unique barcode number for your use only.

Here is how it works: You must first place your order and request a barcode on your Order Forms (item #16 located on Page 4). We will then process your order and send you your barcode number or graphic.

• Option 1: CDman provides you with the barcode number - Total Cost: $0.00
  We can provide you with a unique "UPC A" barcode number for you to generate your own graphic and place in your design yourself.

• Option 2: CDman provides you with the barcode graphic - Total Cost: $0.00
  We can provide you with the barcode graphic image for you to place into your own layout. This is quite simply done via e-mail. 

• Option 3: CDman places the barcode on your design - Total Cost: $0.00 
  The barcode needs to be placed into an area roughly 1.0" by .75" on the outside of your packaging. The most common place for CD Jewel Cases and DVD Library Cases is on the back of the case, tucked into one of the lower corners. If you want us to place the barcode for you, you need to show us exactly where you would like it positioned. Draw an outlined rectangle and add the words "barcode goes here"... and we'll take it from there.

If you wish to see what a barcode will look like in your layout, download our sample barcode graphic [post script file]. Place this graphic in your layout and request a barcode on your Order Forms (item #16 located on Page 4). We will then replace the sample barcode with the real one. When you get your proofs, make sure that the sample barcode has actually been replaced.

IMPORTANT: When you get your proofs, make sure your barcode is showing and that all the numbers/lines are visible. DO NOT approve your proofs if your barcode is missing... it will NOT be added later.  Additionally, DO NOT approve your proofs if CDman's 'sample' barcode is visible. 

Want To Know More?

"UPC" stands for Universal Product Code. UPC barcodes were originally created to help grocery stores speed up the checkout process and keep better track of inventory, but the system quickly spread to all other retail products because it was so successful.

Everything is retail uses a barcode so if your planning on retailing your product get a barcode, it's just that simple.

UPC Barcodes do not contain the price or description of the product; instead the barcode has a "product number" (12 digits) in it. When read by a barcode reader and transmitted to the computer, the computer finds the disk file item record associated with that item number. In the disk file is the price, artist name, quantity on-hand, description, etc. The computer does a "price lookup" by reading the barcode, and then it creates a register of the item and adds the price. Barcodes are unique to the product by way of a manufacturer ID code which is contained in the first 6 digits.

Design Guidelines

A typical CD package will use "UPC A / UPC 12" style. The width and height of the bars are optional but please consider that barcode scanners need sufficient size to properly read the bars. Look to other CDs in your collection for typical placement and sizing.

There must also be sufficient contrast between the lines and the background for the barcode scanner to be able to read your number. If you attempt to design a barcode in color or change the contrast, the barcode may fail. This is why there are the digits included with the lines. Please be conscious of the retail clerk who has to type in 12 numbers because you wanted to mess around with the graphic. Better to do what we do - keep the barcode Black and White.

What about tracking a barcode sale?

A company that does track barcode sales for a fee is www.soundscan.com

Top Spine labels communicate a product's name, title, catalogue number and barcode of the product. It's a long/thin white sticker with black print that is placed on top of the overwrap along the case's top/leading edge. While the use of the Top Spine label is not a mandatory requirement of most retailers, it does make identification, inventory and indexing of products much easier for the retailer. 

We can all relate to endlessly flipping through retail racks and peering at the front covers of Jewel Cases in an effort to find a specific CD title. With a Top Spine label sitting on the top/leading edge of your Jewel Case, a shopper can quickly identify your CD in a crowded retail rack without even having to pick it up. Additionally, there's a certain 'major artist' feel to a product with a Top Spine label... and that's never a bad thing for an independent artist. 

Want to add a top spine? Just fill out the section on your Order Forms (item #17 on Page 4).

Security Labels are most commonly used on DVD Library Cases being offered for retail sale. Much like CDman's Top Spine Labels, our Security Labels are placed along the case's top/leading edge and can be printed with the product's name, title, catalogue number and barcode for ease of visual reference. The difference is that the Security Label is typically applied directly to the case (underneath the overwrap) and it is wider, which allows it to fold over onto the front and back covers to provide extra security in keeping the case closed as an anti-theft device.