Indie4Life

So, how does a UPC barcode work?

Barcode Q&A

So, how does a UPC barcode work? How does information get associated with my barcode graphic?

You purchase your UPC code(s). 

There is no information other than the UPC barcode number encrypted into your barcode symbol.

You print the UPC barcode image on your product or order or create labels with your barcode number and labels an affix them to your product.

You place your product with a retailer/distributor.

Every retailer and distributor asks you to provide information about your company and your product which includes the Official UPC Barcode Number

The retailer/distributor enters the information in their back-end sales and inventory management system which is tied into their point of sale system. This is how the number is associated with your your product's UPC number.

When your product is scanned at the Point of Sale System (register), the scanner reads the UPC barcode looks up your product's price and description in the retailer's database, and deducts the number sold from inventory.

If you need a Universal Product Code (UPC barcode), contact Nationwide Barcode. www.nationwidebarcode.com

New Video From Nationwide Barcode - UPC Barcodes made easy

Learn how to quickly and inexpensively  purchase your UPC barcode for any product, for Amazon or for your CD and DVD

Get an authentic UPC barcode from Nationwide Barcode

Barcode facts from Nationwide Barcode
www.nationwidebarcode.com

UPC BARCODE FACTS
Buying a barcode should not be complex or difficult.

The purpose of this page is to give you a rundown of how barcodes work, tell you a little about us and answer your questions.

Our goal is to demystify your purchase of a UPC barcode.
There are a lot of different barcode types, but  you need a UPC-A barcode.
This is what we selling on this site

The most important thing about a barcode is the uniqueness of the number.
The UPC-A barcode is a 12-digit number comprised of three different groups of numbers.

The first 6 digits were assigned to us by GS1.
We own this subscription for the barcode prefix.

The next 5 digits are generated by us
We maintain a database of every barcode that we have ever generated. We do this in order to make sure that we never, ever duplicate barcodes. This is very important and we GUARANTEE that your barcode is a unique one-a-kind number. This is serious business to us.

The Last Number...
the one at the far right, is a check digit. There is a fairly complex mathematical formula that weaves throughout the first 11 numbers to create a checksum, or check digit. This minimizes the risk of someone making up a barcode or, the barcode being printed incorrectly.

UPC Stands for UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODE. These numbers work throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
 
The UPC barcode was invented by Mr. George Laurer and now is managed by GS1.

The GS1 used to be called the Uniform Code Council (UCC) -- a couple of years ago, they changed their name. The GS1 is NOT a government agency and is a not-for-profit corporation. (This is different than a non-profit)

There are a few companies similar to ours doing what we do, which is to subdivide our barcode number and be an inexpensive alternative resource to the GS1. We received our subscription in the late 1990's prior to the GS1 (UCC) charging renewal fees. SInce we do not pay renewal fees, neither do you. We are one of the few companies selling barcodes that DO NOT charge set-up or registration fees.

UPC Barcodes as low as $1.20

Nationwide Barcode is an alternative resource to the GS1 (formerly the Uniform Code Council). 
 
Nationwide Barcode has just reduced their prices on UPC Barcodes. If you are a manufacturer, reseller or distributor and need a UPC barcode for your  products, you can save money by working with Nationwide Barcode. No set-up or renewal fees. Single Barcodes are $10.00 and go down to $1.20 for volume.

http://www.nationwidebarcode.com 

A smarter way to get CD and DVD production done

Phil Peretz (author of this blog) is the founder and former owner of CDDVD Now, a Silicon Valley CD and DVD production company. 

Over the 5 years that he owned CDDVD Now, he worked with thousands of clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local musicians and everything in between. (Check out Phil's recommendations on Linked In) http://www.linkedin.com/in/philperetz

Prior to this, Phil was VP of sales and marketing for another replicator in the S.F. Bay Area. Phil knows CD and DVD production. 

After selling off the CDDVD Now trade name, Phil and partner/wife, Catherine Young-Peretz opened Media Media Inc. in Northern Nevada.

Media Media Inc. is a customer centric business. This means that they look at your needs and figure out a solution that works for you. YOU are their client and based on your needs, they will point you to the correct place for your project. This may be a manufacturer, a print/dupe house or a value added reseller.

There are 2 types of  CD and DVD production work, Replication (injection molded presses discs with glass master and stamper) and Duplication (printed and duplicated on recordable media). 

Within these two categories, there are two sub categories,  bulk or basic packaging (single disc, bulk or standard standard packaging like jewelcases or dvd cases) and boutique style projects (multi disc sets or things that require custom printing. 

They work with vendors who can do and and all of these. To get a quote, go to www.mediamediainc.com

1000 Retail Ready DVDs - $999

I am working with Saicomm in Fremont as a consultant and to help publicize their suite of products and services. These guys are great, they are manufacturers, they are a medium size shop and they deliver on quality, price and customer service. They are also very aggressive. Tell them that Phil from Indie4Life sent you.

Saicomm is your source for professional DVD duplication and replication services. They will work with you every step of the way to provide you a quality DVD product.

Whether you need a simple disc is a paper sleeve or a Hollywood-style full-length feature DVD in Amaray Case with Insert, barcode and shrinkwrap, they can work with you every step of the way.

Producer's Special 

1000 DVDs in retail-ready case

Ready-to-go on the shelves. This DVD package includes replicated DVD-5, up to 3-color print on the face of the disc, full color wrapper with barcode, assembly and shrinkwrap 

$999

 

Saicomm Inc 
1340 Fulton Place,
Fremont, CA 94539
sales @saicomm.com
http://www.saicomm.com
 Toll Free: 1-866-438-4550 

1000 retail ready CDs - $888.00

Many of you who know me, know that I used to own CDDVD Now. I sold off the trade name and the website some time earlier this year and have been passively working with them as a broker. The company that I sold to is a good company, however they are not nearly as aggressive as I used to be, especialy for Independent Musicians. 

I have a friend who owns Saicomm, a replication company in Fremont California. On my last trip to the Bay Area, we got together and talked about the needs of the Independent Musician. These needs are simplicity, great price, quality and fast turn around.

 After putting pencil to paper, we determined that he would do what I used to do...1000 retail ready CDs, either 2 panel or 4 panel - full color throughout, with trayliner, barcode, assembly and polywrap all for $888.00 (plus shipping and tax, of course).  

The inserts are printed on 100 lb. glass text and  the CD is replicated (pressed from glass master).

My friend owns Saicomm in Fremont and unlike what I used to do (I was a broker), they are manufacturers, They make these CDs in their plant. This means that the turn times are shorter, they have more control on the process and can afford to lower margins to offer this price.

I really like these guys, plus I am working with them as a consultant. I like their customer service and their quality. We are in the process of developing a complete price list, so, check out their website and contact them if there is anythig you need. Let them know that Phil sent you.

Their website is under construction, so, bookmark it and visit it often. If you have any questions, either e-mail me (phil@philperetz.com) or contact Rahul directly

Rahul Khanna
Saicomm Inc 
1340 Fulton Place,
Fremont, CA 94539
sales @saicomm.com
Toll Free: 1-866-438-4550 

A Place Where Artists & Consumers Come Together.

 Raven House Publishing, LLC pushes publishing's boundaries. Come visit their nest where you can learn how to publish your book or art-work. Create unique promotional items and become part of their web site. Or browse their line of gifts: T-shirts, books, art,puppets, mugs... the list is growing. Using the Raven theme throughout, they ask artists and publishers to "Come soar with us!"

They are growing quickly as artist, authors and seekers of unique gifts become part of their flock.

Books from $13.99, CAW-mendous T-shirts from $22, Art from $85, and even CAW-rific 100% corn mugs: in case your tired of sipping from a petroleum based product! FREE shipping and handling to all 50 states 

http://www.ravenhousepublishing.com/

NEW INDEPENDENT RECORD LABEL, NORTH STAR RECORDS, REACHES FOR STELLAR SUCCESS

Los Angeles  --  Setting out to prove that Independent artists can be as successful as majors, music industry professionals Randolph Michaud and Luanne Hunt launched their new record label this week, North Star Records.  The company, which has offices in Maine and California, will provide radio promotion, publicity, artist development, distribution and booking.  

The genres they service include: Contemporary Christian and Gospel, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Folk, Country, Americana, Reggae and Adult Contemporary.

 "What sets North Star Records apart from the rest is that we truly care about our artists and want them to make a worldwide impact with their talents," said Michaud, President and CEO.  "We believe extraordinary music should attract an excellent response and are highly committed to getting our artists heard in a big way."

Michaud says the label hopes to sign at least five more artists in addition to the three that have already come on board. Their current lineup includes: David Nall (Country/Gospel), Michael Stosic (Contemporary Christian) and Allen Karl (Gospel).

Every act on North Star Records will receive special attention, according to Michaud.  His combined efforts with Hunt (Director of Publicity) will help artists to build a larger fan base, attract significant media coverage and get their songs placed in regular rotation on radio stations around the world.

 "These artists need someone to fight for them and that’s what we plan to do," Michaud said.

Michaud, who also is a classic country recording artist, has achieved unparalleled success as a radio promoter.  He has helped countless Independent artists get their songs on the charts and on FM, Internet and satellite radio stations.  His Airplay Direct digital monthly compilations are in high demand and receive hundreds of downloads per month from DJs around the world.

Hunt brings a wealth of journalism and public relations experience to North Star Records. As an entertainment journalist , she has written feature articles and cover stories for California-based newspapers, including the L.A. Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram and Pasadena Star-News, to name a few. 

 Over her 11-year career, Hunt has interviewed music, television and sports personalities, such as Ray Charles, Jon Bon Jovi, Loretta Lynn, Toby Keith, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Randy Travis, Jewel, Scott Hamilton, Robert Wagner, Bob Newhart and countless others.

Additionally, she has provided publicity services and written bios and press releases for dozens of Independent artists.  She also is the executive editor of the online country and gospel magazine Digital Refrain.  And she is an award-winning recording artist, who has produced six CDs.

"Randolph and I have a very unique perspective in running the label because we are artists, too," said Hunt.  "We know what it takes to make it happen because we’ve been there and have learned how it works from the inside out.  It’s not rocket science.  It just takes dedication, focus, industry knowledge, common sense and a strong drive to succeed."

In the coming weeks, North Star Records will be accepting artist submissions. Details on how to submit, as well as the specifications of their contract can be found at: www.northstarrecords.net .

1086 Mapleton Rd., Mapleton, ME 04757 (East Coast Headquarters) rmichaud42@roadrunner.com
 P.O. Box 401252, Hesperia, CA (West Coast Office) luannehunt@yahoo.com

Indie Venue Guide

The Indie ible Publishers have just finished a major update to our live venue directory, The Indie Venue Bible. It now features over 32,000 Venues and 3,500 Booking Agents in the United States and Canada.
 
The Indie Venue Bible is the perfect resource any artist that plays live  - from those performing the occasional local gig, to bands and artists planning an extensive cross-country tour.

You'll find venues of all sizes including clubs, restaurants, lounges, coffee shops, theaters, halls, churches, book stores, community centers, house concerts, jams and open mics.

There are thousands of festivals listed as well, and there are over 1,200 colleges listed for any artist that wants to plan a college tour.

If you purchase two or more regional directories we will include a collection of 115 articles on Touring and Playing Live. The articles are written by industry experts such as Jeri Goldstein, author of "How to be Your Own Booking Agent", Jay Flanzbaum, creator of Online Gigs, Derek Sivers, creator of CD Baby and Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of "The Real Deal".

The articles cover all the key areas of touring and playing live. They'll help ensure that your live performances are successful, and profitable.

https://nt4.magma.ca/bigmeteor/ivbcddvd_order.cfm