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I have my ISBN, how do I get an EAN?
ISBNs need to be converted into Bookland EAN barcodes (See Ex.2 below) for proper scanning in retail stores. The first three digits of the Bookland EAN, 978, are given to every ISBN to uniquely identify the barcode as a book or book related product. The next nine digits of the EAN consist of the ISBN (minus the check digit). Finally, a new check digit will be calculated for your EAN, which is based on the first 12 digits of the EAN number. The ISBN is printed above the barcode so that it can be manually entered, if needed.
Example 2 : EAN
Do I need a price add on?
Yes, price codes are mandatory for most retailers in the United States. The five digit add-on encodes the suggested retail price of your book into the barcode. In the United States, the first digit of the add-on is the number 5, which indicates U.S. dollars. The remaining 4 digits encode the price without decimals (Ex.3). If the price is greater than $99.99, the add-on should remain as 59999. If there is not a set price, a code of 90000 tells the computer that there is no suggested retail price associated with the EAN code (Ex.4).
Example 3: Price add on with price of $10.95
Your book's ISBN is 0-123456-47-9 and retails for $10.95
Your EAN will be 9780123456472 with a price add on code of 51095
Example 4: Price add on with no set price
Your books ISBN is 0-123456-47-9 and does not have a set price
Your EAN will be 9780123456472 with a price add on code of 90000
Do I need an EAN and a UPC?
Depending on where you are selling your product you may need an EAN and/or a Universal Product Code(UPC). A UPC bar code symbol is similar to an EAN barcode, but encodes 12 digits instead of 13 (Ex.5). The 12 encoded digits consist of a manufacturer's number, a product number and a check digit. To sell your book through traditional bookstores an EAN code is most likely all you will need. Specialty retail outlets, drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants may require a UPC code. Contact the retailer(s) where your item will be sold to find out what format you need.
Example 5: UPC
UPC numbers are assigned by the Universal Code Council (UCC). You must first apply online to become a member of the UCC and your company will be assigned a manufacturer's number licensed for your company's use. You will use this number to create barcodes. Generally it will take 3-5 days to process an application once the UCC receives your information.
To apply for a UPC please click here
Already have your UPC number?
Click here for a list of barcode suppliers.
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