November 23, 2004

Bar Code Quest I'm looking for a cost effective Bar Code solution for the self produced CDs I've put out.

I have one of my CDs listed on Amazon and I'd like to list the other three that I've done there too. Problem is, Amazon requires a bar code/UPC or ISBN number and I don't have one.I looked into the UPC/ISBN thing and it looked expensive to register as your own company, Does anyone know of a cheaper solution- perhaps someone who buys codes in bulk and resells to the GP. Or if you know another way to get listed on Amazon, that avoids this painful step. A pint of Chunky Monkey to you all in advance I promise not to mention anal massage in the fenlands damn!-couldn't help myself

posted by kamus 20 years ago
  • There seems to be some relatively information about this here.
  • (relatively new information)
  • Monkeyfilter: Relatively information.
  • Why not do an ask.me, kamus? What with you being a member and all.
  • You can buy individual bar codes through SoundScan. It's actually pretty easy; they sell 'em in lots of 100...
  • I do a pretty large volume of self-publishing, so I do know this area. I've had very good luck with Barcode Magic (free trial) -- I generate them at a very large resolution (like 1000 x 600 px) and then insert them in my layout. I personally think the "barcode industry" is a bit of a ripoff for low-end publishers. Amazon and others have never had any trouble scanning my self-made barcodes. I wouldn't trust it to a giant run of books, but for print-on-demand I think spending $100+ for a barcode is ridiculous.
  • I re-read your question and I'm confused now -- are you looking for barcodes or a ISBN/SAN registrar? I was assuming the former. I've never heard of anyone who resells barcodes; not to say they don't exist. Bowker used to sell them in very small lots; now you have to get them 10 at a time at ~$250. Sucks.
  • Thanks for all your comments and suggestions! I knew you were the smart bunch to ask. Rolypoly- I guess I'm not sure. I want to tie some barcodes to some CDs in order to help sell them. I was confused by my "research" that's when I paicked and posted here. Wolof, do I detect a tone?
  • panicked (sigh)
  • Wolof, do I detect a tone? Knowing Wolof, it's more of a ton. /tease
  • No tone here.