Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Should case barcodes be the same as bottle barcodes, or should they be unique?
Case barcodes should be **completely different from bottle barcodes**. Members consistently recommend using unique codes because cases and bottles are different stock-keeping units (SKUs). This becomes critical if you move into wholesale accounts like Booker or Costco that sell full cases alongside individual bottles—using the same barcode could result in customers being charged a bottle price for a full case, creating serious errors in point-of-sale systems. For any barcode queries or registration, members recommend **contacting GS1 directly** for guidance on proper barcode assignment.
How should I acquire and implement barcodes for new product lines?
Barcodes should be obtained through official channels to ensure uniqueness and avoid conflicts with other products globally. Members recommend the following approach: - **GS1 UK** — The official recommended route. GS1 membership ensures your barcodes are registered globally and prevents accidental duplication of codes by other companies anywhere in the world. Their site also provides guidance on barcode implementation. - **Barcoding.co.uk** — Members have used this supplier for barcode labels and stickers that can be incorporated directly into your label design. The key principle is straightforward: ensure each product line has a different barcode, and integrate the barcode into your label design during production. GS1 registration adds a layer of protection and professional legitimacy, particularly if you plan to scale or export.
What's the correct way to generate barcodes for drinks products?
Members strongly recommend using **GS1** for barcode generation, particularly if you plan to sell through major retail channels like Amazon. **Why GS1 matters:** - GS1 barcodes are internationally recognised and provide a dedicated company prefix for all your products - This is essential for Amazon Brand Registry and prevents rejection issues - Non-GS1 barcodes (including reconditioned/resold codes from other sources) have been rejected by Amazon and other retailers **Alternative option:** - **buybarcodes.co.uk** was mentioned as another source, though members noted problems with non-GS1 codes from similar sites leading to retailer rejections **Key warning:** Several members reported that buying cheaper barcodes from non-GS1 sources resulted in Amazon rejections. Investing in a proper GS1 account upfront prevents costly listing issues later.