Can I scan ISBN's from books to build my inventory?

[OnceUponAgain]

Hello, 

I am trying to find the best POS solution for a childrens second hand bookshop and Cafe. I am struggling to understand if it is possible to scan ISBN's and have the information populate. Can anyone offer advice? I am happy to use an add on if there is one that is available. Any help would be gratefully received 

[Candlestore]

@OnceUponAgain 

Do you have a sample barcode?

Square is mostly seup for standard barcodes.  The sample ISBN codes I am finding have a Price extension on the end of 5 digits.

Whathappens when you scan a ISBN barcode in a Spreedsheet or use the ISBN as a SKU?

I remember doing this before to help someone in this forum.... but I cannot remember the work around we used.  

I believe you would need to Create the Item Book with the main Barcode and could have the Variation typed in of the last 5 digits of the barcode as the variation Name.   So when Scanning you would get the book then tap the correct variation.  

The last 5 for an ISBN can been Price or Issue or Print Version.  

With a sample I can test here and it my refresh my memory on the work around since Square does not natively scan the two different sized barcodes at once, or at least didn't.  Now this could also be a setting for the scanner which you may have to Google the PDF programming codes for your model to read ISBN barcodes.

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi @OnceUponAgain ! Welcome to the Square Community! 

I have provided some options and workarounds below. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Square's ISBN Scanning Options:

1. Built-in Scanner Function:

   • Square POS can read barcodes/ISBN numbers using your device's camera or an external scanner
   • However, it won't automatically populate book information from ISBN databases by default
     • Available Solutions:

       Option 1: Manual Setup with Square

       • Create items in advance with ISBNs as SKUs
       • Use a compatible barcode scanner to scan and retrieve these pre-loaded items
       • Best for shops with consistent inventory

       Option 2: Third-Party Integration

       • Use Square's integration with Bookflow
       • Bookflow is specifically designed for bookshops and:
         • Automatically populates book information from ISBN scans
         • Manages new and used book inventory
         • Integrates directly with Square POS
         • Includes features for buying used books

       Option 3: Combined Approach

     • Use Square for your café operations
     • Use Bookflow or similar for book inventory
     • Both systems will work together through Square's integration

Hardware Recommendations:

• 2D barcode scanner (ensures compatibility with both older and newer ISBN formats)
• Popular options include:
  • Socket Mobile scanner
  • Zebra DS9308
  • These are all compatible with Square POS

Additional Tips:

1. For second-hand books:

   • Consider setting up item categories for condition grades
   • Use item variations for different conditions
   • Add custom fields for book condition notes

2. For the café side:

   • Square's standard POS features work great for food/beverage service
   • You can easily switch between book sales and café operations

3. Reporting:

   • Keep books and café items in separate categories
   • This helps track performance of each part of your business
   • Use Square's reporting tools to monitor bestsellers and slow-moving stock

I hope this helps! Thanks @Candlestore for providing your insight as well!

[Candlestore]

@Summer2024 ;

Glad to help and I did not even know about Squares integration with Bookflow.  I remember helping out before with ISBNs and the 5 digit code was not a Price but an edition or Print version of a book.  I did try yesterday scanning an ISBN here with my 2D scanner but was only getting the main Barcode.  Which is why we used the last 5 as the Variation if i remember correctly.  Helps as a work around when people are not using a compatible 2D scanner or adding the Bookflow integration.

[vjthomas007]

Good afternoon,

What is the procedure for integrating Bookflow into Square's software system with the goal to use a bar code scanner to generate an brand new book inventory? I'm not seeing any guidance on either the Square or Bookflow website.

Thanks so much!

Vic Thomas