Bar Codes

[gholder]

Hi, I'm brand new to Square and I'm a bit confused about bar codes.

If I order an item from a vendor and it has a barcode already generate how exactly do I add this bar code to the specific item in my inventory so that when I check out a customer I can just scan the bar code?

[homeprogreen]

If it already has a barcode then it’s a very simple process. Open the item from your item list, click the spot labeled SKU or GTIN, then you simply scan the barcode and it will automatically fill in the spot, hit save 

[gholder]

Thank you! I was very confused on the process.

one more question:

if I generate my own bar codes how do I link the bar code to an item in my inventory?

[homeprogreen]

That’s a little bit more complicated but still fairly easy to do. Square will automatically generate the SKU for you when you create the item, then you have to have a barcode generator app to generate the actual barcode. You simply have to input the SKU that Square generated into the barcode app and then print your own barcode label. Most barcode label printers have the barcode generator built into their app

[gholder]

Can I do this via square? They have a barcode printer, no?

[homeprogreen]

Square does have a built in label printer function but I’ve never tried it to see if it would generate the barcode. I have a small Brother label printer so I have always just used its app to generate the barcode labels 

[gholder]

Would this mean the sku and barcode would be the same?

[homeprogreen]

Correct. Except it’s not quite so straightforward. The barcode is a graphical format for the SKU numbers. The numbers are stored in the Square Database and the scanner needs the barcode in order to read it. 

[gholder]

Thanks! This is all very new to me so I was getting super confused. Thank you for your help!

[homeprogreen]

You’re welcome. I understand that it’s confusing at first. I built houses for 35 years before opening my store. It took me a lot of trial and error to really start getting the hang of this retail stuff 

[ehflower]

Yes, you can print via square your own barcodes, ones that are generated by square or ones provided by that came with the item.  I love the the little dymo label printer (i am not sure if it is still offered) that square sent me for my desktop/dashboard operation, for doing small batches or single barcode labels.  I can also pick a different format to generate high volume barcodes labels off of our laser printer using Uline/avery labels 8x11" sheets. @gholder 

[Getonthebus]

Yes, you can create barcodes! I have a little Dymo printer that is my private workhorse. When I need to tag an item for the shop, I let Square create a custom barcode and print it out. Plug in all of the necessary information on your item. You can have a different barcode for each size/color/style to correctly manage inventory. This makes it easy for anyone to run your register with zero confusion. Managing inventory is a huge pet peeve of mine and can help make your life easier especially when you know exactly what you have on hand and what you don't. Shout if yu need any additional help. Great people here to help.

[gholder]

So when you scan a bar code how does square know what item is it?

is it linked to a sku or is a separate field created for items for bar codes?

[Getonthebus]

The exact patterns on the barcode work to identify the item just as if they were an assortment of letters and numbers. If you carry a product that already has a barcode on it, you can plug those exact numbers (tiny ones on the bottom of the barcode) in the sku box when you are creating your item. Then when you use your barcode scanner during a sale and scan that barcode, your POS knows exactly what you are selling. 

[gholder]

What about generating my own bar codes? How does the sku and barcode numbers line up?

[Getonthebus]

Go to your item library and create your new item. You can have all of the style/size/color option you want under this item as well as manage your inventory, cost of product, retail price, etc... You can manually plug in a SKU number or let Square create one for you. I have a sample shown below on some water shoes that we carry in the shop. You can see the SKU is different for each size. Then, when I am ready to print the labels, (on my dashboard) I go to Items & services > Items > Item library. Then look for the actions button in the top right and click print labels. Your screen should look like the second attached image. Choose your specific style of label and the catagory/item you want to print labels for and let Square do the rest. YOU CAN DO THIS!

[gholder]

Thank you. That’s incredibly helpful 

[gholder]

If you ever want to do some consulting I would definitely utilize your advice.