How to Read a Barcode
Why is it that sometimes a coupon goes through the scanner and sometimes it beeps? The scanner machines read the barcode and not the printed version of a coupon. Here is a re-print of an article from About.com (with an addition '*' to the 9 code) which shows you what the barcode means on products and on coupons. This is the first post in a series that I will be posting as to the question that has come up time and time again for the past seven years....what is a barcode and what does it mean?
1) All coupons should begin with the number 5, which is called the NSC or Number System Character. *(Code 5 means the coupon can be doubled by the store, code 9 means that it can't.)
2) Next comes a five digit (12345 above) manufacturer number. This number should match the manufacturer number on the product.
3) The next set of three numbers (678) is called the family code. This code is used to verify that the shopper has purchased the product which applies to the coupon.
4) The two numbers which follow the family code is called the value code. This determines the value of the coupon.
5) The final number is called a check digit. All UPC numbers contain a check digit which is automatically calculated based on the previous numbers on the UPC symbol.
Most all manufacturer grocery coupons use the coding shown above.
There are times when you may receive a grocery coupon which does not have any coupon code. Grocery store coupon game pieces, coupons found inside products, such as dog food, and coupons on packaging like bottle caps and can lids are the most common coupons found without the UPC codes.
Most all UPC Coupon Codes are made up of five sections and a total of 12 numbers. Each section is used to help match coupons to products and determine the value of the coupon.
1) All coupons should begin with the number 5, which is called the NSC or Number System Character. *(Code 5 means the coupon can be doubled by the store, code 9 means that it can't.)
2) Next comes a five digit (12345 above) manufacturer number. This number should match the manufacturer number on the product.
3) The next set of three numbers (678) is called the family code. This code is used to verify that the shopper has purchased the product which applies to the coupon.
4) The two numbers which follow the family code is called the value code. This determines the value of the coupon.
5) The final number is called a check digit. All UPC numbers contain a check digit which is automatically calculated based on the previous numbers on the UPC symbol.
Most all manufacturer grocery coupons use the coding shown above.
There are times when you may receive a grocery coupon which does not have any coupon code. Grocery store coupon game pieces, coupons found inside products, such as dog food, and coupons on packaging like bottle caps and can lids are the most common coupons found without the UPC codes.
Many times companies will distribute a coupon which is good for more products than just those pictured on the coupon. But how can shoppers know what other products are included if there is not a picture or the product name is not listed on the coupon?
Almost all coupons will contain a code of numbers called a UPC. Products also contain UPC codes. Generally if the first five numbers of the UPC coupon code match with the first five numbers of the UPC product code, than the coupon can be redeemed for those products.
Unfortunately many times the cashiers will go only by the pictures on the coupons, but it is worth a try. If you have the correct sizes and amounts required to use the coupon and it scans, generally the store will accept the coupon.
Almost all coupons will contain a code of numbers called a UPC. Products also contain UPC codes. Generally if the first five numbers of the UPC coupon code match with the first five numbers of the UPC product code, than the coupon can be redeemed for those products.
Unfortunately many times the cashiers will go only by the pictures on the coupons, but it is worth a try. If you have the correct sizes and amounts required to use the coupon and it scans, generally the store will accept the coupon.
Cheating the system is cheating the system. No barcode is meant for products other than those listed. Teaching others how to read barcodes for the purpose of "trying" to use a coupon on a product not listed, shown or intended hurts all couponers and manufacturers. Just because a coupon scans at checkout doesn't mean it's legit! In fact IMO it's theft.
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Thanks for your opinion! I'm afraid that I'm not sure what part of the re-printed article is showing someone how to cheat the system though.
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