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Barcodes - How Do I Get One For My CD?

By Sue Moser

One of the most frequently asked questions about barcodes is “How do I get one for my product?”  If you need a barcode for a CD, book, or any type of product that you’ve made, you have some options.

The official way to obtain a barcode for your product is to register with GS1 (The Uniform Code Council).  To register, visit their website at http://www.gs1us.org/gs1us.html and fill out the online application.  They will supply you with a unique EAN.UCC, this is the company prefix that will be used to build your barcodes.  The entire process normally takes up to five business days and once you receive your unique prefix you can begin printing UPC labels for your products. However, this is typically used by large companies that will be using thousands of barcodes, and with a cost of $750, it’s unreasonable for independent artists.  

If you only need one or two barcodes, probably the best thing to do is work with a company that provides individual barcodes as a business service to the individual artists. If you google ‘CD barcodes’ you’ll come up with many companies that will cater to your need.  

CD Baby is one of those companies. They have paid the initial $750 and will sell you individual barcodes for $20 each, as long as you are a member of CD Baby. Basically, becoming a member is pretty simple. You submit your CDs to them to sell on their website, pay a $35 setup fee plus a $20 fee per barcode and you’re set.   It takes just a few hours for them to make your barcode, and then they will send you a BITMAP graphic file which you can either place into your album art or print onto stickers. They don’t do the printing, but will give you the unique UPC barcode graphic and digits. Then when your barcode on your CD is scanned by a retail store, it will show up on the register as YOUR album, YOUR band, YOUR record company. Not CD Baby. To find out more information, log on to: CD Baby

 Singers Club does not necessarily endorse CD Baby, but knows of many independent artists who use this service and are pleased with the product. 

 

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Psalm 40:1-6

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
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Many will see and fear
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4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
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6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
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