If you plan to sell your music in Retail Stores or work with a Distribution Company, having a Bar Code is an Absolute Essential. In fact, most Record Stores will not carry your product unless you have a Bar Code. Having a bar code is also necessary if you want to register sales on SoundScan.
Four Part Music Bar Codes:
(1) The first six digits of the Code represent the Vendor. The Vendor Code number is assigned by the Uniform Code Council. In this example, you are the Vendor. All of your products will have the same Vendor Code Number.
(2) The next four digits represent your product. You will assign a Code to each product. It's normally the catalog number.
(3) The next to the last number represents Product Type. This is always a 2 for CDs, 4 for cassettes, 1 for vinyl LPs, or 7 for vinyl 7-inches.
(4) The very last number at the end of the code is called the check digit. This number is generated by a complex mathematical algorithm based on the first 11 digits.
Some CD Manufacturers will tell you that they can provide you with a bar code. When someone tells you they can provide you with a bar code, that means they have purchased their own vendor code and will assign you a product code with their vendor code attached. THIS IS A VIOLATION OF THE UNIFORM CODE COUNCIL AGREEMENT. It is not a legitimate practice to use someone else's vendor code, whether or not you have their permission. In addition, it's not legitimate for anyone to sell, rent, loan, or transfer a vendor code to someone else. There's only one legal way to own your very own bar code: contact the Uniform Code Council at the number or address below.
