Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about validity, where the codes work, GST and refunds. If yours isn't here, ask us — we reply in plain words.
What is PurchaseBarcode?
PurchaseBarcode is an online store for barcode numbers. We sell valid, scannable EAN-13, UPC-A and ISBN-13 codes, plus made-to-order QR codes, and every EAN-13 comes with free ITF-14 carton codes. Each code is issued to one customer only and is yours to keep, with no renewals.
Are these real, valid barcodes?
Yes. Every number is a correctly-formed GTIN with the right check digit, so any standard scanner or POS reads it cleanly. "Valid format" and "GS1-registered" are two different things: our codes are valid and scannable, and unique within our own system, but they are not registered to your company in the global GS1 database.
Where can I use these barcodes?
They work anywhere a standard scanner needs to read a unique number: retail and point-of-sale systems, inventory and billing software, warehouse scanners and product labels. Whether a marketplace or retailer accepts them is that channel's decision. Our numbers are not registered in the GS1 database, and channels that check the GS1 database may accept only GS1-issued codes. We never promise acceptance on any channel, so please check your channel's rules before you buy.
Which barcode type do I need?
EAN-13 is the 13-digit retail barcode used on products worldwide. UPC-A is the 12-digit version common in North America. ITF-14 goes on outer cartons and cases, and we make it free from your own EAN-13. ISBN-13 is for books and publications. QR codes encode a link, text, Wi-Fi login or UPI ID. Still unsure? Our "Which barcode do I need?" guide walks you through it.
What is a carton code (ITF-14), and what does it cost?
ITF-14 carton codes — free with every EAN-13 you buy from us, made from your own EAN-13 as GS1's rules require. Under My Barcodes, pick one of your EAN-13 numbers and a packaging indicator from 1 to 8 (a different digit for each pack size, such as a box of 6 or a case of 24). The carton code is that digit, the first 12 digits of your EAN-13 and a new check digit, following GS1's rule for a carton of a product. There is no order and no payment, and you can download it at once. Like your EAN-13, it is not registered with GS1.
Could the same number be sold to someone else?
No. We issue each number once and record it against your order permanently, so a code issued to you is never issued to another of our customers. That promise covers our own records only. Our numbers are not registered with GS1 (and ISBN-13 numbers are not assigned by an ISBN agency), so we cannot guarantee that the same number has not been assigned to another company or book elsewhere.
How fast is delivery, and what do I get?
When Razorpay confirms your payment, your numbers are issued to your order and appear under "My Barcodes" in your account, normally straight away; some orders need a manual check first. For each number you get an SVG and a PNG image of the bars, plus a list of your numbers, and you can download them again at any time. The images have no printed digits and no quiet zone, so add those when you prepare your label. QR codes cannot yet be delivered through your account, so please contact us before buying a QR pack.
Do the codes expire or need renewing?
No. It is a one-time purchase. The codes are yours to keep and reuse in your own systems, with no renewals, subscriptions, or annual GS1 fees.
Is GST included in the price?
Every price on the site is shown with 18% GST included, and the ex-GST figure and the GST are listed separately on the pack page and on your GST tax invoice. Add your GSTIN at checkout if you want it printed on your invoice. Buyers in Delhi are billed CGST + SGST, buyers elsewhere in India are billed IGST.
What payment methods do you accept, and can I get a refund?
You pay on Razorpay's checkout, using any payment method it offers you, and the GST invoice for a paid order can be downloaded from My Orders. Delivered codes are final, except in these cases: a faulty code (not a valid barcode of its stated type, or unreadable by a standard scanner because of a fault in our file) or a duplicate, reported within 30 days of delivery; codes not as described; codes not delivered within 3 business days of payment being confirmed; and failed, duplicate or excess payments. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy.