# A barcode guide for shops and warehouses: types, printing and common mistakes

> Use manufacturer barcodes where items carry them, create internal barcodes for items without one or for variants like sizes, and use scale barcodes for weighed goods. Give every selling unit its own barcode (piece and carton), and don’t allow selling items without a barcode except with permission.

Source: https://www.al-arjan.com/en/blog/barcode-guide · العربية: https://www.al-arjan.com/ar/blog/barcode-guide.md

Author: [AUTHOR_NAME] — 2026-09-26

## The barcode types you need

- Manufacturer codes on packaged goods
- Internal codes you print for unlabelled items
- A code per variant (size/colour)
- Scale barcodes for produce and meat carrying weight or price
- A code per selling unit: piece, pack, carton

## Common mistakes

Each of these turns straight into a stock-count gap.

- One barcode for both carton and piece
- Scanning a similar item because a label fell off
- Low-quality labels that won’t scan
- Typing codes instead of scanning

## Frequently asked questions

### Which scanner should I buy?

A 2D scanner usually reads screens and damaged labels better; confirm compatibility with your system.

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