Labeling Requirements

Overview

Every product stored at eFulfillment Service must have a scannable barcode label. This guide explains the barcode requirements, supported formats, and how to create your own SKU labels if needed.

Barcode Requirements

What You Need

All merchandise coming into the EFS facility requires:

• A scannable, visible barcode on the outside of each unit
• The barcode must be scannable without opening or unwrapping packaged items
• Barcodes must match the SKU numbers entered in your Fulfillment Control Panel

If You Don’t Have Barcodes

If your products arrive without scannable barcodes, EFS will apply barcode labels at the following rates:

• Setup fee: Ask your Client Care Specialist about up to date pricing.
• Per label: Ask your Client Care Specialist about up to date pricing.

Supported Barcode Formats

EFS scanners can read the following barcode types:

Linear (1D) Barcodes

• Code 128
• Code 11
• Code 39
• Code 39 Full ASCII
• Code 93
• ITF (2 of 5 Interleaved)
• UPC-A
• UPC-E
• UPC-A Composite
• UPC-E Composite
• EAN-8
• EAN-13
• EAN-8 Composite
• EAN-13 Composite
• EAN-14
• GS1-128 (UCC-EAN128)
• GTIN

2D Barcodes

• PDF 417
• QR Code
• QR Code Mobile
• Micro QR Code
• Data Matrix

Types of Barcodes You Can Use

1. UPC/EAN/GTIN Codes

If you have registered your products with:

• UPC (Universal Product Code)
• EAN (European Article Number)
• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

These are typically already printed on your product by the manufacturer.

2. Custom SKU Barcodes

You can create barcodes that scan to your own internal SKU numbers. This is ideal for products without manufacturer barcodes.

Creating Your Own Barcode Labels

Step 1: Choose Your Label Stock

Purchase barcode label sheets from office supply stores like:

• Avery labels
• Similar adhesive label sheets in various sizes

Tip: Choose a label size appropriate for your product. Smaller items need smaller labels.

Step 2: Generate Your Barcodes

We recommend using this free online tool: https://barcode.tec-it.com/en/

How to use it:

1. Select your barcode format (Code 128 is recommended for most uses)
2. Enter your SKU number in the “Data” field
3. Click “Refresh” to generate the preview
4. Download the barcode image (default is .gif format)
5. Convert to .png or .jpeg if needed

Step 3: Create Your Label Layout

1. Open a Word document or spreadsheet
2. Insert the downloaded barcode images
3. Arrange them to match your label sheet template
4. Add human-readable text below each barcode (your SKU number)

Example Layout:

[BARCODE IMAGE]

SKU: ABC-123

Step 4: Print Your Labels

Important: Print quality matters for scannability

• Use a quality printer with fresh ink/toner
• Print at the highest quality setting
• Avoid smudging or fading

Verifying Your Barcodes Work

Before sending labeled products to EFS, test your barcodes:

Method 1: Smartphone Scanner App

1. Download a free barcode scanner app on your smartphone
2. Scan each barcode you’ve printed
3. Verify the app can read the barcode and displays the correct SKU

Method 2: Send a Sample

If you’re unsure, you can:

• Send a sample label to your Client Care Account Specialist
• They can test it with our warehouse scanners
• This prevents receiving delays

Common Issues & Solutions

Best Practices

Label Placement

✅ DO:

• Place labels on flat surfaces
• Ensure labels are fully visible
• Put labels on the outside of packaging
• Keep labels clean and unobstructed

❌ DON’T:

• Place labels on curved or irregular surfaces
• Cover labels with tape or shrink wrap
• Put labels where they’ll get damaged
• Use labels that are too small to scan

Label Design

• Include the SKU number in human-readable text below the barcode
• Use high contrast (black barcode on white label)
• Leave white space around the barcode
• Make sure the barcode is large enough (minimum 0.5″ height recommended)

Special Cases

Products with Expiration Dates

If your products have lot numbers or expiration dates that need tracking:

• The expiration date must be printed on the master carton (large font, 36pt or larger)
• EFS can provide lot/expiration barcode labels for a fee.
• Ask your Client Care Specialist about up to date pricing.

Case Pack vs. Individual Units

If you sell products both as:

• Individual units (singles)
• Case packs (multiple units)

Each needs a unique SKU and barcode:

• Example: WIDGET-SINGLE for individual units
• Example: WIDGET-CASE for case packs

Do not indicate on your packing list how many cases should be broken into singles. List only the quantity for each SKU.

Need Help?

Before Sending Inventory

If you have questions about barcode requirements:

1. Contact your Client Care Account Specialist via Zendesk
2. Include photos of your proposed labels if possible
3. They can verify your labels will work with our scanners

For Label Creation Assistance

• Review the EFS Onboarding Video Tutorial
• Contact your Client Care Account Specialist
• Submit a ticket through the Zendesk system

Checklist Before Shipping

Before sending inventory to EFS, confirm:

• Every product has a visible, scannable barcode
• Barcodes use a supported format from our list
• You’ve tested barcodes with a scanner app
• SKU numbers on barcodes match your FCP entries exactly
• Labels are securely attached and won’t fall off
• Labels are placed on the outside of packaging
• You’ve included a packing list with your shipment

Related Resources:

• Receiving Guide
• How to Add Products to Your FCP
• Preparing Your Inventory for Shipment