While barcode printing supplies may seem like a simple part of your business, using the wrong ones can have far-reaching implications. What starts as a relatively small issue can quickly escalate into larger issues. Here are a few barcode issues that can result from using the wrong equipment:
- Unscannable labels
- Chargebacks
- Costly fines
- Increased expenses
- Label damage
- Labels that are removed or no longer visible
In addition to chargebacks, using the wrong barcode supplies can lead to hefty fines.
Using the right barcode labels and materials, along with regular label quality control can go a long way toward ensuring high print quality, preventing shipment disruptions, and avoiding unnecessary costs.
Let’s take a look at how using the wrong barcode printing supplies can hurt your business.
Unscannable Barcode Labels
If your printer supplies start to degrade without notice, your barcode labels can suddenly become unscannable. When this happens, the data that would normally be captured by the barcode scanner must be entered manually into your systems. This increases the risk of errors and time to ship, which can result in inaccurate data, late shipments, and unhappy customers.
Effective quality control processes, including regular test scans or using a barcode verifier can minimize the risk of unscannable barcodes before they impact your business, your customers, or your bottom line.
Chargebacks
Unscannable labels are more than just an inconvenience – poor-quality barcodes are also one of the leading causes of chargebacks. While some level of chargebacks is expected in a growing supply chain operation, excessive numbers of chargebacks can be devastating, particularly for small businesses with tight cash flow. Inaccurate or unscannable UCC-128 labels or defective item ticketing can result in penalties per shipment, which can add up quickly. And delays caused by manual data entry of unscannable barcodes can lead to chargebacks for late shipments.
When retailers apply a chargeback for an unscannable barcode, they typically send you a report that explains why the barcode did not meet industry standards. If you’re using a barcode verifier, you can compare the barcode grade given by the retailer with the grade from your verifier. If there’s a discrepancy, you can choose to dispute the chargeback using this information instead of simply taking the retailer’s word for it.
Costly fines
Label Damage Outside of Your Warehouse
Most distributors and suppliers focus on getting product out the door, but chargebacks and unplanned expenses can also result from damage to your labels after they leave your facility.
Here at Peak Technologies, we recently spoke with a customer that was experiencing an increase in chargebacks due to unscannable labels. The company was using direct thermal labels, which are designed with a special coating that marks more easily than thermal transfer labels. During the shipping process, as the packages got scraped and scratched, so did the labels. This created lines and markings across some of the barcodes, making them unreadable and resulting in chargebacks.
During the shipping process, as the packages got scraped and scratched, so did the labels. This created lines and markings across some of the barcodes, making them unreadable and resulting in chargebacks.
Labels Not Staying Adhered
Cost-efficient Barcode Supplies
Bad Labels are Bad for Business
Mistakes with barcode implementation in a business may seem small, but they can lead to big costs. Using high-quality barcode supplies can make your business more dependable and save money in the long run. For small and midsize businesses in particular, delivering reliable service to customers is mission-critical. The right supplies can make sure you’re prepared to meet fluctuating customer demands and stay competitive in the marketplace.
So why take a risk with poor-quality supplies? Keep costs under control and reduce the risk of chargebacks and fines by using the right supplies at all times.
