UPC Coupon Bar Code Information

Understanding the barcodes can help when using coupons. I don’t reference them very often, but do occasionally. Either way, a little extra knowledge never hurts.
-Note: cheating using barcodes is completely unethical, and I do not advise doing it. In fact, I’m not even sure how to do it…I’ve just heard that people do it.

UPC/Coupon Barcode Information

1st number on the UPC (in this case, the 9 above)-

• If it is a 5 or a 9, it is a manufacturer coupon. Other digits likely indicate a store coupon.
• A 5 means it will automatically double if the store does double-coupons. If it starts with a 9, it will not double.

2nd-6th numbers on UPC- manufacturer’s code. For example, Post brand is 43000. The one above is for some brand called “Inner Armour.” Most likely, you’ll never reference this.

7th-9th numbers on UPC- family code. For example, all flavors and sizes of Yoplait yogurt will be grouped under the same family code.  Most likely, you’ll never reference this.

10th & 11th number on the UPC is the value code (in this case, the 09 above)-

• There is an entire standardized chart by the barcode/coding industry that explains what each 2-number combination means. (See below). For our coupon above, the 09 means that if we buy 3 or more, we get $2.00 off.
• For BOGO- if the code is 01, it means the coupon attaches to only one item. If the code is 14, it attaches to both items. For example: you have a Buy 1 yogurt, get 1 free coupon. You also have a .50 off one yogurt coupon. If the code is 01, the BOGO coupon attaches to one of the yogurts, so you can also use your .50 off one for the other item. If the code is 14, the BOGO coupon attaches to both yogurts, so no other manufacturer’s coupons can be used.

Chart provided by Barcode Graphics