Does anybody tape over their barcodes to avoid bar code smudging when packaging? Click and Ship

[bryo_3145]

I know the rules state do not tape over the bar code on printable label. "Click and Ship" But, to protect the bar code from smudging due to weather or handling wouldn't you want to protect the bar code in transit by taping over it.  It's still readable and even more legible. 

[lacemaker3]

@bryo_3145,

That's an old rule. 15 or 20 years ago, bar code scanners were not as reliable as they are now, and the scanner might have trouble reading the bar code if there were reflections off the shiny tape.

Fast forward 20 years, and bar code scanners are far more versatile and reliable. Many sellers tape over the bar codes, and I haven't heard of any issues recently with this interfering with the scanner being able to read the bar code.

If it's a 1-D bar code, like the tracking number on a USPS shipping label, you could try leaving the upper half of the bar code untaped, if you want to be careful about it. But unless someone posts recent issues related to this,  I would say it's probably not necessary.

[simba6]

I have received packages taped over and it does not to cause a problem.  However, if you use a laser printer, it's waterproof and you don't have to worry.  I'm just waiting for the postal service to charge an extra fee for taped over labels and the "extra" work they cause.

[varebelrose]

I have always done half-and-half. The tape used on the bottom part of the label covered the bottom half of the bar code. Even a laser printer label will smear if they get wet, this helps avoid that.

[b86fiero]

I use an inkjet printer and have taped over the entire shipping label for years.  I have not experienced any issues with USPS delivery. Just be careful not to wrinkle the tape  🙂 

[yuzuha]

I always tape over the barcodes. Zero problems here.

[oldskoolmadskilz]

I've been in the barcode industry for over 25 years.  It's been a long time since readers couldn't handle reflection or smudges.  Save the tape.  You're fine without it.

[pickermall]

I have been taping over the entire label for as long as I have been doing shipping on Ebay... how long has Ebay offered shipping? 15 years? ZERO issues.

I had one post office employee tell me to tape over them so the bar codes don't get damaged.

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@oldskoolmadskilz wrote:

I've been in the barcode industry for over 25 years.  It's been a long time since readers couldn't handle reflection or smudges.  Save the tape.  You're fine without it.

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Unless you have an inkjet printer. A couple of drops of water and you're left with an indecipherable mess.

[varebelrose]

"Unless you have an inkjet printer. A couple of drops of water and you're left with an indecipherable mess."

Same with a laser printer; toner does not do well when it gets wet, so I always figured 1/10 of a penny's worth of tape was a good investment.

[fm2000]

Clear tape won't impede the scanning of the barcodes. I have been doing it for over 10 years without a problem.

Of course, at least as of right now the USPS scanning system is broken and unreliable, but it is not due to tape over barcodes.

[calntom]

Always tape over the complete shipping label.

[calntom]

Always tape over the complete shipping label

[vintagecraze50]

No problems and alway tape over shipping label to prevent it from getting damaged in shipping. 

[tools*]

Thermal labels don't smudge, cost a lot less, and require less labor.