For several years now I've been talking about the new barcodes on coupons. We've been able to see them and know that they are coming for several years now, but we've finally crossed the point where they're being used. I thought I'd stop and explain the barcodes, both old and new, and how this will affect you.  In the past a traditional UPC code was used on coupons and worked well for a long time. However about eight years ago discussion began as retailers and coupon professionals alike realized that there just wasn't enough data in a traditional barcode. As stores grew and their stock variety widened, they needed a more detailed barcode to accommodate the widely varying products in their stores, plus hold more specific details for the coupon offer itself. Enter the GS1 barcode.  Commonly known as the DataBar, the new barcode is much longer and more detailed than the current UPC barcode. The old UPC codes couldn't handle more than the simplest details: no expiration dates, not much detail on the product offer, and a lot of room for fraud because of the vague coding. The DataBar doesn't have any of those issues. In fact, it has a very large capacity for coding, meaning it can be both very product specific and offer specific.  What does this mean for you? Lots of things: 

• It means less beeps and less hassles. Because the coupons are more specific, the coupons won't need to "beep" at the cashier anymore to verify that you actually bought the correct product. 
• Because it can be more product specific, it likely means a drop in "any product" coupons. For example, instead of seeing .50/1 any Johnson and Johnson product, we likely will see very product specific coupons from now on.  
• It means that you will have to pay close attention to the wording, sizing and other details to make sure you have the correct product. 
• Coupons can now be coded to expire, so expired coupons will no longer be accepted. They weren't anyway in our region, but many people passed them off to stores anyway, assuming it was allowed because it didn't "beep". 
• You will need to be informed on how coupons scan now, because these barcodes will be unfamiliar to many cashiers. You may need to show the cashiers that reject a coupon that won't scan how to scan it properly. 

 While we're referring to coupons, it is important to note that the transition to the GS1 DataBar is not limited to coupons. You will begin seeing the DataBar on products as well. The scope of the DataBar makes it perfect for identifying many more individual products within a manufacturer's family line.