The current system for coupon barcodes is very flawed and, because of this, coupons are going through a big change right now. The bar codes and identifiers within those codes can no longer uniquely identify the products you are purchasing (type, size, flavor, etc.). As a result, and what most of us have come to expect, cashiers will often pick apart the coupons we put with products.
GS1 is the company in charge of barcodes on coupons and has taken action to prevent an impending crisis that will occur when manufacturer codes start to conflict. They have created a new sort of barcode system and are phasing out UPC’s. The new barcode is called a GS1 DataBar RSS (Reduced Space Symbology). Most will refer to this as just a “DataBar“. Here is what the phase out looks like:
The new “DataBar” is by far more efficient, faster, and specific that it’s even been endorsed by the FDA to reduce medication errors. What does that mean for you? For the most part, no more coupon scrutinizing from your cashier and getting through check-out faster because coupons will contain the exact data they need to know whether your product is a match.
What may be a thorn in your side is that some coupons are moving forward in phasing out the current UPC system and being entirely replaced by DataBars, but not all retailers will have the technology to process these DataBars. That means they’ll have to enter coupons manually instead of scanning them. All retailers who want to accept coupons will have to eventually upgrade because the DataBar is replacing the UPC – it’s not optional.
I noticed that just the DataBar, with no UPC, is on those $0.75/1 Dulce de Leche Cheerios & $0.75/1 Multi-Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios. I tried them out at Safeway for the Multi-Grain Cheerios coupon deal and they scanned great with no UPC!
For more in-depth information visit the GS1 DataBar (RSS) – Overview.
(Thanks, Coupon Sense!)
Josh says
Walmart wont take mine either I called 1-800-Walmart, then I contacted coupons.com. Walmart told me they have been getting lots of counterfeit coupons. this must be the reason I hope they fix this asap! but I haven heard anything from coupons.com yet
Ardelle says
I have been having problems with these new barcodes not scanning at Rite Aid and Kmart. And some of them won’t take the printed coupons that don’t scan. so far this is not making my life easier. I hope they work better soon!
Maegen says
I Really hope they upgrade quickly, because I shop at several stores (like Top), where they won’t take printed coupons that don’t scan.
Thanks for the scoop!
Kathy says
I used the $0.75/1 Multi-Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios coupon at Walmart the other day–it wouldn’t scan and the cashier just put it in manually.
Kalli says
Wal-mart will not take my coupons without a UPC code, so I hope that they upgrade quickly.
Danielle says
That’s interesting! When I printed my Kashi coupons to use at QFC they didn’t print with UPC and I thought that my printer was malfunctioning!
karen says
me too!