Databar Coupon Format
The new DataBar Coupon format will provide manufacturers more options for purchase requirements and values and make it possible to code more complex offers. It will enable the coupon to be validated at checkout to ensure the manufacturer intended the purchase that was made. Ideally, it may reduce mis-redemption.
In addition, retailers would get better scanning accuracy at the POS. More specific coding and fewer human readable elements should reduce mis-redemption, while minimizing the amount of “hard-to-handle” coupons. With the new bar code, retailers will be able to code chain-specific promotions, which now is almost impossible to do. They will also be able to leverage offer tracking and provide improved purchase auditing back to the manufacturers.
Key Points
- GS1 Company Prefixes. The existing structure only allows companies with a 6-digit prefix the ability to coupon. The new format can accommodate variable length prefixes.
- Coupon value codes can now be in any amount up to $999.99, and the are not limited to a table of only 100 possibilities.
- Precise offer descriptions and validation of offers involving specified quantity purchases can now be expressed.
- Fraud reduction due to complexity of description and save values. Also, the entire bar code encoded data is not presented in human readable format.
- Automatic expiration date checking for retailers.
The greater dimensional efficiency combined with the ability to encode additional data opens the doors for creating trade solutions that greater support product identification, traceability, quality control, and more flexible coding for coupon applications.
A comprehensive explanation of the existing coupon format is available at http://www.barcode-us.com/support_desk/coupon.html
We have created two complimentary utilities to both Decode & Encode the new Databar Coupon information:
GS1 Databar Coupon - Data Encoder
GS1 Databar Coupon - Data Decoder
Order form for GS1 Databar Digital files
The Databar Coupon is capable of encoding an extremely large amount of information. Consequently, it is impossible to specify exact spacing requirements due to numerous possibilities of data encodation. The chart below provides the ranges for both the interim and final Databar Coupon formats.
If you require digital barcode artwork (eps) for any format, please contact us directly at 800-662-0701. You may also, click on the following Order Form if you need digital barcode files immediately. Our in-house service bureau can create/send these files out within minutes. Databar coupon symbols are available from www.createbarcodes.com 24/7 with immediate delivery. The cost for Databar digital files is $23 each from our service bureau and will be $10 from www.createbarcodes.com.
Note: The interim coupon format is provide as a single file which includes the UPC/EAN and GS1 Databar symbols.
Our application was certified by GS1 US in 2005 and is the only solution to receive such certification to provide digital barcode artwork.


