Should I include the price in the barcode on my book?

When you walk into a physical bookstore, you may notice that most books have two barcodes. One barcode is the unique identifier tied to the product, while the other barcode typically contains the price of the book. This system is known as the Bookland barcode system.

The Bookland barcode system allows retailers to easily scan and track inventory, as well as provide pricing information to customers. This dual barcode system has become a standard practice in traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores.

The Downside of Including the Price

While it may seem like a good idea to include the price in the barcode on your book, there is a significant downside to consider.

In today's digital age, the majority of book purchases are made online. As an author, you have more control over the pricing of your book when selling online. With the advent of self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, it is easier than ever to adjust the price of your book based on market demands and sales strategies.

However, if the price is already printed on the book's barcode, it creates a conflict when an online customer receives the physical copy of the book. Imagine purchasing a book online for $15 and then receiving the physical copy with a barcode displaying a price of $10. This mismatch can lead to customer dissatisfaction and may increase the likelihood of returns.

Our Recommendation

Based on the potential negative impact on customer experience, we recommend against including the price in the barcode on your book. While Bookland barcode systems are commonly used in physical bookstores, it is better to avoid this practice when it comes to online sales.