Barcodes have been a staple of grocery stores, food suppliers, shippers, and retailers for decades. However, with barcodes so ubiquitous across different industries, picking the right scanner at the right price point can be tough.
If you’re looking for a grocery store barcode scanner, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What barcodes a grocery store typically uses
- The various types of barcode scanners on the market
- Ten expert recommendations for grocery store barcode scanners
Let’s jump in.
Barcodes Used in Grocery Stores
A barcode consists of a combination of rectangular bars and digits that, when scanned with a compatible reader, tell your point of sale (POS) system information about product brand, weight, and price.
Barcodes were invented by IBM and have been used in grocery stores since the mid-1970s, significantly improving checkout times by eliminating the need to manually key in products. Since then, they’ve become a staple in most retail stores in America and worldwide.
If you’re new to running a grocery store or haven’t upgraded your scanners in a while, here’s a quick rundown of the types of barcodes you’ll be dealing with:
- UPC-A: This barcode uses a 12-digit code to identify the product and its manufacturer. This is one of the most widely used barcodes in America.
- UPC-E: The UPC-E is a more condensed barcode, consisting of only six digits. It’s usually used on produce or other smaller items with a limited amount of space.
- EAN 13: EAN stands for “European Article Number” and is commonly used globally and in the US. The EAN uses 13 digits instead of 12.
- Quick Response (QR) code: A QR code is a square 2D barcode containing website URLs, contact details, and reference information.
There are more complicated codes (and scanners), but these are typically used more in warehouses and wholesale than retail. Generally speaking, you’ll only need to worry about these codes and other 1-dimensional (1D) barcodes.
In 2005, all retail scanners and POS systems were updated to accept UPC and EAN codes. Many times, systems will append an extra digit to the front UPCs to make them consistent with EAN codes.
Note: Since most retail barcode scanners are designed to read 1D barcodes, they cannot read QR codes, a type of 2D code.
This is why QR codes are best used for customer-facing signage to link them to things like signing up for your newsletter or blog, information about grocery store promotions, or recipes and cooking tips.
Types of Grocery Store Barcode Scanners
There are a few types of grocery store barcode scanners that differ in size, functionality, and purpose. Here’s a quick overview:
- Handheld scanners: Handheld 1D scanners, which can read UPC and EAN codes, are available in wired or wireless varieties.
- Mobile scanners: Mobile scanners are usually smartphones or tablets equipped with a scanning app. They can be invaluable for receiving inventory, performing inventory audits, and other tasks that take place away from the register.
- Counter-mounted scanners: A counter-mounted scanner allows cashiers to use both hands to speed up checkout by simply sliding codes under the scanner.
- Scanner scales: Commonly used in grocery stores, a scanner scale scans barcodes and weighs items at checkout. These are also typically used at self-checkout.
What scanners you use depends on your budget and the customer experience you want to create. Most grocery stores opt to have a mix of handheld scanners and scanner scales.
Related Read: How Much Do Electronic Shelf Labels Cost? (+4 Benefits of ESLs)
10 Top Grocery Store Barcode Scanners
The good news about barcode scanners is that most are compatible with various POS systems.
Scanner-Scales
If you sell produce and other variable-weight items, a scanner scale is the ideal solution to quickly and accurately price items.
- Datalogic Magellan 9800 Series: The Magellan 9800 counter scanners are reliable, quick, and integrate with many popular POS systems. Optional top-down scanners are great for top-marked items, and they can also handle digital coupons and loyalty cards.
- Zebra MP 7000: Zebra is a well-known and widely used scanner brand. Its MP7000 series can scan large volumes of items and includes a side scanner so customers can simultaneously scan coupons or loyalty cards.
- NCR RealScan 78: Available through hardware resellers, NCR makes compact scanner scales that are ideal for stores with smaller footprints.
Counter-Mounted Barcode Scanners
If you don’t have the budget or space for a scanner scale, a counter-mounted barcode scanner allows cashiers to quickly scan barcodes.
- Zebra MS954: Zebra’s counter-mounted scanners are compact and durable, allowing you to quickly scan UPC and EAN codes.
- Honeywell Fusion 3780: The Honeywell hands-free scanner is a presentation scanner that lets you quickly scan items from a number of orientations.
Handheld Barcode Scanners
It’s generally a good idea to also have a handheld barcode scanner handy, especially for bulkier items that are hard to scan on a scanner scale.
- Zebra LI2208 1D Scanner: This is a basic but reliable corded option for 1D scanning of electronic or paper barcodes, as well as barcodes displayed from a mobile phone.
- Honeywell Voyager XP: The voyager is a corded scanner that reads 1D and 2D barcodes.
- Zebra DS2278-SR: If you’re looking for something a little more versatile, Zebra also offers powerful cordless options that can scan 1D and 2D barcodes.
Mobile Barcode Scanners
Mobile inventory scanners are most useful for inventory receiving and audits. There are mobile apps that will work with a smartphone or tablet camera, and standalone devices.
- Eyoyo Bluetooth QR Code Scanner: This device can be mounted to the back of an iPhone, Android, or iPad to read 1D and 2D barcodes.
- Samsung SCANDIT: Samsung offers several mobile scanning solutions, including SCANDIT, which works with Samsung tablets and phones.
An Important Note: Know Your POS Compatibility
Arguably, the most critical technology in a grocery store will be its point of sale system. Beyond processing payments, a grocery store POS will determine how you:
- Manage inventory
- Track sales and inventory data
- Manage vendors, process reorders, and receive invoices
- Create customer loyalty programs
In other words, you can’t consider your barcode scanners and other grocery store hardware in a vacuum. You need to understand:
- If they’re compatible with your chosen POS system at all (some systems require you to use specific hardware)
- How your system uses barcode information
For example, many grocers use embedded barcodes to price out variable-weight items at a deli or pre-packaged items (e.g., a package of chicken thighs at $4.99/lb). While most POS systems can read this code, only a few systems (including IT Retail) can use the embedded weight and/or price information to update the weight in inventory after a sale is made.
Long story short: When evaluating different POS providers, make sure to understand what is and isn’t possible with the hardware you have (or would like to use).
Need Grocery Store Barcode Scanner Recommendations? Ask Our Experts
Navigating grocery store hardware can be intimidating, and many grocers end up underequipped in an attempt to save money or get advanced hardware they don’t need.
That’s why we recommend working with an experienced provider who will work with you to find the right combination of grocery store hardware for your needs.
At IT Retail, we have over 26 years of experience helping independent grocery stores, supermarkets, and food markets find the right software and hardware for their business. To learn more, schedule a demo with our knowledgeable grocery store experts today.
