Barcode billing makes your counter faster and stops wrong prices and wrong items on the bill. It is easier and cheaper to start than most shop owners think.
What you need
- Billing software with barcode support – like Namma Billing
- A barcode scanner – a USB or Bluetooth scanner that works like a keyboard; no special driver needed
- A receipt printer – a 58 mm or 80 mm thermal printer, or your normal A4 printer
- Barcode labels (optional) – for items that come without a barcode, printed on label sheets or a label printer
Step by step
- Add your products with their barcode in the SKU / barcode field – or import them from Excel
- For loose or unbranded items, let the software create a code and print labels
- Open the POS screen, click in the product box and scan – the item is added
- Scan the same item again to add quantity, take payment and print
58 mm or 80 mm printer?
58 mm printers are small and cheap and fine for short bills. 80 mm printers print more per line and look more professional for bills with many items or GST details. Both work with Namma Billing's Pro Thermal and Slim receipt designs.
Tips
- Keep the scanner on a stand for hands-free scanning of small items
- Use the same barcode type the manufacturer uses (usually EAN-13) where possible
- Print labels with price and MRP so customers see the price on the shelf too
Barcodes for loose and weighed items
Items sold by weight – vegetables, sweets, provisions – can still be billed quickly. Give each item a short code or a barcode label on the bin, scan it and type the weight. Decimal quantities (for example 0.75 kg) are supported.
What you gain
- Faster queues at busy times and festival seasons
- No wrong prices typed by hand – the price comes from the product
- Correct stock, because every scanned item reduces stock exactly
- Easy training for new cashiers
Need help choosing hardware? See our printer and barcode setup service.
Try it in your shop
Namma Billing does all of this for you. Start a free trial or call / WhatsApp +91 9019912392 for a demo.