Tape over the bar code or not?

[rosscd57]

This is a spin off question from a lost package thread.

I do not tape over the tracking bar code. I have often wondered if they can be damaged and thus not work. Further it would only take one drop of water or a few snow flakes to smuge the printer ink on a printed bar code and render it useless.

The Canada Post site suggests that we do not tape over the bar code. My local Post office tells me that about 1/3 of packages that come in have the bar code taped over - but they do not know if it creates problems or not.

So here is the question - do you tape over the bar code or do you not not tape over it?

[007steveb16]

I always tape over-top of the entire label.

[cbsalesnb]

I use labelopes. Convenient and never had an issue with bar codes. Adds a little to your costs though.

[mmarway]

I always tape over, but try not to have any ripples in the tape. Never had a problem with scanning or tracking it.

[recped]

I've never had the volume to justify a thermal label printer so I have always used laser printed labels fully taped. That would be about 30,000 packages and I've never had an issue. My labels with bar codes are getting scanned at least 99% of the time.

My feeling on the subject.......

1 - It's a holdover from the early days of bar codes and bar code readers when even a slightly blurry code or a lack of contrast with the background caused problems. The "early days" were in the late 70's and early 80's

2 - DO NOT TAPE actually means do not tape over with COLOURED tape, yeah that does seem obvious but not every joe blow sending a birthday gift to little johnny has a ready supply of clear packing tape, can't read a bar code through tuck tape!

3 - Poly envelopes such as Canada Post labelopes or UPS/FedEX document pouches don't have the clarity of reasonable quality packing tape, if they are not an issue why would tape be an issue?

4 - One caveat, some poor quality tape does not mix well with thermal labels, the adhesive can interact with the label (it's rare but happens). Of course if you are using sticky thermal labels why would you need to tape?

[melissasminis]

Hello, You can get free labelopes along with other things at canadapost.ca. I think you need a Ventureone card though, not sure, but getting one is also free. You will need to register with canadapost.ca first. Go to the business section and search the labels section. You will need to add your credit card info, but the balance is $0.00 so you do not get charged.

[melissasminis]

I taped over my labels/barcodes when I didn't have the labelopes, and never had a problem. I didn't want the labels to get wet and unreadable, but always wondered if they would return it to me for that reason, as they say not to tape the barcode, thankfully nothing was returned to me.

[godboma]

I always use labelopes and there is no cost when ordered with Canada Post as melissas said.

Also, I always tape the label if I send something by letter post. Snow, rain or anything wet could smudge the ink to a non readable state.

[theafkgamer]

I've had a customer come in one day (I work at a Postal Outlet) to do a test about this.

The dollar store quality tape that has visible residue can SOMETIMES affect the barcode being scanned. But any high quality tape, such as the tape you can buy at a Postal Outlet, that does not leave residue is 99.9% okay.

According to what CP tells us, Postal Outlet employees, is that tape will usually affect barcode scanning. And they recommend that we tell people not to do it.

tl;dr if you're going to tape over it, make sure you use good tape.

[pjcdn2005]

According to what CP tells us, Postal Outlet employees, is that tape will usually affect barcode scanning. And they recommend that we tell people not to do it.

That's odd as the outlet I go to suggested that I tape over it. Those were the days before I used labelopes.

[mr.elmwood]

Clear or opaque tape?

[ggsale27]

The clear tape from CP works very well. We always tape over the whole label in order to protect it. In over 4 years we have never had a package come back or not scan.

[brandeentertainment]

I switched to labelopes after 2 years of taping and I LOVE LABELOPES.. They are free and fast compared to taping...

[nan*55]

I also use labelopes:) For many things 😉 

[cbsalesnb]

So I have a ventureone card, how do you get free labelopes, just walk in and ask?

[pjcdn2005]

You can do that but I've found that the outlet I use doesn't carry many of them and the clerks doesn't always know what they are or that they are free. It's best to order them from the CP website under venture one supplies. Here is the link:

http://www.canadapost.ca/shop/mailing-shipping-supplies/ventureone-supplies.jsf?execution=e1s1

[theafkgamer]

@pjcdn2005

It is common sense to tape over it, Mother Nature tends to ruin print. I spoke with my manager about the topic, and she told me she went to a city wide conference with other retail outlet managers and the CP reps. One of the topics covered was barcodes. They explained that the barcodes are not to be covered, bent, highlighted, or taped over.

You do have to remember, 99% of the Postal Outlet clerks are part time staff and do not go into the depths of the rules and regulations of CP. Only reason I do is because this whole ebay thing kind of makes me! Haha

@cbsalesnb

Most Postal Outlets don't like giving out the labelopes. We're not allowed to order too many to start off with, so we like to preserve what we have.

You can order on the website, or by calling CP customer service.

1-800-287-1177

[theafkgamer]

Quick edit on the phone number:

It actually is 1-800-267-1177

[cumos55]

The tracking code should be printed with water insoluble ink... Laserjet.

Inkjet is water soluble.  with the integrity of  print lost of the print is in contact with water....  even a small amount of rain....  Take a page from your print... add water and see what happens

One reason that a seller may chose to over tape the tracking code.... is that they use an inkjet, watersoluble printing process.

One can buy a laserjet  that prints black-only.... cost has been greatly reduced  from years ago...

If one tapes over the tracking code....  the end result may be an error in tracking.... 

There is no guarantee that the tracking will be read properly if tape has been placed over the code....

All one needs is one high priced insurance claim....  and the tracking code shows it was not delivered to the right city....

[tobyshitzu]

I don't believe there will ever be a problem taping it,  and have done that when Ive found myself out of labelopes

On the other hand I get tons and tons of stuff delivered by mail from major retailers, all of whom print directly on some sort of label to stick on with no covering.   And Ive never received anything damaged from getting wet or seen any evidence it got wet.  So I don't get the paranoia over that happening

Im pretty certain it will be fine, taped or not