1. Choosing the Right Barcode Type: EAN-13 vs Code 128
Before printing labels or purchasing scanner guns, merchants must understand the two primary 1D barcode symbologies used across retail:
EAN-13 (International Article Number) is the standard 13-digit barcode found on commercial packaged goods like biscuits, soaps, and soft drinks. Code 128 is a high-density alphanumeric barcode capable of encoding letters, numbers, and SKU codes, making it the ideal choice for in-house products like loose pulses, garments, and custom hardware items.
2. Printing Barcode Stickers: A4 Sheets vs Dedicated Thermal Label Printers
Small shopkeepers do not need to invest ₹15,000 in industrial barcode label printers. You can generate and print professional adhesive barcode tags using equipment you already own:
- Method A (Zero Capex — A4 Sticker Sheets): Purchase standard A4 self-adhesive label sheets (e.g., 24 or 40 labels per A4 page, costing approx ₹3 to ₹5 per sheet). Use Karobari's free Bulk Barcode Generator tool to format your items into a printable PDF grid and print using any desktop inkjet or laser printer.
- Method B (Dedicated Thermal Label Printer): If your store relabels hundreds of items daily (such as a busy clothing boutique or pharmacy), invest in a 2-inch or 3-inch direct thermal label printer (e.g. TSC, Xprinter, or Zebra). Thermal labels require zero ink cartridges and peel off instantly for quick tagging.
3. Connecting USB and Wireless Scanner Guns to Phone & PC
Modern barcode scanner guns function via USB HID (Human Interface Device) keyboard emulation. When the trigger is squeezed, the scanner reads the barcode bars and types the numbers followed by an instant 'Enter' key keystroke in 0.05 seconds.
- Android Handset Setup: Plug the scanner's USB cable into a USB-OTG adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB) and connect it to your mobile phone. Toggle 'OTG Connection' ON in your phone settings. Open Karobari POS; aim the laser beam at any item barcode, and the product adds to the active bill immediately.
- PC Web Till Setup: Plug the USB scanner cable directly into your computer USB port. Open Karobari Web Till (app.karobariapp.in) in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. No drivers or dealer configuration utilities are ever required.
- Bluetooth / Wireless 2.4GHz Guns: For mobile stock taking across store aisles, pair a wireless Bluetooth scanner gun to your phone or insert the 2.4GHz USB dongle into your PC till.
4. The 120-Items-Per-Minute Counter Checkout Workflow
During rush hours, scanning barcodes eliminates cashier typing errors and prevents pricing disputes with customers.
With Karobari's local-first architecture, each barcode scan queries local phone or PC memory in sub-3 milliseconds. The cashier scans item after item in rapid succession without waiting for network spinners. When checkout is complete, tap cash or show the dynamic UPI QR code, print the thermal slip, and the counter is immediately ready for the next customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone camera instead of buying a barcode scanner gun?
Yes! Karobari includes a high-speed built-in camera barcode scanner that uses Google ML Kit on Android. It reads 1D barcodes and 2D QR codes in 0.5 seconds, even in low light with built-in flashlight toggle.
Do I need to purchase expensive GS1 official barcodes for my own shop?
No. GS1 barcodes are only required if you manufacture packaged products to sell through third-party retail chains. For your own shop, supermarket, or boutique, you can generate internal Code 128 barcodes using Karobari's free tool for zero cost.
How do I barcode loose items like rice, sugar, or vegetables?
Print shelf barcode tags (e.g. 'Sugar 1kg - ₹44', 'Basmati Rice 1kg - ₹120') using Karobari and paste them directly on the container bins. When a customer buys loose items, scan the bin tag at the counter in 1 second.
Start Barcode Billing at Your Shop Today
Karobari turns your phone camera or USB barcode gun into a blazing-fast retail cash register with zero capex and zero subscription paywalls.