Best Practices for Creating Prom & Bridal Labels for Barcode Scanning

Barcode Scanning 101

We’ve all been there, you’re standing in line at the checkout, anticipating that habitual swipe of your credit card, it’s finally your turn, and low and behold, your item isn’t scanning. The cashier attempts to smooth out the barcode sticker and scan it again, but without any luck, it’s not registering. One of two things happen next: the cashier types in a code to search for the item manually, or you, out of human nature, run to grab another of the same item in hopes of grabbing one with a perfect read. Either way, the purpose and convenience of barcode scanning has been deemed inefficient, and you’re out the door later than anticipated.

Don’t get me wrong, an ineffective barcode isn’t the end of the world, nor does it always leave a bad taste about the business in the consumer’s mouth, but it’s a quick and easy tool that registers inventory effectively and accurately so why have it if it isn’t being used properly?

Well-designed labels help to streamline your inventory management, enhance your checkout process, and improve your customer experience. As a business owner, it’s not only essential that you utilize barcode scanning to maintain an organized bridal store, but that you use barcode scanning well. It’s time to tap into the full potential of barcode scanning, friends! 

Here are some of our best practices for creating bridal dress labels that work seamlessly with barcode scanning systems:

1. Choose Durable, High-Quality Labels

Bridal dresses are frequently handled, so it’s important to use labels that can withstand constant movement without fading or peeling. Opt for high-quality, adhesive or tag-based labels that remain intact throughout the dress’s time in your store.

2. Ensure Clear and Readable Barcodes

A barcode is only effective if it can be scanned quickly and accurately. Use a high-resolution printer to generate crisp black barcodes on a white surface, and avoid placing labels on textured or curved surfaces that could distort the code.

3. Use a Quiet Zone

The so-called “quiet zone” around a barcode is the immediate area surrounding the barcode. Make sure this area exists and is clear so that the beginning and end of your barcode can be easily detected. 

4. Adjust Label Size Based on Product

Remember that you still need to sell the product itself—don’t visually take away from a dainty accessory with an oversized label. Choose a label size that is proportionate with that specific product.

5. Include Key Information

In addition to the barcode, dress labels should include essential details such as style number, size, color, and price. This helps staff easily identify dresses and speeds up the checkout process.

6. Consistent Placement on Dresses

For maximum efficiency, attach labels in a uniform location on every dress—typically on the garment tag or an easy-to-access area. This consistency ensures that scanning is quick and hassle-free.

How Poppy Does Labels and Barcode Scanning

In Poppy, you can generate and print item labels with integrated barcodes and SKU functionality for effortless inventory management. We have a user-friendly, built-in templates that give you autonomy in selecting which department an item falls into, your preferred label size for this item, and what you would like shown on your label. Some options include: barcode, item name, vendor name, item price (including discounted price if applicable), item color, and item size. As you’re selecting and designing your label, you can view your adjustments live in the label preview frame, no surprises!  From generation to printing, everything is done directly from our system—we’re all about labeling made easy!

View our Training Library to see how easy it is in Poppy!

• HOW TO: Set up Label Design Layout
• HOW TO: Print an Inventory Item Label
• HOW TO: Bulk Print Labels from Item Setup (Non-Inventory Items)
• HOW TO: Bulk Print Labels from In Stock Inventory
  

Not sure which printers are best to use with Poppy?

Congratulations on Creation, Let’s Talk Implementation!

Now that you’re well on your way to making your barcodes the best that they can be, let’s go a step further. This may seem like common sense, but it’s a step that often gets skipped over. You need to test your barcodes before use, and yes, we’re referring to all of them. 

To do this in Poppy, navigate the Point-of-Sale feature and create a new sale. Once you’re at the ‘Add Item, Stock or Service‘ pop up, scan your barcode. You will then see the item you are scanning appear in the SKU/item field.

Test them in different lighting conditions, with different scanners, at different distances, and in your bridal software system—you’ll thank us later! Oh, and don’t forget to clean your scanners every so often! 

By following these best practices, you can optimize your bridal store’s operations and ensure a seamless barcode scanning experience. Remember, barcode scanning is something you want to do and do well—it benefits you, your staff, and your customers.

Want to learn more about Poppy? Book a demo or fill out our Get Started form.