A coupon barcode is an EAN/UCC-13 and is constructed as follows :

The first 6 digits will be your 6 digit coupon issuer number (which always begins with 99).

The 7th to 9th digits will be your campaign number - from one issuer number you can allocate up to 999 campaigns, your first campaign will therefore start 001 then 002 and so on.

The 10th to 12th digits will be the value of the coupon (without the decimal point), for example £1 will be shown as 100.

Digit 13 will be your check digit. To calculate this you can log on to the gs1uk web site www.gs1uk.org and click on the Quick Link to the check digit calculator. You can now type your 12 digits in the allocate space beside GTIN-13 and it will automatically create your check digit for your EAN13 barcode. (GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number and refers to the 13 digit number, whereas EAN refers to the image).

Example

A sterling coupon for the coupon issuer number 991234, from campaign 001, worth £1, where the check digit provided is 8.

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3. What if I want to produce a free coupon but the RRP varies by retailer?

When producing a free coupon (if the price is not fixed/the same for all retailers) you should place ‘000’ in the face value area of the barcode and then inform NCH of the minimum and maximum to be paid. Most manufacturers pay the minimum amount to the major retailers and a maximum amount to all small/independent retailers (this is because smaller independents may have a higher rrp than the major multiples). The other alternative is to advise of a maximum amount and allow the retailers to write the amount on the coupon, you may decide to choose this option as the rrp has a larger variance between each retailer. For either of the above we will charge a small additional fee for processing/administration.

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4. The barcode only allows for maximum money off value of £9.99 – what do I do if the coupon is over £10.00?

You should then note ‘999’ in the face value area of the barcode and advise NCH of the face value to be paid to the retailer.

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5. Is there a recommended size for my sterling coupon and barcode?

Recommended dimensions of a coupon:

Length: Maximum 130mm, Height: Maximum 70mm

Length: Minimum 90mm, Height :Minimum 40mm

This applies to portrait and landscape rectangular formatted coupons. Sizes outside of these guidelines may increase handling time and costs and should be discussed with your Account Manager at NCH before launching a campaign. Issuers should also bear in mind that the coupon should easily fit in the till drawer (Retailers).

Recommended dimensions of a barcode:

Allow at least 10mm from the barcode to the edges of the coupon. Ensure there is at least 5mm ‘quiet area’ or ‘clear zone’ from adjacent working or illustration.

Width: Maximum 49.75mm, Height: Maximum 31.51mm

Width: Minimum 29.83mm, Height: Minimum 21.00mm

Please note that poor print quality can reduce the accuracy of the scanner.

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6. How do I produce a Euro barcode for the Republic of Ireland?

In order to produce a Euro barcode you will need to purchase a separate issuer number from GS1/UK. The Euro coupon issuer number works slightly different to the UK but with the same principles.

The euro barcode still consists of 13 digits (EAN13) – as with the UK, but starts with 981 and 982 rather than ‘99’ and also rather than 999 campaigns the euro allows 99.

Please see examples below (a unique barcode must be placed on each campaign).

981 = Value in multiples of 10 Cents (if the barcode face value noted ‘010’ this would be 1 Euro)

982 = Value in multiples of 1 Cent (if the barcode face value noted ‘010’ this would be 10 Cents)

To calculate your Check Digit please log on to www.gs1uk.org and click through to membership services, check digit calculator.

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7. What is an ‘NCH Code’ and where do I get them from?

The NCH Code is a 9 digit code comprising of 4 digits (your account number) and 5 digits (which should be unique to each campaign). It is usually printed a minimum of 10mm away from the barcode area. An example of an NCH Code is highlighted on the sample of a ‘well designed coupon’ below. If we are unable to scan the barcode at Valassis, for example where it has been damaged, we can then manually key the NCH Code to extract the relevant information.

NCH will provide you with an NCH Code list for your company. Once all codes have been utilized please contact Mary Jones on 01536 445220 or e-mail MJones@Valassis.co.uk to request a new list.

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8. What do I do if I want to produce a retailer specific coupon?

If you want to produce a retailer specific coupon it is recommended that you place the retailers barcode on the coupon instead of your own (where possible). The retailer can provide you with their barcode on request and we have provided the contact details below for the major retailers. It is also advisable to clearly state that the coupon can only be redeemed at the specific retailer and to place the logo of the retailer onto the coupon (You must ensure that the retailer has given permission before the coupon is printed and distributed).

If you, the manufacturer, are funding the coupon, please ensure that your NCH Code appears on the coupon. By placing your NCH Code on the coupon, NCH can invoice and report correctly.

Retailer Contacts:

Please be advised that the list below will be subject to change occasionally - should you therefore be informed that any of the below have left the company etc. please contact NCH for an updated list.

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9. Is there a recommended layout for my artwork?

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10. Does NCH need to see the completed artwork?

We recommend that a wet proof or digital proof of the coupon artwork be sent to our Masterfile Team for test scanning via post (if possible recommended to be on the paper that the coupon will be printed on). Please be advised that if you go to print and the coupon does not scan at NCH that a non scan charge will be applied to the coupon in question. In some cases a ‘hard to handle charge’ may also be applied.

Please be advised that although the sample barcodes submitted for testing may scan successfully on our production scanners that this is purely a test of the barcode and does not imply approval of the overall artwork.We cannot guarantee that the coupon will scan should the print or paper quality change.

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11. How can I minimise mis/mal redemption?

What is mis and mal redemption?Mis-redemption is when a consumer redeems a coupon against something other than the product stated. Although in some cases the consumer may purchase a different pack size or a product from the manufacturers range. Mal-redemption is when a manufacturer places a coupon in a magazine or newspaper at a higher value than the publication. For example, rather than return a 50p newspaper to the wholesaler the small retailer will cut out the £1 coupon and forward to NCH for payment instead. We have trained staff at NCH to look our for such cases of mal redemption and pass on without payment to the manufacturers (it is then the choice of the manufacturer as to what steps to take against the retailer).

State the rules clearly.if only one coupon can be used against each item purchased – say so. Add, "Please do not attempt to redeem this against any other product," to which the shop assistant can refer in a validity dispute.

Clear pack shots makes "accidental" misuse less likely.

Positioning of coupons. Keep in mind when preparing direct mailing/door drops that coupons placed side by side with perforations may be redeemed together with only one product purchase.

Tailor distribution.

National newspaper distribution should be avoided for high face value coupons. Small independent retailers may be tempted to remove the coupons from the newspapers and forward to Valassis for payment (as the coupon becomes more valuable than returning the newspapers the wholesalers if the coupon is of a higher value than the newspaper).

Personalising coupons. Makes the consumer more aware of purchasing the correct product as their name is on the coupon, which can be tracked.

Retailer specific promotions. Helps narrow the retailers where the coupon can be redeemed.

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12. What if I produce a generic coupon but one of the majors does not stock the product?

Please let NCH know of any stockist/non stockist (major retailers only). If NCH receives coupons from non stockists, the coupons can then be returned unpaid to the retailer. Please note that a small surcharge will be applied to cover the administration of production staff referring to a non stockist list.

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13. Can I keep my coupon after if has been processed at NCH?

Inform NCH at authorisation stage if you would like to keep the coupons and we will store and dispatch to you if required. Please be advised that there are additional charges for keeping a coupon, which may vary depending on whether the coupons are to be kept and stored at NCH, data captured or forwarded to a third party etc. Please also be advised that NCH can quote for data capture on any of your campaigns upon request.

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14. Do I need to tell NCH anything else about the campaign?

Yes, you will be required to complete a coupon authorisation form in advance of going to print and also provide copies of the coupon in question to NCH’s client support team in pdf format via e-mail – the coupon authorisation form should also be sent via e-mail before going to print. Should you require any assistance in the completion of your authorisation form you should contact your Account Manager or Account Administrator. Please be advised that if you do not authorise your coupon before going to print, a surcharge will be applied to the coupon on question.

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15. Do I receive any reports on my campaign?

Yes, you can receive monthly ERB (electronic report book in excel format) noting all campaigns to date or you can receive a monthly ERB which matches your monthly invoice. Please speak to your Account Manager/Administrator about this.

You can also track, manage (authorize, budget etc.) and get further reports on your campaigns by using NCH Online (at cost), to find out more NCH Online please speak to your NCH Account Manager or visit www.valsssis.co.uk

If in doubt or should you have any questions/queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01536 400123.

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The information in this document is providedby NCH. While NCH endeavours to ensure that such information is accurate, we recommend you check the content as we do not take responsibility for any cost, expense, damage or consequential loss resulting from any error whether as a direct or indirect consequence.

For assistance with the coupon barcode structure and coupon layout guidelines please go to www.isp.org.uk

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