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Setting Up Weighed (Variable) Barcodes in Epos Now

If you sell products that are weighed at the time of packing (for example meat, deli items, fruit & veg), your label printer or scale will usually generate a special barcode that contains:

  • The product reference (PLU), and
  • The weight of the item

This is known as a Variable Barcode.

Epos Now explains how variable barcodes work here:

Variable Barcodes

Set Your Barcode Format in Epos Now​

To enable weighed barcode support, go to:

Barcode settings

Under Variable barcode format, choose:

  • EAN 13 Volume

OR

  • EAN 13 Volume (Check Digit)

Your scale or barcode software should tell you if a check digit is included.

What is a Check Digit?​

Some barcodes include an extra digit at the end to help scanners confirm the barcode was read correctly.

For example:

TypeBarcode
Without check digit02000901228
With check digit020009012288

Both represent the same product and weight - the second just includes the extra validation digit.

Barcode Format Explained​

Your weighed barcode must:

  • Start with 02, or
  • Start with 20-29

This tells Epos Now:

"This barcode contains a weight value"

Epos Now will then:

  1. Identify the product from the PLU (Product Code)
  2. Read the embedded weight
  3. Automatically calculate the correct price using the product's price per kg

Example​

Let's say:

  • Product PLU = 0009
  • Packed weight = 1.228 kg

The barcode generated by your scale would be:

Barcode TypeExample
No check digit02000901228
With check digit020009012288

When scanned at the till, Epos Now will:

  • Match product 0009
  • Read the weight = 1.228 kg
  • Multiply by your price per kg
  • Add the correct total to the sale

Final Result​

Once configured:

  • Staff simply scan the barcode on the packed item
  • Epos Now automatically reads the weight
  • The correct price is calculated - no manual input required