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:

https://support.eposnow.com/s/article/Variable-Barcodes?language=en_US

Set Your Barcode Format in Epos Now

To enable weighed barcode support, go to:

https://organisations.eposnowhq.com/organisation/settings/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:

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:

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