KDP barcode

josephperin

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Dec 9, 2015
Messages
732
Reaction score
141
I know that getting your own ISBN is more prudent than using Amazon's. But what about barcode? Is it better to purchase one from Bowker? Can I use the same barcode internationally?What are the limitations of using Amazon's?
 

kevinwaynewilliams

Be blunt: I appreciate it
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
555
Reaction score
53
Location
Phoenix
I have my own ISBNs, but let Amazon and IngramSpark generate the barcodes for the covers. I have encountered no difficulties.
 

josephperin

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Dec 9, 2015
Messages
732
Reaction score
141
Why would it be more prudent to use a purchased ISBN over Amazon's?

Because you can't use it with other publishers. In my case, I'm trying to get print version in India which Amazon doesn't do. To take it to a non Amazon printer, I'll need to own the ISBN.

- - - Updated - - -

I have my own ISBNs, but let Amazon and IngramSpark generate the barcodes for the covers. I have encountered no difficulties.

Thanks.

Using diff barcodes for diff printing services has not created a problem?
 

josephperin

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Dec 9, 2015
Messages
732
Reaction score
141
But it does do print books in India, you just have to select "individual rights" instead of "worldwide rights" to select it...

I actually called to ask why no print in India, and they confirmed it. They have 7 total marketplaces, and other countries will need to order from there. Works out to a hefty sum if you're Indian and ordering from the UK or the US.
 

Jason

Ideas bounce around in my head
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Oct 26, 2016
Messages
6,011
Reaction score
1,036
Location
Nashville, TN
Off-topic: every time I see someone mention an ISBN, I visually read that as ISDN - which is a telephony term for an Integrated Services Digital Network (TDM-based trunking), and start wondering - why on earth are they talking about telephony in a writing forum? LOL
 

Al X.

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 9, 2017
Messages
1,042
Reaction score
587
Location
V-Town, check it out yo
Website
www.authoralexryan.com
Because you can't use it with other publishers. In my case, I'm trying to get print version in India which Amazon doesn't do. To take it to a non Amazon printer, I'll need to own the ISBN.

- - - Updated - - -



Thanks.

Using diff barcodes for diff printing services has not created a problem?

Makes sense.
 

kevinwaynewilliams

Be blunt: I appreciate it
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
555
Reaction score
53
Location
Phoenix
Additionally, while IngramSpark has some traction with indie bookstores, most indies refuse to order KDP, despite the "extended distribution" option. So, if you want to actually land in independent bookstores and libraries, buy an ISBN, distribute to Amazon through KDP, and distribute to everywhere else in the world through Ingram.
 

Marissa D

Scribe of the girls in the basement
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jan 22, 2011
Messages
3,071
Reaction score
365
Location
New England but hankering for the old one
Website
www.marissadoyle.com
Additionally, while IngramSpark has some traction with indie bookstores, most indies refuse to order KDP, despite the "extended distribution" option. So, if you want to actually land in independent bookstores and libraries, buy an ISBN, distribute to Amazon through KDP, and distribute to everywhere else in the world through Ingram.

+1 to this.
 

veinglory

volitare nequeo
Self-Ban
Registered
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
28,750
Reaction score
2,933
Location
right here
Website
www.veinglory.com
You don't need to buy barcodes.

If you plan to use distributors other than Amazon or it is important to you to have the ISBN belong to you as the publisher, buy your own. Otherwise the free one is just fine.