Covering a barcode with clear tape

hollydays

Using my Hermes. Can I cover the barcode with clear parcel tape?

soolin

I always thought not as it says do not cover, but maybe someone else knows differently?

Flyonthewall

soolin wrote: »

I always thought not as it says do not cover, but maybe someone else knows differently?

I remember looking for something on their site not long ago and I'm sure I remember reading that you shouldn't cover it.

repeatoffender

I always cover the name - address and barcode with clear tape for myhermes and royal mail and amazon returns - as i use normal printer paper i worry that if the label gets wet part of it will rub off. It says you should not but i think it is safer for them to say that when they actually mean do not obstruct it.

I have never had a problem.

mrcol1000

They say not to. Have done it a couple of times accidently and never had a problem. I wouldn't do it unless you really have to. Some shops and couriers think that the rules Hermes give you are gospel and could refuse the parcel.

martindow

I have a stock of self-adhesive documents enclosed clear plastic envelopes and I put carriers' labels inside these. I've not sent with Hermes but clearly scanners can read barcodes perfectly well through a layer of plastic.

ailey

The first time I used CollectPlus and took it to our local shop for collection, they had a problem trying to get the scanner to read the barcode as the lights were reflecting off this so I'm always careful not cover the barcode now. I can't remember if Hermes say not to cover the barcode when you print off the address label but Collect Plus does say this.

Obviously_the_best

They say not to but in reality it isn't a problem. The scanners in supermarkets can still read stuff printed on plastic, and they're exactly the same readers.

shilcor

I always cover the whole address label with sellotape including the barcode and never had a problem scanning labels for collect plus, UPS or any other courier.
To be honest I've never even noticed any instruction saying not to cover it!

RFW

The only problem is if the tape gets slightly wrinkled around the barcode. The document enclosed type envelopes work but failing those put inside clear plastic and tape that down.

As someone above said I always use tape for barcodes as my ink can run if it gets wet. Not that I use Hermes but can't imagine they're that fussy. All they want is the quickest way of getting things done poorly taped barcode can end up with them having to input the number which delays their sorting.