An eBay barcode scanner is an electronic device used to capture the product information stored in barcodes and relay it as plain text. Once the lens has scanned the image of the barcode, the data is decoded and sent to the scanner's output port. After this, the scanner passes the information along to a host computer to be checked over.
Most modern scanners don't require any specific software or drivers to be installed on host computers and instead operate on a standalone basis. This means the process is relatively simple because there isn't any additional software to get to grips with.
Barcode scanners are a simple way for businesses to improve their operational efficiency. Less time manually inputting data means more time spent on other areas of running the business.
Use of a barcode scanner helps eliminate disruption of business operations due to human error. The likelihood of errors in manually entered data is significantly greater than data garnered from barcodes.
Implementing a barcode scanner into your eBay inventory management system is an inexpensive way of tracking all manner of data and making it accessible in mere moments.
This, coupled with other benefits such as the ability to expedite tasks like inventory tracking and managing assets, means that the benefits of using a barcode scanner greatly outweigh any negatives.
eBay's mobile apps, available both on Android and iOS, boast a built-in scanning feature. With the use of the eBay barcode scanner, sellers can have an item listed in a matter of seconds, as opposed to the couple of minutes it would take to enter the data manually. While that doesn't sound like much, imagine manually inputting the entirety of your product range and you'll start to realize just how helpful this tool is.
Be aware that there are a range of third-party apps available from the App Store and the Google Play Store that purport to do the same thing as the built-in eBay barcode scanner. However, these apps rely on invasive ads to survive and can make the experience more drawn out and, in some cases, just as long and arduous as entering the data manually.
There's a wide range of barcode scanners available on the market. Once you've considered the main features you are looking for in an eBay barcode scanner, such as the hardware itself, the portability of the device, and its compatibility with any software that you use, you can begin to examine specific models.
To save you some time and effort, here are four of our favorite eBay barcode scanners that are available on the market today.
This offering from BrainyDeal is possibly the best eBay barcode scanner for those operating on a budget. It's simple to set up and use but is lacking some of the features you can expect from pricier models.
Multi-directional lasers mean this barcode scanner is perfect for fast scanning. It also boasts a ton of great features, which is reflected in its high price.
Those who abhor wires may gravitate towards this wireless barcode scanner, which is straightforward to install and can store up to 100,000 barcodes in offline mode. The one drawback is its moderately slow response time.
This 2-in-1 scanner can connect via Bluetooth or a wired connection and supports almost every kind of barcode in mainstream use.
For more information on these eBay barcode scanners and some others that we consider to be the best of the best, check out this handy guide.
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