Barcodes..? Where / how to purchase?

[LDN]

I'm looking at releasing a couple of products in future and want to get my head around barcodes. I note that GS1 do an annual fee but I'd rather just buy the codes as and when I need them. Is there a way?

Also, are barcodes able to be company specific - I.e: I don't want a resellers company to be associated to my codes. I'd rather they were 'mine' if that makes sense.

Not sure how they work; any tips appreciated. Thanks

[LDN]

Thanks for al of the replies. I have signed up to GS1 UK and have been assigned our company number and 1000 number bank.

Next question; best way to print labels? I see a lot of barcode specific printers that appear to print one label a time... I would rather be printing sheets of barcodes than one at a time... any advice?

I see some MS Word related software for printing codes but I'm dubious...