Barcodes turn a product into something a scanner can read in a fraction of a second. For a small shop they mean faster checkout, fewer pricing mistakes and easier stock counts.
Use the manufacturer's barcode when there is one
Most packaged goods already carry a barcode printed by the manufacturer. Enter that number as the product's barcode in your POS and every unit on the shelf will scan correctly.
Print your own for everything else
Loose items, own-brand goods and products without a barcode need a label. Generate a barcode for the product in your POS, print labels on a label printer or label sheets, and stick them on the item or the shelf edge.
Choosing a scanner
For browser-based POS software, the simplest choice is a scanner that behaves like a keyboard. It "types" the barcode into the field that has focus, so no special driver is needed. USB scanners are cheapest; Bluetooth scanners give cashiers more freedom.
Keep barcodes unique
Two products with the same barcode will cause the wrong item to be sold. If you sell variants such as sizes or colors, give each variant its own code.
Test before you go live
Scan a sample of products at the counter before opening day. It is much easier to fix a missing or mistyped barcode then than during a queue.