Welcome to BIPAD
What is BIPAD?
The BIPAD numbering system is unique to the retail magazine business. As illustrated in the block at the bottom of the page, the BIPAD number is the middle 5 digits of the magazine barcode. It is the permanent identification of the the magazine throughout its retail life. Along with an industry prefix, and issue number, the BIPAD numbers are encoded in the barcodes on magazine covers and used by magazine wholesaler-distributors and magazine retailers to process the publications through their systems. In doing so, they record the sales, count returns, store sales history, determine future distributions, and make payments.
To obtain a BIPAD number complete an application and include payment by selecting the Secure Online/Email Application Form -or- print PDF Application Form above and mail with check.
IMPORTANT: Please read the information on www.bipad.com very carefully to ensure that you do need a BIPAD number and how many you need. We are not able to issue refunds once a number has been assigned since there is no way for us to recover numbers confidently.
FAQs
How do I obtain a BIPAD number?
For new and independent magazines, BIPAD numbers are available only from and assigned only by BIPAD.COM.
Publishers can obtain a BIPAD number(s) by apply to BIPAD.COM. An application form is available by clicking here, or by using the navigation button at the top of this page. The application should be sent to bipads@bipad.com once completed.
How many BIPAD numbers do I need?
A different BIPAD number must be used with each magazine title for which separate distribution records are to be maintained by wholesaler-distributors and/or retailers. It is not necessary to obtain a different BIPAD number for each issue.
The BIPAD number never changes. It is the permanent identification of a magazine title for the life of the magazine. The issue identifier changes, of course, with each new issue.
How much is the processing fee?
The minimum processing fee for a single BIPAD number is $375. The price schedule for multiple TITLES is listed below and on the application form.
| FEE SCHEDULE * |
| BIPAD Numbers | Fee | BIPAD Numbers | Fee | BIPAD Numbers | Fee | BIPAD Numbers | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $375 | 3 | $750 | 5 | $1000 | 11-15 | $2625 |
| 2 | $550 | 4 | $900 | 6-10 | $1750 | 16-20 | $3500 |
| * Multiple number fee rates are not retroactive and are available only at time of original application. |
How do I get my BIPAD number encoded into a machine readable barcode?
Please be advised that BIPAD manages the BIPAD numbering system, and assigns numbers to applicants. We do not provide the barcodes. Our barcode consultant is PIPS Inc. (Periodical Identification and Processing Systems), the largest supplier of barcodes to the publishing industry. Click here for a link to PIPS website, www.pips.com. You can also reach PIPS at 212-996-6000.
Once you are assigned a BIPAD, contact PIPS and they can electronically deliver a scannable barcode for printing on your magazine cover.
There are many other barcode providers and most of them can provide magazine distribution BIPAD encoded barcodes as well. In any event, you will need to first obtain a number from BIPAD.
What do we do when we change the cover price?
A new UPC will need to be obtained from PIPS when changing cover prices. Once you obtain your new UPC, notify your wholesaler-distributors of your new number and price. If you are dealing directly with any retailers, you should notify them as well. These notifications should be accomplished before the issue with the new cover price goes on sale.
If you would like assistance with these notifications, please contact Todd Lundgren at tlundgren@bipad.com for assistance.
What forms of payment are accepted?
To expedite the application, fee should be paid to BILL.COM. Search for Comag Marketing Group, LLC to make your payment. Once payment is received and processed you will receive your assigned BIPAD(S) via email within 10 business days.
The Magazine Barcode
and the Position of the
BIPAD Number
In a typical magazine barcode (using the above color coded example), the first 6 digits, 0 74470 in the example represent the company prefix. The next 5 digits, 00001, is the BIPAD number. The single digit, 3, is the “check digit,” which is computer determined. The shorter section, with the 09 above it, is the issue identifier, add-on portion. In this instance, 09 represents the September issue.
The company prefix and the BIPAD number represent the basic barcode. The company prefix will remain constant, unless there is a price change. BIPAD will provide applicants with access to 2 “industry” company prefixes, which will be alternated when cover prices change. The BIPAD number never changes. It is the permanent identification of a magazine title for the life of a the magazine. The issue identifier changes, of course, with each new issue.