Bar code labels that are manufactured by companies and are retailed to other establishments are called preprinted bar code labels. Preprinted bar code labels are bought and used by establishments that do not have infrastructure to make their own.

Preprinted bar code labels are encoded using computers and sequentially numbered by the companies that manufacture them. These labels are designed on special vinyl stickers with adhesives that make them durable for a longer time. They can be designed in both line and dot formats.

Sellers of preprinted bar code labels use three main techniques to manufacture labels - film master/printing plate, ion deposition and photocomposition. The first method is like normal printing techniques, where a template of the bar code is prepared and then printed in bulk amounts. Ion deposition technique uses electrolytic deposition of particles on a moving insulating drum to give the impression of the bar code. Photocomposition uses computers to design original bar codes. Out of all the techniques used to manufacture bar code labels, photocomposition is the best and is preferred if the bar code is needed to be exceedingly sharp and easy to scan. In fact, preprinted bar code label manufacturers only use photocomposition.

Establishments who do not have the equipment or expertise to make their own bar code labels buy preprinted bar code labels. Making bar code labels requires money and a technically skilled staff. Hence, companies may evaluate their cost constraints and purchase preprinted bar code labels instead of investing in their own equipment. Buying preprinted bar code labels also makes more sense for companies that are running their businesses temporarily or for promotion.

One more reason for choosing preprinted bar code labels is the rapid dynamism of this technology. Bar codes are fast evolving as makers are trying to pack in more and more information in less amount of space. Already several bar code equipments used in the markets are outdated.