Help Center - The PO can't scan my DC barcode!

If the PO is having trouble scanning your DC barcodes (and the clerk has to enter the DC number manually), here are some suggestions of what the problem could be:

1. The PO scanner is not powerful enough (this might be true especially if it is a "pen" style scanner)


2. The wrapper was printed using "scale to fit" in the printer settings. This can space the bars in the barcode out just enough to cause problems with the scan.


3. Colored paper (any color but white) can cause poor contrast of the black ink of the barcode, inhibiting the scan.


4. The ink used to print the barcode was low on black and the printing did not come out dark enough.


5. The wrapper got smeared after printing and this made the barcode unreadable.


6. Tape has been applied over the barcode, especially if more than one layer or there are wrinkles or bubbles in it.

This problem is not commonly reported to us. We provide this information and these suggestions from our own experience with extensive testing before we implemented the PBS-DC feature on the site.

If your PO says the DC # is "invalid":

That could happen if you JUST printed the wrapper and took the package to the PO so quickly that the barcode generated by the central USPS computer hasn't had time to be registered in their system.

If this happens:

• Don't purchase DC from the PO - this will not earn quick credit and will cost you 80 cents!
• Don't let the clerk cover up the printed PBS-DC barcode
• Just send the package as is; it will probably be scanned en route (if not you will still get credit when it is marked received)
• You can check on the DC barcode when you get home by entering it on the usps.com site - you will see that it is recognized by USPS and is not "invalid".

Related Links:

What is PBS Delivery Confirmation?
My PO says that I can't use PBS-DC! How can I prove that I can?