# Barcode scanning & packing

> Scan lot barcodes to add lots to a shipment or return, with instant checks that each lot is available and invoiced to the right client.

- URL: https://www.selloff.auction/features/barcode-scanning
- Language: English
- Domain: Shipping
- Last updated: 2026-10-07
- Français: https://www.selloff.auction/fr/fonctionnalites/scan-code-barres.md

## At a glance

- Scan field on every shipment and preparation slip: scan, and the lot is added
- Works with the lot reference barcodes printed by Selloff
- Instant warning for lots already in the shipment or not available
- Checks that each lot is sold or paid, invoiced and belongs to the shipment's client
- Each addition logged in the client's activity

## Scan instead of searching

Every lot in Selloff has a reference printed as a barcode on its labels, from a [Zebra label printer](https://www.selloff.auction/integrations/zebra-label-printing.md). When preparing a shipment or a return to a consignor, staff place the cursor in the scan field and scan each lot: the scanner types the reference, presses Enter, and the lot joins the shipment immediately. A reference can also be typed by hand.

## Checks at every scan

Each scan is validated before anything is saved:

- a lot already in this shipment triggers a warning
- a lot that is not found or not available for this shipment is refused, with the reason
- for buyer shipments, the lot must be sold or paid, invoiced on an invoice that is not cancelled, belong to the shipment's client and not be in another shipment

Every addition is logged in the client's activity with the lot references, so you can see later who packed what.

## Packing in practice

Scanning works on preparation slips as well as on direct shipments. The warehouse scans the lots onto a slip, updates their storage location when they are ready and marks them as shipped or returned; counters show how many lots are in the shipment and how many remain available. Scanning a whole parcel takes seconds, and a missing or wrong lot is caught before the box is closed.

## Beyond shipping

The same barcodes are used to [assign lots to a catalogue](https://www.selloff.auction/features/catalogue-building.md) by scanning their references, and to open a lot from the search field in the header of any page.

## Works with

- [Label & barcode printing](https://www.selloff.auction/integrations/zebra-label-printing.md): Print lot labels with barcodes, lot-number labels and address labels on Zebra thermal printers straight from the browser, using Zebra Browser Print.

## Related features

- [Lot references & barcode labels](https://www.selloff.auction/features/lot-references-barcodes.md): Give every lot a unique reference in your chosen format, print barcode labels on Zebra printers from the browser and scan them at every step.
- [Shipments & shipping slips](https://www.selloff.auction/features/shipments.md): Prepare and track shipments to buyers, consignor returns and lots sent for certification, with preparation slips and tracking emails.
- [Catalogue building & numbering](https://www.selloff.auction/features/catalogue-building.md): Assign lots to a sale, order them by category or any field, number them automatically or by scanning, and check the catalogue for errors before it goes live.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which barcode scanners can I use?

Scanning reads the lot reference barcode printed by Selloff. Any scanner that works like a keyboard, typing the code followed by Enter, can be used in the scan field of a shipment.

### What happens if I scan a lot that belongs to another buyer?

Selloff refuses it and says why: the lot is not invoiced to this client, is already in another shipment, is not sold or paid, or its invoice is cancelled. Nothing is added to the shipment.

### Where do the lot barcodes come from?

Selloff prints barcode labels on Zebra label printers for a lot, a list or range of lots, a consignment or a receipt, and the number of labels per lot can follow its packaging type. See [lot references & barcode labels](https://www.selloff.auction/features/lot-references-barcodes.md).