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How do I scan a barcode to quickly add items to inventory?

How do I scan a barcode to quickly add items to inventory?

Written by Shane Jordan

Use Scan & Add to scan a product barcode, automatically look up the product details (title, brand, category), and add it to your inventory in seconds. No manual data entry required.

barcode quick add

How It Works

When you scan a barcode, Flippd looks up the product in a database of millions of products. If found, the title, brand, and category are pre-filled for you. You can edit any field before saving, then add the cost and quantity.

Getting Started

  1. Tap the + button in the bottom navigation

  2. Tap Scan & Add Item

  3. Point your camera at the product barcode

  4. The product details load automatically

  5. Review the pre-filled title, category, and add your cost

  6. Tap Add to Inventory

After saving, you can immediately scan another item -- the scanner reopens automatically for fast batch entry.

Where You Can Scan & Add

Scan & Add is available in several places:

  • Add Menu -- Tap the + button and select Scan & Add Item

  • Inventory Screen -- When you scan a barcode that doesn't match an existing item, Flippd automatically offers to add it

  • Bulk Purchases -- Scan items directly into a bulk purchase to track costs together

What Gets Looked Up

When a barcode is found in the product database, Flippd fills in:

  • Title -- The product name

  • Brand -- The manufacturer or brand

  • Category -- Matched to your configured categories (defaults to "Other" if no match)

  • Product Image -- Downloaded and saved to your item automatically

All fields are editable before you save.

If the Product Isn't Found

If the barcode isn't in the database, you'll see a "not found" message. You can still:

  • Enter the title, cost, and quantity manually

  • Tap Scan Another to try a different item

  • The barcode is still saved to the item for future scanning

Good to Know

  • Works with standard UPC, EAN, and ISBN barcodes (8-14 digits)

  • Product lookups are cached -- scanning the same barcode again is instant

  • The product image is saved to your account storage, not linked to an external URL

  • Use the flash toggle in the scanner for low-light conditions

  • Cost is entered per item, not total cost

  • Items are created with status "Unlisted" and today's date as the acquisition date

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