# Assigning Item Codes

> Source: https://service.handbid.com/assigning-item-codes

The purpose of Item Codes in Handbid is to allow you, the Auction Manager, to organize your physical items for check-out.  Item Codes can be any combination of letters and numbers and there are a variety of ways to assign codes - how you assign them is based on what makes the most sense to your checkout team. 

If you already have a method that works for you, great, just enter your existing item code into the Handbid system. Please note, if you are using the **Item Upload Template** to load your items, you *must* have item codes preassigned and they must be unique. 

![Info Tab (Auction, P2P, Campaign)](https://ucarecdn.com/afde522f-5776-44d2-a7a7-08646b2b2989/)

**If you don't already have an item code naming system, here are a few different methods to consider:**

1.  Any item which *only* includes a certificate starts with 100. Baskets start with 200. Items which include a certificate *and* a basket start at 300. Large or oversized items start with 400.
2.  Make each category start with a different 3 digit number.  For example, Dining starts with 100, Entertainment starts with 200, Home starts with 300, etc.
3.  You can number your items any way you wish, but add a "c" the end if the item is a certificate.  This can help your staff at checkout know where to find the item.  For example, if the item is a gift certificate to a restaurant and your restaurant category is the 200s.  Number this item 201c.

**NOTE:  It is important that your auction volunteers (especially check-out runners) are familiar with your coding system so they can easily find the items they are looking for during check-out. This is the *primary* reason for coding your items.**