by Costco, USA – A TikTok video showcasing a Costco shopper with a beef jerky barcode tattoo on her lower back has gone viral, sparking debates on social media about whether the tattoo can really be scanned at checkout. The video, posted by the beef jerky brand Righteous Felon, has amassed over 1.8 million views, capturing the fascination of both Costco fans and tattoo enthusiasts alike.
While many wonder if someone would go as far as permanently inking a barcode for their favorite snack, experts weigh in on the feasibility of such a tattoo functioning as a legitimate barcode. The viral clip shows the woman purchasing two bags of beef jerky by scanning the tattoo, but shoppers and onlookers question its authenticity and practicality.
The Viral Video That Sparked Curiosity
The TikTok video from @righteousfelon begins with a woman at the Costco checkout revealing a barcode tattoo on her lower back, while holding two bags of beef jerky. Text overlay on the video reads, “Saw this girl at Costco buy beef jerky with a tattoo today.” To the amazement of viewers, the tattoo is scanned successfully, allowing her to buy the products and walk out of the store with her receipt.
- The tattoo features a scannable barcode matching the beef jerky product.
- The transaction seemingly went smoothly with the cashier scanning the tattoo as if it were a regular barcode.
- The video comes from a branded TikTok account known for staged and playful content related to jerky.
Fact vs. Fiction: Can Barcode Tattoos Really Work?
Though the video is entertaining, it is likely staged. The Righteous Felon TikTok account includes other scripted clips, indicating this video is part of a marketing or humorous campaign rather than a genuine event. Nevertheless, functional barcode tattoos have appeared before in various viral stories, showing it is possible with exceptional precision.
One notable example involves a woman named Dew, who got a tattoo of the Red Bull barcode in 2025 that actually scanned successfully. She told Jam Press, as reported by the New York Post,
“My artist was very open about [that], saying it possibly couldn’t work. The next day at work, I tried it and it did scan—I was so excited about it.”
Moreover, another viral video showed a man getting five Costco rotisserie chickens scanned by having the cashier scan a barcode printed on his shirt, bypassing the product packaging.
Community Reactions and Practical Concerns
The idea of permanently tattooing a barcode has drawn both admiration and skepticism from the online community. Comments on the original TikTok and related posts reveal a variety of opinions:
- “More impressed the employee did it,” one user joked, highlighting the cashier’s role.
- Others questioned the permanence, with comments like, “What if they change the barcode? She will have to fix her tattoo.”
- Some expressed hope the product would continue to be available so the tattoo remains functional.
It’s important to note that Costco has no official policy allowing customers to bring their own barcodes; however, barcode scanners are safe and cashiers can manually enter codes if needed.
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What Does This Mean for Shoppers?
While the barcode tattoo stunt is fun to watch, it is not a practical or officially supported method to purchase items at Costco or elsewhere. The highly precise nature of barcode scanning requires exact dimensions and contrast, which can be difficult to achieve and maintain on human skin.
- Barcodes may change over time, making tattoos obsolete.
- Manual code entry is a simpler method if scanner issues arise.
- Tattoos come with permanence and health considerations that don’t align with transient retail barcodes.
For more details on this fascinating story and the cultural conversation around it, visit the full article on BroBible.
What Do You Think?
Could you imagine getting a tattoo of your favorite snack’s barcode? Is the idea fun, strange, or impractical? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
