1. A method for processing response information from a pre-printed label in relation to bar code information on the label, comprising the steps of: a) scanning bar code information and response information from a pre-printed label with a bar code reading means operatively connected with a processing means, wherein the label comprises an encoded bar code sequence having encoded bar code information, and an information indicia area, for optionally placing response information thereon, arranged in proximity to the bar code sequence on the label to be concurrently readable by the bar code reading means with the bar code sequence, and b) processing the scanned information of step (a) with the processing means.