If you are a small business owner looking to sell your products on Amazon, you may be wondering how to buy UPC codes. GS1 is a global, non-profit organization that determines UPCs. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Common Barcode Symbol
Upcs.com is moving towards a universal barcode for products, and GTINs will help you to meet that goal. GTINs are unique identifiers for products, and they help to differentiate your products from others. The GS1 database will check your GTIN against its database to ensure that your product has a valid code. In the case of a product barcode, you’ll have to choose between GTIN-12 and GTIN-14. The former is commonly used for outer case packaging. The latter is a 12-digit GTIN that signifies EAN (European Article Number), which is a common barcode symbol used in most of Europe.
GS1 Resellers
To use Amazon’s GS1 UPC codes, you must purchase them from valid GS1 resellers. There are many ways to get a UPC for your products. You can get them in bulk and SnapUPC can beat any competitor’s price. UPCs can be attached to products physically or digitally, so you can store them in a spreadsheet. You can also use your existing UPC number to create a product listing on Amazon.
For small businesses, purchasing one UPC costs $30. Larger businesses should consider purchasing a GS1 organization prefix, which costs $250 for the first year and $50 per year thereafter. In 2022, Amazon will require that every product in its store have its own UPC. The cost of acquiring one UPC for your store will increase significantly if you plan on selling more than nine items.
GS1’s Database
In the past, Amazon accepted air codes, which are constructed using the same rules as real codes. However, because air codes were never issued by GS1, they would not show up in GS1’s database. For this reason, many sellers are now switching to GS1-issued UPC codes to be more competitive with Amazon. However, it is still highly risky to purchase unregistered UPCs for Amazon in 2022.
Global Organization
GS1 is the only global organization that produces and sells UPC codes. While other companies also produce UPCs, GS1 is the world leader. A UPC consists of a four-character sequence that identifies a product, company, and reference number. The UPC sequence also contains a check digit. These four-digit codes are uniquely identifiable by the product they identify.
The cost to obtain a UPC code from GS1 is between $12 and $40. GS1 has bundled pricing to make it more affordable for small businesses. GS1 offers a single UPC code and GTIN code for $30, with no renewal fee. GS1’s UPCs are sold worldwide and will continue to be valid until 2022.
In order to sell on Amazon, you must have a UPC code that matches your product’s unique identifier. Previously, you needed to purchase a minimum of 10 barcodes – costing you around $250 upfront and an additional $50 a year. Now, you can buy one UPC for as little as $30 – and use that code to create your Amazon listing.
How to Buying Duplicate UPC Codes?
Before the implementation of GS1, you can buy inexpensive UPCs from eBay or third-party websites. Using such websites, you risk buying duplicate UPC codes, which can lead to account suspension or even listing rejection. Using the GS1 database to buy UPCs will ensure that you’re buying genuine codes. GS1 will take up to 24 hours to make their listening active.
If you’re an Amazon seller, you might be wondering if you need to change your product packaging to comply with EAN codes. First, you need to ensure that your products only display the FNSKU. If you’re unsure how to do this, you can find free printable barcode images online. You can also contact GS1 for free barcode images. After all, they’re the only company that knows how to make them, and they’re the ones who will get your products listed.
Serialized Shipping Container Code
GS1 uses a company prefix to identify brands so that sellers can manage growth and diversify their business. GS1 members can also develop additional identifiers, which are commonly used in retail supply chain business processes. These include the GS1-label and the Serialized Shipping Container Code. These identifiers can be used to identify cartons traded between trading partners.
When buying UPC codes for Amazon, be sure to buy EAN codes from vendors based in Europe, as they will be required by the marketplaces in those regions. However, if you live in North America, you should use UPC codes instead. UPC codes are the standard for U.S. and Canada retailers, and EAN codes will be required in Europe by 2022.
Final Words:
EAN codes are used in Europe and are not widely accepted in the United States. While UPC codes have their place, they are not universally accepted, as the EAN is used in Europe. That means that you can’t use them on products that are not manufactured in Europe. But, EAN codes are widely accepted by online retailers and are preferred by consumers. You’ll need an EAN code if you’re planning to sell on Amazon in 2022.
