What Are Barcodes and Why Do You Need Them?
A barcode is a set of black lines and white spaces that represents a unique number. This number helps stores and websites identify your product.
Every product you sell needs its own barcode. Think of it like a fingerprint for your product.
When you scan a barcode at a store, the computer knows exactly what product it is. It knows the price, the name, and how many are in stock.
Do You Really Need to Buy Barcodes?
Yes, if you want to sell products at most stores or online marketplaces.
Amazon requires barcodes for almost every product. So does Walmart, Target, and so on.
Without a barcode, you cannot list your product on these platforms. Your product simply won’t show up for customers to buy.
Even small businesses need barcodes. If you make candles, soap, or t-shirts to sell online, you need barcodes.
Ready to get started? You can buy authentic UPC & EAN barcodes with fast delivery and lifetime use guarantee.
Two Ways to Get Barcodes
There are only two legal ways to get barcodes for your products.
Option 1: Rent from GS1 Directly
GS1 is the organization that created the barcode system. They have been around since 1973.
When you rent from GS1, you pay upfront fees. Then you pay renewal fees every single year.
The cheapest GS1 plan costs about $250 to start. Then you pay $50 to $150 every year to keep your barcodes active.
If you stop paying, GS1 takes your barcodes back. They can give your numbers to someone else.
Option 2: Buy from a Barcode Reseller
Barcode resellers own large blocks of numbers from UCC/GS1. These numbers were purchased before 2002.
In 2002, there was a big lawsuit against GS1. Because of this lawsuit, companies can now sell barcodes to you permanently.
You pay once and own the barcode forever. There are no yearly fees.
Most resellers charge between $5 and $25 per barcode depending on how many you buy. At BuyBarcodesCheap.com, you get barcodes starting from just $2.50, competitive pricing, fast delivery, and all the files you need.
Which Option Should You Choose?
For most small businesses, buying from a reseller makes sense.
Here’s why: You save money and own your barcodes for life.
A reseller 10 barcodes costs about $15-$30. A GS1 rental costs $250 plus $50+ per year.
If you keep your business for 10 years, GS1 would cost you $750. A reseller barcode typically costs between $15 and $30 in total.
However, some very large retailers require GS1 membership. These are rare cases and usually only apply to huge companies.
For most Amazon sellers, eBay & Etsy shops, and small retailers, buying barcodes from a trusted reseller is the smart choice.
What Comes with Your Barcode Purchase?
When you buy barcodes from a good reseller, you should get several things.
The Barcode Number
You get a 12-digit UPC number. This is the number under the black lines.
You also usually get a 13-digit EAN number. This is the international version of the same barcode.
Barcode Images
You need the actual barcode image to print on your products.
Good resellers give you multiple file formats. These usually include EPS, JPEG, PNG, and PDF files.
EPS files are vector graphics. These can be resized to any size without losing quality. (Upon request)
When you purchase from BuyBarcodesCheap.com, you receive all major file formats quickly after payment — usually within less than an hour.
Certificate of Assignment
This is your barcode certificate. This document confirms that the barcode number has been assigned to you.
It displays your full name or company name along with the barcode numbers registered under your account. (This document is provided upon request.)
Spreadsheet of Numbers
If you buy multiple barcodes, you need a list. Resellers provide this as an Excel file & Txt file, and PDF.
This makes it easy to track which barcode goes with which product.
How Many Barcodes Do You Need?
Each unique product needs its own barcode. The word “unique” is very important here.
Let’s say you sell t-shirts. Here’s how many barcodes you need:
- Black t-shirt, size small = 1 barcode
- Black t-shirt, size medium = 1 barcode
- White t-shirt, size small = 1 barcode
Each different size and color combination needs a separate barcode.
However, you can print the same barcode many times. If you have 500 black small t-shirts, they all use the same barcode number.
Count all your product variations before you buy. This saves you from buying more later.
Not sure how many you need? Just contact us to determine exactly how many barcodes your business requires.
Buying Barcodes for Amazon Sellers
Amazon is the biggest online marketplace. Most barcode buyers are Amazon sellers.
Amazon checks every barcode against the GS1 database. They want to make sure your barcode is real and unique.
Amazon Brand Registry
If you use Amazon Brand Registry, you must use authentic GS1-originated barcodes.
All reputable resellers provide GS1-originated numbers. These work with Brand Registry.
The barcodes from BuyBarcodesCheap.com are UCC/GS1-compliant and work perfectly with Amazon Brand Registry. They’re verified to pass Amazon’s authentication system. Just add a note during checkout if you need Amazon barcodes.
Setting Up Barcodes on Amazon
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Buy your UPC barcodes from a reseller
- Log into Amazon Seller Central
- Click “Catalog” then “Add a Product”
- Choose “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon”
- Enter your product information
- In the “External Product ID” field, enter your UPC number
- Save and submit your listing
Your product goes live within 15 minutes usually.
Need more help? Feel free to contact us anytime.
FNSKU vs UPC Labels
Amazon has two types of labels. This confuses many new sellers.
UPC is the barcode from your reseller. This identifies your product globally.
FNSKU is Amazon’s internal tracking label. This tracks your specific inventory in Amazon’s warehouse.
For Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you print FNSKU labels on your products. But you still need the UPC to create the listing first.
Buying Barcodes for Other Platforms
Walmart Marketplace
Walmart requires UPC barcodes just like Amazon. The same barcodes work on both platforms.
You use the same 12-digit UPC number when listing on Walmart.
The barcodes you buy once from BuyBarcodesCheap work across many platforms. No need to buy separate barcodes for different marketplaces.
Sometimes, certain barcodes may not work for Walmart, so be sure to include a note at checkout specifying that you need UPC codes for Walmart.
eBay
eBay accepts UPC & EAN codes for most categories. Some categories don’t require them, but having one improves your listing.
The barcode makes your product easier to find. It also makes your listing look more professional.
Etsy
Etsy does not require barcodes for most handmade items. However, if you sell wholesale to other stores, you’ll need them.
Many Etsy sellers expand to retail stores later. Having barcodes ready makes this transition easier.
Planning to expand beyond Etsy? Get your barcodes now so you’re ready when opportunities arise.
Shopify and Other Websites
Your own Shopify store doesn’t require barcodes. But they’re still useful for inventory tracking.
Shopify can use your UPC numbers to track stock levels. This prevents overselling.
If you ever want to sell in physical stores, you’ll already have barcodes ready.
How to Use Barcodes on Physical Products
Once you buy barcodes, you need to print them on your products.
Label Printing Options
You have several ways to add barcodes to products:
Print on Product Packaging
If you design custom boxes or bags, include the barcode in your design. Send the barcode image file to your packaging printer.
Printed Barcode Labels
Order pre-printed labels from a label company. They print your barcode on sticker paper.
Companies like OnlineLabels.com specialize in barcode labels. You send them your barcode files and they print rolls of labels.
Print Your Own Labels
Buy blank label sheets that work with regular printers. Print your barcodes at home or office.
Make sure your printer has good quality. Blurry barcodes won’t scan properly.
Barcode Placement Rules
Put your barcode somewhere flat on the packaging. Avoid corners where the package bends.
The barcode should be on the back or bottom of the product. Never cover it with tape or stickers.
Leave white space around the barcode. This helps scanners read it clearly.
The barcode should be at least 1 inch wide for best scanning. Smaller barcodes can cause problems.
Common Barcode Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Same Barcode for Different Products
Each product variation needs its own unique barcode. Never reuse barcodes across different products.
If you have a blue mug and a red mug, they need separate barcodes. Even though they’re both mugs.
Buying Fake Barcodes
Some websites sell randomly generated barcodes. These are not real barcode numbers and are often considered invalid or incorrect by stores. In fact, when you try to list products with them, your listings may show warnings such as “invalid barcode.”
Always buy from established resellers who provide GS1-originated numbers. BuyBarcodesCheap.com only sells authentic UCC-GS1-compliant barcodes that pass all verification checks.
Poor Print Quality
Barcodes must be printed clearly. Smudged or faded barcodes won’t scan.
Test your barcodes before printing thousands of labels. Use a barcode scanner app on your phone.
Most smartphones can scan barcodes through their camera. This is a free way to test.
Wrong Size
Barcodes that are too small cause scanning problems. The minimum size is usually 0.8 inches wide.
For best results, make your barcode at least 1 inch wide. Bigger is better for reliable scanning.
International Barcode Use
The great thing about UPC and EAN barcodes is they work worldwide.
Your US barcode works in Europe, Asia, and everywhere else. You don’t need different barcodes for different countries.
However, different regions prefer different formats.
UPC vs EAN
UPC is the 12-digit format used mainly in North America. EAN is the 13-digit format used everywhere else.
Most resellers give you both formats with every purchase. They represent the same product but in different formats.
Use UPC for US and Canadian stores. Use EAN for international stores.
Online marketplaces like Amazon automatically convert between formats. Don’t worry too much about this.
When you order from BuyBarcodesCheap.com, you automatically receive both UPC and EAN formats for maximum flexibility worldwide.
When you get UPC codes, you simply need to add a 0 to the beginning of the number to convert it into an EAN. This way, you can use the same code as both a UPC and an EAN.
Barcode Costs: What’s Fair?
Here’s what you should expect to pay from legitimate resellers:
- 1 barcode: $2.5 to $25
- 10 barcodes: $1.5 to $5 each
- 100 barcodes: $0.40 to $2 each
- 1,000 barcodes: $0.14 to $1 each
The cheap, legitimate option usually costs around $4–$5 per barcode for small quantities, but we offer single barcodes starting at just $2.50.
Bulk pricing makes sense if you have many products. But don’t buy more than you need right now.
Check current barcode pricing and bulk discounts to find the best deal for your quantity needs.
Top Features to Look for in Resellers
When choosing where to buy your barcodes, look for these important features:
Fast Delivery
Good resellers deliver barcodes quickly after payment. You should receive them via email within minutes or at most within an hour.
This lets you start creating product listings right away.
Lifetime Ownership
Make sure there are no renewal fees. You should own the barcodes permanently.
Read the terms carefully. Avoid any company that mentions annual fees or subscriptions.
Multiple File Formats
You need barcode images in various formats for different uses. EPS files for professional printing. JPEG & PDF files for online use.
Check that the reseller provides at least 2-3 file formats.
Certificate of Authenticity
This document proves the barcode belongs to you.
Not all resellers provide barcode certificates.
Customer Support
You might have questions about using your barcodes. Good resellers offer email , live chat or phone support.
Check reviews to see if they actually respond to customer questions.
At BuyBarcodesCheap.com, we provide dedicated support to help you with any barcode questions or issues.
Money-Back Guarantee
Digital items generally do not offer refunds because once delivered, there is no way to guarantee whether they have been used or not.
The best resellers offer refunds or a solution if their barcodes don’t work. This shows confidence in their product.
Look for a money-back guarantee in case the barcodes do not work.
School and Library Barcodes
Schools and libraries use different barcode systems than retail products.
Library Barcode Systems
Libraries use barcodes for tracking books. These are different from UPC barcodes.
Library barcodes connect to the library’s catalog system. They track who checked out each book.
If you’re setting up a school library, contact library supply companies. They specialize in library barcode systems.
Popular systems include Destiny, Follett, and Alexandria. These companies provide compatible barcodes.
ISBN Barcodes for Books
If you’re publishing books, you need ISBN numbers first. Then you can create ISBN barcodes.
Bowker is the official ISBN agency in the United States. They assign ISBN numbers to book publishers.
Once you have an ISBN, you can generate the barcode. Many ISBN services include barcode generation.
ISBN barcodes are different from regular UPC barcodes. They’re designed specifically for books.
What Happens After You Buy Barcodes?
You receive your barcodes via email quickly. Now what?
Step 1: Organize Your Barcodes
Create a spreadsheet listing each barcode number and which product it represents.
This prevents confusion later. You don’t want to accidentally use the wrong barcode on a product.
Step 2: Add to Your Listings
Enter your UPC EAN numbers on all your sales channels. This includes Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and your own website.
Each platform has a specific field for UPC numbers. It’s usually called “Product ID” or “UPC/EAN.”
Step 3: Print Labels
Either order professional labels or print them yourself. Make sure to test one before printing in bulk.
Scan the test label with your phone. If it scans correctly, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Apply to Products
Put labels on your products or packaging. Make sure they’re straight and wrinkle-free.
Wrinkled labels scan poorly. Take your time with this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Create My Own Barcodes for Free?
No, you cannot make up your own numbers. Barcodes must come from the official GS1 system.
Free barcode generators online are only creating the image. You still need a legitimate number first.
Using fake numbers will get your products removed from stores and marketplaces.
Do Barcodes Expire?
No, legitimate barcodes never expire. Once you own a barcode, it’s yours forever.
However, if you rent from GS1 and stop paying, they can take your numbers back.
This is why buying from resellers is better. You own them permanently with no renewal fees.
When you purchase from BuyBarcodesCheap.com, you get lifetime ownership with zero renewal fees ever.
Can I Reuse Barcodes from Discontinued Products?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Many retailers keep barcode histories in their systems.
If a store’s computer remembers your old product, it might show wrong information for your new product.
It’s safer to use a fresh barcode for each new product.
What If My Barcode Gets Rejected?
First, check that you entered the number correctly. One wrong digit causes rejection.
Second, verify your reseller provided authentic barcode numbers. Contact them if there’s an issue.
Most legitimate resellers have a support team to help resolve rejection issues.
If you experience any issues with barcodes from BuyBarcodesCheap.com, our support team responds within 6-12 hours to resolve any problems.
Can the Same Barcode Work on Multiple Platforms?
Yes! The same UPC barcode works on Amazon, eBay, retail stores, and anywhere else.
You only need to buy each barcode once. Then use it across all your sales channels.
This is one of the great benefits of the UPC system. It’s truly universal.
How Long Does Delivery Take?
Reputable resellers provide fast digital delivery. You should receive your barcodes within minutes of purchase.
The email contains all your barcode numbers, image files, and certificate of authenticity (upon request).
At BuyBarcodesCheap.com, barcodes are delivered to your email within 10–20 minutes of completing payment. In some cases, it may take a few hours. You can start listing products immediately.
Making the Final Decision
Buying barcodes is a one-time decision that affects your business forever.
Choose a reputable reseller that has been in business for several years. Check their reviews and ratings. Make sure they provide authentic barcode numbers.
Verify they offer fast delivery and lifetime ownership with no renewal fees.
Look for good customer support in case you have questions later.
Once you buy barcodes, keep your barcode certificate safe. Store your barcode files in multiple locations.
With proper barcodes, you can sell on many platform and in many store. Your products will be ready for success wherever you decide to sell them.
Ready to get started? Buy your authentic UPC barcodes now and start selling within minutes. Every purchase includes quick digital delivery, all file formats, certificate of authenticity, and lifetime support.