How Do UPC and EAN Bar Codes Function?
- UPC and EAN barcodes act as unique GS1-compliant identifiers that allow retailers and marketplaces to track products accurately.
- Each product variation, such as color or size, requires its own UPC or EAN to ensure precise inventory management.
- A single product sold in large quantities needs only one barcode number, which can be printed repeatedly.
- Retailers use your GS1-issued UPC or EAN to link your product to the information you submit during onboarding.
Barcodes function as straightforward, unique identification numbers for your products. Much like a phone number identifies a phone, a UPC or EAN identifies a specific version of your product. Any variation—such as color, size, weight, or style—requires its own barcode number. This ensures every version of your product can be recognized separately by retailers and marketplaces, supporting accurate tracking and organized inventory management.
How many barcodes do I need for product variations?
Example 1: If you sell one t-shirt in five colors, you need five barcode numbers. If each of those colors also comes in five sizes, then you need 25 barcode numbers (5 colors × 5 sizes).
Example 2: If you sell one bottle of water and plan to sell one million units, you still only need a single barcode number. You simply print the same barcode on every unit you produce.
How do retailers use my UPC or EAN?
When selling your product at a retailer such as Whole Foods, Etsy, Google, or other platforms, their onboarding team will require a product information form. On this form, you provide your company information, product details, and your 12-digit UPC or 13-digit EAN. The retailer manually enters this data into their private inventory system. When your barcode is scanned at a register or online, their system retrieves your product data, credits you for the sale, and deducts one unit from their stock. This process ensures accurate sales reporting and inventory tracking.
What information is inside a barcode?
The barcode itself does not contain embedded data such as names, prices, or descriptions. Instead, it simply connects your product to the information the retailer entered into their system. More details about how to register a barcode can be found here: How to Register a Barcode.
Why is each retailer’s system different?
Every store, website, database, and point-of-sale system is private and internal. These systems are not publicly editable. To have your product recognized by a specific retailer or platform, you must follow their required steps for uploading product data. This often involves adhering to their onboarding procedures, communication guidelines, and system-specific protocols.
What steps are needed to upload product data to a retailer?
Retailers typically require direct communication so they can guide you through their process. You will need to provide accurate GS1-compliant UPC or EAN numbers, product information, and any documentation they request to ensure your product is properly registered in their system.
