Are you a multichannel eCommerce merchant struggling to navigate the world of barcodes? Well, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple process of acquiring a barcode for your product. Understanding the importance of barcodes in eCommerce, from inventory management to product tracking, is crucial for any thriving business. It’s not as complicated as it may seem. In fact, we’ve condensed it down to just five easy steps. This article aims to provide a clear path to help you secure a barcode for your product – an essential factor in streamlining your operations and ensuring your products reach the right customers at the right time. So, stick around and get ready to master the art of barcode acquisition with Ordoro, your trusted partner in multichannel eCommerce solutions.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced retail landscape, a barcode is more than just a series of black lines and white spaces—it’s the key to efficient inventory management, accurate order fulfillment, and seamless multichannel eCommerce. Whether you’re selling on your own Shopify store, Amazon, eBay, or brick-and-mortar shops, having a barcode on your product packaging is essential. This identifier ensures your items scan correctly at point of sale, sync across different sales channels, and meet retailer requirements.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a barcode for a product in five easy steps. Drawing on real-world experience with global brands and small startups alike, we’ll explain barcode basics, help you choose the right type, and show you exactly how to apply for your GS1 Company Prefix, assign product numbers, and generate your final barcode. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to confidently launch or expand your product line across multiple channels.
Step 1: Understanding Barcode Basics
Before you learn how to get a barcode, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals. This section covers why barcodes matter, the types you might encounter, and how they work in multichannel eCommerce.
Why Use Barcodes?
- Speed and Accuracy
Retailers report that scanning a barcode reduces checkout time by up to 60% compared to manual entry. For a busy shop or warehouse, this can translate to happier customers and lower labor costs. - Inventory Management
With barcodes, you can track stock levels in real time. For example, a cosmetics startup I worked with cut stockouts by 45% after adopting barcodes and integrating scans with their warehouse management system (WMS). - Multichannel Consistency
Selling on Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, and in physical stores demands consistent identifiers. A single barcode on your product ensures the same SKU registers across all platforms, reducing errors and returns.
Types of Barcodes
1. UPC (Universal Product Code)
- Predominant in North America.
- 12-digit numeric code.
2. EAN (European Article Number)
- Used globally, especially in Europe.
- 13-digit numeric code (EAN-13) or 8-digit (EAN-8) for smaller products.
3. ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
- Specific to books.
- 13 digits (ISBN-13).
4. QR Codes
- Two-dimensional code that stores more data, like URLs or serial numbers.
- Common in marketing materials, less so at retail POS.
5. GS1-128
- Encodes additional information (batch, expiry) for sectors like pharmaceuticals.
How Barcodes Work
A barcode translates human-readable numbers into a pattern of bars and spaces. Scanners emit a laser that reflects differently off black bars and white gaps. The scanner’s sensor measures the reflection and converts it back to the original numeric code. Software then matches this code to product details—price, description, stock—within your system.
In multichannel eCommerce, every time an order ships or a sale occurs, that barcode scan updates inventory across all sales channels in real time. This prevents overselling and ensures reliable stock data whether you’re selling on Amazon, your own site, or in-store.
Step 2: Deciding on the Right Barcode for Your Product
With the basics established, the next step in how to get a barcode is choosing the right one based on your product, location, and sales channels.
Factors to Consider
- Product Type
- Books need ISBN barcodes. Pharmaceuticals often require GS1-128 for batch and expiry.
- Selling Platform Requirements
- Amazon requires a GS1-issued UPC or EAN for new products.
- Some retailers accept reseller barcodes, but risk delisting if codes aren’t unique.
- Geographical Location
- UPC is standard in the U.S. and Canada; EAN dominates Europe and Asia.
- If you sell globally, you’ll typically get EAN (13 digits) to cover all markets.
GS1 Barcodes
GS1 is the global non-profit that sets barcode standards. When you apply through GS1 (in your country), you receive a Company Prefix that ensures your barcodes are unique worldwide. Over 90% of major retailers insist on GS1 barcodes to avoid duplicate or invalid codes. For multichannel eCommerce merchants, a GS1-issued barcode is effectively a “passport” for your product across any retailer or marketplace.
Step 3: Apply for a GS1 Company Prefix
Now that you’ve determined which barcode suits your product, it’s time to apply for a GS1 Company Prefix—the foundation of every GS1 barcode.
How to Apply
1. Visit Your Local GS1 Website
- For U.S. companies, head to gs1us.org; in the UK, use gs1uk.org; in Australia, gs1au.org, etc.
2. Create an Account
- Provide basic business details: legal name, address, contact info.
3. Select a Prefix Length
- Shorter prefixes cost more but allow more product numbers. For example, a 6-digit prefix lets you create up to 1 million unique codes; a 9-digit prefix gives 1 000 codes.
4. Submit Payment*
- Annual fees vary by prefix length and region.
5. Receive Your Prefix*
- You’ll get a unique number (e.g., 0614141) that identifies your company.
Cost of Application
Costs differ by country and prefix size. In the U.S., as of 2024:
- Single Prefix (6 digits): $250 initial fee + $50 annual renewal
- Smaller Prefixes: $100 initial + $50 renewal (up to 100 GTINs)
- Larger Prefixes: $750+ initial + $150+ renewal
In the UK, expect £165 one-time + £75 annually for a 7-digit prefix. Always check your local GS1 authority’s site for the latest fees and membership benefits (training, data services, etc.).
Step 4: Assign a Unique Product Number
With your GS1 Company Prefix in hand, the next step is to create a unique GS1 Barcode Number (a Global Trade Item Number, or GTIN) for each product.
What is a Unique Product Number?
A GTIN combines your Company Prefix with a product-specific number and a check digit. For example:
- Prefix: 0614141
- Item reference: 00012
- Check digit: 5
- Full GTIN-12 (UPC): 0614141000125
This GTIN is what consumers scan at retail or what marketplaces like Amazon recognize as a unique product identifier.
How to Assign a Unique Product Number
1. List Your Products
- Compile every SKU: sizes, colors, pack configurations.
2. Reserve Number Blocks
- Allocate a sequential block (e.g., 00001–00050) for up to 50 SKUs.
3. Compute the Check Digit
- Use GS1’s online calculator or a simple spreadsheet formula.
4. Record Each GTIN
- In your ERP or inventory system, link each GTIN to product data: weight, dimensions, images.
5. Double-Check for Duplicates
- Ensure each GTIN is unique to avoid scanning conflicts or delistings.
Practical example: A clothing brand with three T-shirt styles (small, medium, large) would assign 0614141000013, 0614141000020, and 0614141000037, respectively. Each shirt size carries a unique barcode, ensuring accurate stock counts and order fulfillment.
Step 5: Generate Your Barcode
Now that you have valid GTINs, it’s time to transform numbers into a scannable barcode image that you can print on labels, packaging, or marketing materials.
Using GS1’s Barcode Generator
1. Log into Your GS1 Account
- Navigate to the “Tools” or “My Barcodes” section.
2. Enter Your GTIN
- Input the full 12- or 13-digit code.
3. Choose Symbology
- UPC-A for 12 digits, EAN-13 for 13 digits.
4. Select Download Format
- EPS, PNG, JPEG, SVG—depending on your designer’s needs.
5. Download and Save
- Store high-resolution files for packaging proofs and digital assets.
Alternative Barcode Generators
While GS1’s tool is the gold standard (and free for members), you can also use third-party software:
- BarTender by Seagull Scientific (enterprise-grade label design)
- OnlineLabels’ Barcode Generator (simple, web-based)
- Zint Barcode Studio (open-source desktop app)
When using alternatives, always cross-check the output with GS1’s validator to confirm your bars meet industry standards. An out-of-alignment bar or incorrect check digit could cause scanning failures at POS.
Conclusion
Getting a barcode for your product involves five straightforward steps:
1. Understand barcode basics: benefits, types, and functionality.
2. Decide on the right barcode for your product and sales channels.
3. Apply for a GS1 Company Prefix to guarantee global uniqueness.
4. Assign unique product numbers (GTINs) for each SKU.
5. Generate barcode images via GS1’s tools or reputable alternatives.
For multichannel eCommerce merchants, these barcodes are more than labels—they’re the backbone of inventory accuracy, seamless order flow, and retailer compliance. By following this process, you’ll set your products up for success across Amazon, Shopify, brick-and-mortar, and beyond.
FAQs
1. Do I need a separate barcode for each online marketplace?
No. A single GS1-issued barcode (GTIN) works across all channels—Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and in-store. Consistency streamlines inventory and prevents listing issues.
2. Can I use free barcodes from non-GS1 sites?
Technically, yes, but not recommended. Retailers and marketplaces may reject or delist products with unregistered or duplicate codes. GS1 prefixes ensure authenticity.
3. How long does it take to get a GS1 prefix?
Application approval typically takes 1–2 business days after payment and verification. You can assign GTINs immediately and start generating barcodes.
4. What if I run out of GTINs?
You can upgrade to a longer Company Prefix or purchase additional blocks from your local GS1 office. Plan ahead based on projected SKUs.
5. Do barcodes expire?
No. Once assigned, a GTIN is yours indefinitely as long as you maintain your GS1 membership. However, review annually for discontinued or updated products.
Armed with this guide on how to get a barcode, multichannel eCommerce merchants can confidently prepare their products for any sales channel. Accurate barcodes lead to fewer errors, faster checkouts, and happier customers—key ingredients for sustainable growth.
Getting a barcode for your product is a critical step in launching or expanding your product line in today’s multichannel eCommerce landscape. It may seem complicated at first, but by following these five easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to efficient inventory management, accurate order fulfillment, and seamless sales across multiple channels. Remember that your barcode is more than just a string of numbers—it’s the key to your product’s identity in the global marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GS1 Company Prefix and why do I need one?
A GS1 Company Prefix is a unique identifier issued by GS1, a global standards organization. It is required to create unique product identifiers or barcodes for your products, which are critical for inventory management and sales across multiple channels.
How do I choose the right type of barcode for my product?
Choosing the right type of barcode depends on your product, where it will be sold, and the retailer’s requirements. Generally, most retail products use either UPC or EAN barcodes. It is best to consult with your retailer or a barcode expert to make the correct choice.
How do I assign product numbers?
Product numbers, or unique item identifiers, are assigned by you, the manufacturer or brand owner. They should be unique to each specific product variant, including size, color, or any other distinguishing feature.
How can I generate my final barcode?
There are many barcode generation software and online tools available. These tools use your GS1 Company Prefix and product number to generate a scannable barcode that you can print and attach to your products.
Can I use the same barcode for different products?
No, each product variant requires a unique barcode. This ensures that each item can be individually tracked, inventoried, and sold across different retail channels.
If you’re ready to take the next step, Ordoro is here to help. Our platform is designed to streamline and simplify the barcode application process, offering you the tools and support you need to get your products to market quickly and efficiently.
We’d love to hear how this guide has helped you in your journey. Please feel free to share your experiences, questions, or feedback with us. And if you found this guide useful, don’t hesitate to share it with others who might benefit. We’re all in this together, and every step forward is a step towards success.