What is a Universal Product Code (UPC) and how can I obtain one?

UPC barcodes can increase the productivity and profitability of small enterprises. These codes can speed up checkout times, facilitate better inventory tracking and administration, enable you to track products more easily, and provide insightful sales statistics. UPC barcodes are probably going to be necessary at some point for the majority of companies that produce or market tangible products.

What is the meaning of UPC?

Often called a barcode, UPC stands for Universal Product Code.

A UPC barcode label: what is it?

Scannable symbols called UPC barcodes hold information about a product or item, like its size, flavor, or color. The barcode and a number that is usually 12 digits long are the two components of a UPC label. The Global Trade Item Number, or GTIN, is the name given to the UPC number.

The barcode’s lines and spaces include the GTIN. The product’s maker is indicated by the first six digits.

Each product variety needs its own UPC. Depending on the kinds of data they store, UPC barcodes can perform a variety of functions. Distinct UPCs may be necessary for various package sizes, colors, and sizes.

UPC Types

For goods sold at a retail point of sale, the UPC-A is the most widely used type of UPC code. The majority of products have these scannable barcodes. However, there are a number of additional UPC code formats, including:

GS1 DataBar barcodes: These barcodes are typically found on vegetables, coupons, and fresh goods; they are aesthetically much smaller and frequently carry extra information like expiration dates.

ITF-14 barcodes: These barcodes are commonly found on boxes and other items that are used to identify cartons, pallets, and cases in warehouses and distribution facilities.

GS1-128 barcodes: These barcodes have a GTIN along with additional product details, including an expiration date.

QR codes: These two-dimensional designs serve as barcodes that connect to product information on the internet. Customers use their phones to scan them.

How to Obtain a UPC

Ascertain the required number of barcodes. For every kind and variety of goods, you will require a UPC. For instance, nine barcodes are required for a package of cookies that comes in three box sizes (10-count, 20-count, and 30-count) and three flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry). There would be 27 UPC barcodes if the cookies were to additionally come in three different shapes.

Decide where you want to buy UPCs. The nonprofit group GS1, situated in New Jersey, establishes and oversees the information standards that are incorporated into UPC codes. Companies can buy UPCs from other barcode suppliers or from GS1. Make sure that other retailers will accept third-party barcodes on their sales platforms if you sell your products to or via them.

Cover any relevant fees. The cost is determined by the supplier and the quantity of barcodes required. A UPC provider may impose an upfront price and recurring fees on a yearly or recurrent basis after that. For instance, if you bought 27 UPC codes from GS1 for your cookie business, you would first have to pay $750 for both the codes and your GS1 membership, and then you would have to pay $150 a year to renew both.

Get your UPC codes. Usually, the provider’s website will allow you to view and download each barcode, which you can then print on labels, packaging, and other required materials.

UPC barcodes can increase the productivity and profitability of small enterprises. These codes can speed up checkout times, facilitate better inventory tracking and administration, enable you to track products more easily, and provide insightful sales statistics. UPC barcodes are probably going to be necessary at some point for the majority of companies that produce or…