Frequently Asked Questions about UPC/EAN Codes

Frequently Asked Questions about UPC/EAN Codes

Barcodes Explained:

A barcode, also known as a bar code, is a distinctive sequence of digits used to identify products or items. The most common barcode formats are EAN (13 digits) and UPC (12 digits). These numbers can be converted into vertical black bar images. When scanned at a checkout counter, the barcode reveals product information on the screen.


UPC Code Overview:

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit barcode widely used for retail packaging in the United States. It is the most versatile and recognizable type of product code in the country, appearing on almost all retail products. The UPC consists of a barcode with a GTIN-12 number below it.


EAN Code Explained:

The European Article Number (EAN) is a barcode standard used for product identification. It is a 12- or 13-digit code that uniquely identifies the product, manufacturer, and its attributes. Typically, the EAN is printed as a barcode on product labels or packaging. The EAN code is part of the European Article Numbering system.

Do I Need Barcodes for My Products?

We highly recommend obtaining barcodes for your products as many retailers are transitioning to barcode systems. While it may be optional for retailers to use barcodes, they greatly simplify the sales process and inventory management. In the future, some retailers, like Amazon now, might require barcodes for product listings.


Difference Between UPC and EAN:

UPC codes are commonly used in the United States, while EAN codes are used internationally. Nowadays, most places accept both UPC and EAN codes. If you plan to sell your products outside the United States, using an EAN code might be more suitable. EAN codes contain 13 digits, including a leading “0” in front of the GTIN-12 digit UPC code. Both UPC and EAN codes are functionally identical.


Suitability of Our Barcodes for Retail Products:

Yes, our barcodes are suitable for all retail products worldwide. They adhere to the EAN or UPC barcode standards, which are universally used.


Do I Need to Be a Registered Company to Order Barcodes?

No, you can purchase barcodes from us as an individual or a company. We provide barcodes without the requirement of company registration.


Delivery of Barcodes:

Upon ordering a barcode package through our website or via email, you will receive your barcode(s) by email in xls format by default. Upon request, we can deliver them in jpeg, png, txt, svg, pdf, or xlsx formats. Non-instant orders are delivered within one hour to a maximum of six hours.


Global Compatibility of Barcodes:

Yes, our barcodes work worldwide and are compatible with scanning systems globally.


Why Choose Us for Barcode Purchase?

Our company offers affordable barcodes at a one-time price with no annual fees or subscriptions. You own the barcodes for life and can use them as you wish. Additionally, we provide extra barcodes as a gift to our bulk customers. Our service is quick, processing orders within hours, and we offer instant packages for urgent barcode needs.


Purchasing UPC/EAN Codes for Amazon:

To purchase UPC/EAN codes for Amazon, simply visit our Pricing page, select the desired quantity, and proceed to checkout. The codes will be delivered within hours, or instantly for instant code purchases, after payment.


What Will You Receive:

All our barcodes are UCC (GS1) verified UPC/EAN numbers, accompanied by a lifetime guarantee. They are delivered via email within one hour to a maximum of six hours.


Delivery Method:

The delivery of barcodes is done through email to your registered email address. If you don’t see the email, please check your spam folder or contact us.


What should I do if I haven’t received my order?

If you haven’t received your order, please check your spam folder in your email. If you still can’t find it, feel free to contact us for assistance.


How much does it cost to obtain a UPC?

The cost of a single UPC is $1. However, the price per code decreases as you buy in larger quantities. For instance, if you purchase 100 codes, the cost per code will be as low as $0.12. You can find detailed pricing options on our Pricing page.

Amazon requires 13 digits for the code, how can I fix this?

To meet Amazon’s requirement for 13-digit codes, simply add a leading “0” to the UPC code you purchased, and it will resolve the issue.


Will my UPC/EAN codes function flawlessly on Amazon.com? Absolutely!

Our UPC/EAN codes are guaranteed to be unique and unused, and they will work on Amazon. If you encounter any errors while listing your product on Amazon, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

Please see our Amazon F.A.Q.

When will I receive my barcodes after purchasing them?

For non-urgent orders, you will receive your barcodes within a minimum of one hour and a maximum of six hours. Instant codes are delivered within one minute.


Why does a different company show up when I search the GS1 database?

The GS1 database retains the original prefix owner name even though the ownership of UPCs may change over time. This is why you may see an unfamiliar company listed. The database only indicates that the code is GS1 verified, and the listed name is the original prefix owner, not the current UPC owner. Rest assured that your codes will function properly on platforms like Amazon, Google Shopping, iTunes, etc., without any issues.


Are the EAN codes I receive legitimate?

Yes, the EAN codes provided by UpcGo.com are unique, valid, and guaranteed to have never been issued to anyone.


How can I retrieve my UPC/EAN codes after payment?

Once your payment is processed, you will receive an email with your UPC/EAN codes within a few hours. If you’re selling on Amazon, they will generate barcodes/product labels automatically when you enter your UPC/EAN. If you need to manage your own or other stores using your UPC, you can use free barcode generators available online. E.g. this: https://barcode.tec-it.com/en


Can I get a refund, if I can’t (or don’t want) to use UPC codes I’ve ordered

Due to the digital nature of this product, we may offer a refund (full or partial) in exceptional cases where you have read our F.A.Q. and followed all the recommendations, but due to some objective circumstances (account restrictions, etc.) you were unable to use your codes and provided us with sufficient evidence of the impossibility of using them. Therefore, if you are a beginner or simply not sure about the purchase, please contact us or order a small number of codes to begin with (1-10 pcs), and then increase the volume of purchases.


Do I need to register my UPC/EAN codes?

No, there is no need to register your UPC/EAN codes. You only need to provide the codes to the retailer or distributor (e.g., Amazon, eBay, iTunes, Google) when requested. After you assign product info to your UPC, it will be linked forever and such UPC will feflect only your product.


Will my UPC/EAN codes work in countries other than the USA and Canada?

Yes, your UPC/EAN codes will work wherever UPC and EAN codes are scanned, regardless of the country.


Are the UPC codes I receive legitimate?

Yes, the UPC codes provided by UpcGo.com are unique, valid, and guaranteed to have never been issued before. Our company prefixes were obtained prior to the changes in the GS1-US Licensing Agreement, making our provision of UPC codes completely legal.


Will there be any renewal fees charged?

No, we will never charge you any renewal fees or annual membership fees in the future. Our prices are one-time payments.


Do I need separate UPC/EAN codes for each product?

Yes, each unique product you sell requires a different UPC/EAN code. For example, if you have a phone case company and want to sell three different color cases of the same model, you’ll need three UPC/EAN codes. Similarly, if you have three different color cases in three different models, you’ll need a total of nine UPC/EAN codes.


How can I register or link my barcodes to my products?

We do not require your product or company information. The linking of your product details to your barcodes is done by the stores that sell your products. After purchasing the barcodes, you assign them to specific products, and then you provide this information to your retailers. They will enter the barcode number, product description, and price into their database, creating the link. You can easily purchase barcodes on our website, and upon purchase, you will receive the barcodes via email. Retailers, online stores, and supermarkets will add your barcode and product to their internal database systems. When the barcode is scanned, your product information will be displayed. Subsequently, it may appear in various UPC databases and aggregators worldwide.


Do UPC/EAN codes expire?

No, once you purchase UPC/EAN codes through our service, they are yours forever. There are no renewal fees or hidden expenses associated with them.


Will my UPC/EAN codes be unique to me and my products?

Yes, the UPC/EAN codes we provide originate from GS1-US and are guaranteed to be unique and never issued before. As the purchaser, you will be the only person legally allowed to use these codes for your products. If you need, we will issue Certificate of Ownership for your purchase upon request.



Can I reuse UPC/EAN codes for different products once they are no longer in use?

No, UPC/EAN codes are meant to uniquely identify a specific product. Once a code has been assigned to a product and used in the marketplace, it should not be reused for a different product. Each product should have its own unique code.



Can I use UPC/EAN codes for digital or downloadable products?

Yes, UPC/EAN codes can be used for digital or downloadable products. These codes help in identifying and tracking the products, whether physical or digital, in various databases and systems.


Are UPC/EAN codes required for selling products on online marketplaces other than Amazon?

While UPC/EAN codes are commonly used on various online marketplaces, the specific requirements may vary. It’s recommended to check the guidelines and requirements of each marketplace where you plan to sell your products to ensure compliance.



Can I sell my products internationally using UPC/EAN codes?

Yes, UPC/EAN codes are globally recognized and can be used to sell products internationally. These codes are scanned and accepted worldwide, allowing your products to be identified and tracked regardless of the country.



Are UPC/EAN codes necessary for selling products in physical retail stores?

Many physical retail stores require products to have UPC/EAN codes for inventory management and point-of-sale systems. It’s important to check with individual retailers to determine their specific requirements. Please note that if they do not require UPC now, it might change soon.



Can I transfer my UPC/EAN codes to another company if I sell my business?

No, UPC/EAN codes are not transferable between companies. If you sell your business, the new owner will need to obtain their own set of UPC/EAN codes for the products. Transfer unused codes is entirely your responsibility to your customers, UpcGo cannot support transferred codes.

If you want to be a reseller, please contact us for details.



What should I do if I need a large quantity of UPC/EAN codes?

If you require a large quantity of UPC/EAN codes, it’s recommended to reach out to us in Contact page and we can provide guidance on obtaining bulk codes, payment options and prices (100k or more).


Why do UPC/EAN codes cost less on UpcGo.com than on GS1 and even other resellers?

Our prices are lower than GS1 prices and most of resellers because we buy larger volumes of prefixes and pass the bulk buying advantage on to our customers. We are committed to making the process of obtaining barcodes more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses by providing quality codes at a competitive price.




Have a good sales!

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