Barcode FAQ

If you've got questions, we've got answers!

What is a barcode?

A UPC/EAN-13 barcode is a globally recognised unique number assigned to a product that allows wholesalers and retailers to track both stock management and sales of the product in their inventory system.

Do I need a barcode?

Almost every retailer today require barcodes on products for organising their pricing, ordering, sales figures, point of sale and inventory. A UPC/EAN 13 is a common requirement on all products in a retailer’s inventory. To make sure your product can reach the widest market available it is strongly recommended that you aquire a barcode for your product.

I have x amount of products and x variations, how many barcodes should I get?

UPC barcodes are required for every unique item that you intend to sell. Product variations also each require a unique barcode, i.e. if you sell socks in different sizes and colours then a separate barcode would be required for each variant of those socks.

How do barcodes work?

When you supply your product/s to a retailer, you will be required to complete a product information form which links your product and company details to that product’s unique barcode number. The store will transfer this information into their sales and inventory systems allowing your product to be scanned at point of sale and monitored by stock tracking software.

Will all retail stores accept my barcode?

Barcodes Saver’s codes are genuine and GS1 certified, and will be accepted by a vast majority of retail stores within the United States and around the globe. However, we always encourage you to contact retailers you intend to stock and make enquires about their barcode policies before making a purchase with us.

Why buy from Barcode Savers?

Buying a barcode and registering membership with GS1 is overwhelmingly expensive for most small business owners and traders. GS1 requires the payment of initial membership fees plus ongoing yearly subscription charges that total hundreds and thousands of dollars – even when you are simply purchasing a single barcode.

Our barcodes are 100% GS1 certified, incur no additional fees, subscription charges or any hidden costs of any kind.

Will my barcode be unique to my product?

Your barcode is totally unique and linked to your product only. All barcodes sold by Barcode Savers originate from GS1 (formerly UCC) are guaranteed to be unique and are supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

Is any information stored in my barcode?

No information is actually stored in the barcode itself. The barcode is simply a unique number identifier that is recorded in a retailers sales/inventory system and assigned to your item.

Will my barcode expire?

Code’s purchased from Barcode Savers never expire. When you purchase your barcodes from us they are yours for life.

Do you charge any annual fees?

When you purchase UPC codes from The Global Standards Body (GS1) you are required to pay upfront charges and additional yearly fees. So if you’re only looking for barcodes for a small number of items the costs accociated with GS1 memebership can be staggering. Barcode Savers have secured large quantities of genuine UPC numbers in bulk and charge a once off fee when you buy. You remain the sole owner of your numbers and they do not carry annual fees or hidden costs at all.

Do you provide ITF-14 carton codes?

Yes, we offer ITF-14 barcodes as part of our Special Orders service. Please feel free to contact us if you require carton codes to accompany your product codes.

How do I get a Barcode?
Visit our purchase page to select your barcode package to get the ball rolling! Please ensure you have read our conditions of sale before making a purchase with us.