The EAN barcode system is used outside of the U.S. and Canada and is 13 digits long. It is based upon the 12-digit UPC system with the simple addition of a single number that signifies a country code. The great thing about having a 12-digit UPC barcode is that it will work in any country in the world. Therefore, if you have a UPC barcode you do not need an EAN barcode.
When you go to sell your product at a retailer (i.e. Target, Costco, or Amazon.com), that retailer will have you fill out a product information form. On that form is where you will put your company and product details as well as your 13-digit EAN barcode number. The retailer then manually enters that information into their inventory management computer. This way, when they scan your barcode at the register, it calls up that form in their system and gives you credit for the sale. In other words, the barcode is simply a link between your product and the product information form you fill out for each store that sells your product.
Yes, all retail products in the United States (except for magazines and books) require the same type of 13-digit EAN barcode. Whether you need a barcode for your t-shirt, CD, toaster, or whatever it is you are selling, we can be a valuable service to you.
No, all of our barcode fees are one-time only and you never have to pay any renewal fees or future fees of any kind. Because we joined GS!/ U.C.C. in 1999, which is before they started charging renewal fees (August, 2002), we don’t have to pay renewal fees. Therefore, you don’t have to pay renewal fees.
Books use a special type of barcode based upon an ISBN number issued by the Library of Congress. These can be purchased at www.bowker.com. Magazines also require a special barcode with a Bipad number encrypted in it. These can be purchased at www.bipad.com.
If it has been some time between purchases, feel free to contact customer service to access the site as a returning customer. You will be asked to provide a barcode number previously purchased or registered through our services. We will then give you a one-time special code so that you can use to obtain your returning customer benefits and create a new profile. Once your new profile is created, you will then be able to associate all your previously-purchased and new barcodes to a single, easy-to-manage account.
When you go to sell your product at a retailer (i.e. Target, Costco, or Amazon.com), that retailer will have you fill out a product information form. On that form is where you will put your company and product details as well as your 12-digit UPC barcode number. The retailer then manually enters that information into their inventory management computer. This way, when they scan your barcode at the register, it calls up that form in their system and gives you credit for the sale. In other words, the barcode is simply a link between your product and the product information form you fill out for each store that sells your product.
A barcode is simply an inventory tracking tool that retailers use in their computer systems. For example, if you sell a t-shirt that comes in one color and 3 different sizes you would need to buy 3 barcodes. This way, if one of the sizes is selling faster than the others, the store will be able to tell instantly which one needs to be replenished without having to do a manual shelf count.
The barcodes will not be able to be used at Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Federated Group or Kroger’s. This is due to their application process and not to the actual functionality of the barcodes. In the application process for these six stores only, they require a copy of your GS1/UCC certificate with your own company’s name on it. Unfortunately neither we, nor any other reseller of barcodes, can provide you with this document. If you intend to sell your product at either Walmart or Kroger’s, you must purchase your barcodes directly from GS1/UCC to get this document. The barcodes will work at any other stores in the world but these six stores.