What is a UPC?
"UPC" stands for Universal Product Code. Retail products sold within the U.S. and Canada feature a single standard UPC barcode. The exceptions to this rule are: books, magazines, greeting cards, and prescription drugs. Retail products sold outside of North America feature an EAN barcode.
How do UPC codes work?
In short, the UPC is a 12-digit unique code for your product represented by scannable bars.
Universal Product Codes (also known as GTIN-12) appear as lines (bars) of varying widths representing the series of numbers commonly shown below the bars.
Barcode scanners read the bars and convert them back to the 12-digit UPC number that they represent.
When you reach an agreement with a retailer to carry your product(s), they request the information required by their unique proprietary sales and inventory tracking systems.
Your 12-digit UPC number, when looked up within the retailer’s inventory system, finds the corresponding product name and price.
This information helps the retailer keep accurate inventory data, review sales, and reorder.
Do I really need a UPC code on my product?
Most stores have electronic point of sale (ePOS) systems that enable them to keep track of their sales and stocks and to reorder products by scanning the UPC code.
Most retailers refuse to accept products that are not barcoded. In addition, many distributors make use of barcodes in their warehouse systems.
How many UPC codes do I need?
In order to properly identify your products in their inventory management system, each retailer requires a different UPC barcode for each unique product.
Example:
You produce and sell picture frames and want to offer your frames for sale on Amazon. You carry two colors, dark walnut and cherry, and both frames come in three sizes including small, medium and large.
How many unique UPC codes are required?
The answer: Six
Why?
Product One: Dark Walnut Frame Small
Product Two: Dark Walnut Frame Medium
Product Three: Dark Walnut Frame Large
Product Four: Cherry Frame Small
Product Five: Cherry Frame Medium
Product Six: Cherry Frame Large