How To Get A Upc Code For Free

How to Find a Product's UPC Code

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Just about every product that sells in retails stores in the United States has a Universal Product Code (UPC). This includes online stores. This is code acts as an identifier and allows the product to be ordered, sold and tracked throughout the supply chain. A UPC consists of a number and barcode. You've likely seen these barcodes on products your entire life. A UPC contains information about a specific product. This can be useful if you want to learn more about where the product came from, its pricing and what it's used for. Here are some ways you can find a product's UPC number.

Search an Online Database

One of the easiest ways to find UPC codes for products is by using an online database. There are many available and they're all easy to use. The great thing about these databases is that you can use them if you don't have UPC number. All you have to do is enter the name of the product and the database provides you with the product's unique code.

Once you have the code, you can find detailed information regarding the product. You may need to use a few of the online databases to figure out which one offers the best functionality. Use a database that provides you with an image of the product so you're sure you're looking at the right information.

Use Mobile Search to Find a UPC

Mobile has surpassed desktop as a means of searching the internet. There are even mobile apps that help you get UPC codes. These apps can also turn your smartphone into a mobile scanner. Individuals and companies can use these apps for everything from inventory management to delivery tracking.

Barcode-lookup apps are great if you need to learn more about a product while shopping. Simply scan the code and get information without having to conduct extensive research. These apps are affordable and offer a wide range of capabilities. Shop around to find the app that best suits you or your business.

Find the Barcode on the Product

Most retail products should have a UPC somewhere on them. This includes the barcode and a number provided by an organization called GS1. It creates and maintains standards for business communications. In the United States, the most common barcodes are UPCs. You'll find one on every regulated retail product.

However, these can be difficult to find, especially on large items. They're typically located on the bottom or side of the packaging. There will only be one UPC per product. You may have to do a little searching. You're looking for a standard barcode, which is a series of black lines of varying thicknesses. Under the barcode, you'll see a number. You can plug this number into a UPC lookup site or scan the barcode using your mobile app.

Buying a UPC Code

GS1 regulations prohibit businesses from creating their own barcodes to use on products. Instead, you must be assigned a company prefix number. You can then get unique barcodes to place on products. The GS1 creates and assigns them.

You must purchase a UPC from the GS1. However, you'll need to purchase at least 100 barcodes. If you own a business and need barcodes for each of your products, you're looking at spending at least $750. You'll also have to renew these barcodes every year. The renewal fee for your symbols should be around $150.

Using a Barcode for Your Own Products

If you're using UPC barcodes for business products, there are a few things you need to know. It's important to note that a UPC code only identifies a product and provides information. It doesn't have anything to do with the product's price. As a retailer, you set the price and scan it into your own system. You can also decide what information someone sees when they search a product's UPC number.

If your business wants to use barcodes for internal communications, you don't have to pay GS1 fees. There are special code prefixes for internal use. Finally, a product's barcodes don't identify the country of origin. While a UPC does provide your business location, you can still manufacture your products in other locations.