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Barcodes for Wholesale: What Faire Retailers and Independent Stores Expect

PK — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 13:00:00 +0000

A shop owner finds your candles on Faire and places a first order. A week later a box lands on her counter, and someone has to get 48 candles into the store's point-of-sale system before they can be sold. If every candle carries a barcode, that takes minutes. If not, it takes an afternoon of typing and label printing. So do you need barcodes to sell wholesale?

The direct answer: Faire does not require barcodes, and a small shop can sell your product without one. But more retailers now ask for them, Faire buyers can filter for products that have a GTIN, and a store's register works best when every unit carries a UPC that scans. One UPC per variant, printed on the retail unit, is the baseline. Case codes come later, if a distributor or larger buyer asks. Below is what Faire says, what a store's POS expects, and how to get your line ready.

Two levels of barcode in wholesale: a UPC on every retail unit, and sometimes a case code on the carton.

What Faire Says About Barcodes

Faire uses the term GTIN, the family name for UPC, EAN and ISBN numbers. Its help center and blog make five points that matter to brands:

They are optional. Faire says it does not require brands to add barcodes or GTINs to their listings.
Retailers are asking for them. Faire reports growing GTIN requests from retailers that use advanced inventory tools, and it names grocery chains, hardware stores and toy retailers. These buyers often run several locations, automated reordering and a third-party POS or ERP system.
Buyers can filter on them. Retailers can search with a "Has GTIN" filter. A product without one will not appear in that view.
They flow into the store's POS. Faire offers integrations with Shopify, Square, Clover and Lightspeed Retail that add purchased products to the retailer's system. Faire notes that barcode data only syncs if the brand has provided it.
They speed up order writing. In the Faire mobile app, a brand can build an order for a retailer by scanning product GTINs.

How to Add GTINs on Faire

Faire's format rules are short: digits only, a length of 8, 12, 13 or 14, a valid check digit, and a separate GTIN for each variant or style. A 12-digit UPC meets them. Our free check digit calculator confirms a code before you paste it in.

Faire lists four ways to add them:

Product Editor. Each variation has a GTIN field beside its SKU and prices.
Bulk Editor. Update many listings on one screen.
Bulk upload spreadsheet.
An integration, such as Faire's Shopify integration. (Set the codes up in Shopify first: UPC codes for Shopify stores.)

What an Independent Store's POS Expects

What the Store Does	What It Needs From You
Receives your delivery	A barcode on every unit, so stock can be scanned in
Rings up a sale	A UPC that scans on the first try
Tracks what sells	A different code for every size, scent, color and flavor
Reorders	The same code on every shipment of the same product

When a product arrives without a barcode, the shop has to create its own code, print its own labels and stick one on every unit. Stores do this, but it is extra work on each delivery.

Two details brands often ask about:

The price is not in the barcode. A UPC only identifies the product. Each store sets its own price in its POS, so you do not need different codes for different retailers.
Size and placement matter. A barcode that is too small or wraps around a curve will not scan. (Guides: sizing and placement and why a barcode won't scan.)

Unit Codes vs. Case Codes

The unit code is the 12-digit UPC on each item a shopper buys. Every wholesale-ready product needs one.
The case code is a 14-digit number that identifies a full carton, such as a case of 12. It is built from the UPC of the item inside and is usually printed as an ITF-14 barcode on the box.

Small independent shops usually open the box and scan the units, so they rarely need a case code. Distributors, warehouses and larger retailers that receive goods by the carton may ask for one. If a buyer does ask, each case size needs its own code. We found nothing in Faire's help pages that asks brands for case codes. (Explained: master carton codes. Order: SCC-14 case codes.)

One related rule: a gift set or multipack that is sold as one item needs its own UPC, separate from the single item. (Examples: how many UPC codes do I need?)

Do Purchased Codes Work for Wholesale?

For independent stores, boutiques, gift shops and their POS systems, yes. The register needs a unique code that scans, and that is what a purchased code is. You pay once and there are no renewal fees.

One exception to check: a large chain with a formal supplier program may ask for a company prefix registered in your own company's name. Ask the buyer before you print packaging.

Step-by-Step: Get Your Line Wholesale-Ready

1

Count Your Variants

List every size, scent, color and set you sell. Each one needs a code.
2

Get Your Codes

Order UPCs at UPCs.com. They arrive by email within minutes: 25 codes are $50 and 100 are $90.
3

Put the Barcode on Every Unit

Add it to your packaging artwork, or apply a label. We print barcode label sheets for $29.99 per 1,000 labels, or you can make the image with our free barcode generator. (Already printed your packaging? Use barcode stickers.)
4

Add the Codes to Your Listings and Line Sheet

Enter each GTIN on Faire, and include it in the product list you send to buyers. Stores can then load your products before the box arrives.
5

Scan Before You Ship

Test one finished unit of each variant with a phone scanner app. Fixing a label now is easier than fixing it in 40 stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Faire require UPC codes?

No. Faire says GTINs and barcodes are optional for brands. Individual retailers may still ask for them.

Do I need a barcode for each scent or size?

Yes. Every variant a shopper can choose is a separate product with its own code.

Should I print the retail price on the barcode label?

You do not have to. The barcode identifies the product and the store's POS supplies the price.

Can I use the same UPC for wholesale and for my own online store?

Yes. One product keeps one code on every channel.

Make Reordering Easy for Every Store

UPC codes delivered by email in minutes, one for every variant. One-time fee, no renewal fees, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Buy UPC Barcodes Now

The post Barcodes for Wholesale: What Faire Retailers and Independent Stores Expect appeared first on UPCs.com.

Selling on Temu: Do You Need a UPC or Barcode? Product Identifier Requirements for Sellers

PK — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Temu opened its marketplace to US-based sellers, and many brands that already sell on Amazon or Walmart are adding it as another channel. Those sellers arrive expecting the usual hurdle: a mandatory UPC on every listing. So do you need a UPC or barcode to sell on Temu?

The direct answer: for most products, no. Temu's published listing specification has a barcode field that accepts a UPC, EAN, ISBN or GTIN-14, and it marks that field as mandatory only for book categories. The identifiers it does insist on are your own SKU code and, for branded products, a brand that Temu has approved. One caution up front: Temu keeps its seller help pages behind the Seller Center login, so this article relies on Temu's public partner documentation and on integration partners' guides. Where those sources disagree, we say so.

Temu's listing guide requires your own SKU code. The barcode field is optional outside book categories.

What Temu's Documentation Says

Temu publishes technical documentation for the software that sellers use to send listings. It is the clearest public statement of what a listing needs. On product identifiers, it says:

The barcode is called the External Product ID. The documentation states that it is mandatory for book categories.
Accepted formats: a UPC of 12 digits, an EAN of 8 or 13 digits, an ISBN of 10 or 13 digits for books, and in the newest listing guide, a GTIN-14.
The number is validated. The last digit of a UPC or EAN has to be a correct check digit.
A bad barcode is dropped, not rejected. For non-book categories, the newest guide says a barcode that does not meet the requirements is discarded and the listing continues without it.

Listing Field	Status in Temu's Documentation
Your SKU code ("Contribution SKU")	Required. Your own identifier, unique within your store.
Brand	Must match the trademark name registered in your Temu Seller Center
Barcode (UPC, EAN, GTIN-14)	Optional outside book categories
ISBN	Mandatory for book categories

Where the Sources Disagree

Two companies that connect seller catalogs to Temu publish their own field guides, and they do not say the same thing.

Lengow lists "Barcode ID & Type" as mandatory in its Temu feed and gives EAN-13 and UPC as examples.
ChannelEngine does not include a barcode among its required Temu fields at all.

The likely reading is that Temu itself does not demand a barcode for most products, while some listing tools do. Rules can also differ by country and by category, and Temu changes them. Before you build a catalog, check the listing form in your own Seller Center for your category.

Brand: The Field Temu Is Strict About

Temu wants to know whether a product is branded. Its documentation says the brand you enter has to be the same as the trademark name registered in the Seller Center. Lengow's guide describes the two paths: map a brand that Temu has already approved for your store, or mark the product as having no trademark. A product with neither is rejected.

Lengow also notes that Temu does not match listings by EAN. Each seller creates a separate listing. On Temu, a barcode is not what connects your offer to a shared product page, as it is on Amazon or Walmart.

Why Add a UPC Anyway

If the field is optional, is it worth filling in? For most multi-channel sellers, yes.

One catalog, many channels. If you also sell on Amazon, Walmart, eBay or Google, your products already need codes. Use the same code on Temu and keep one record per product. (Compare: Walmart Marketplace requirements and TikTok Shop UPC requirements.)
Listing tools may insist. If you publish through a feed tool, its template may require a barcode even where Temu does not.
Scanning. A warehouse or fulfillment partner picks and packs faster, with fewer mistakes, when every unit carries a barcode.
The next retailer. A store buyer who finds your product will expect a scannable code on the package.

If Temu is your only channel and you pack your own orders, you can list without a UPC and add one later.

Step-by-Step: Product Identifiers for a Temu Listing

1

Settle Your Brand Status First

Register your brand in the Seller Center and wait for approval, or decide to list the product as unbranded. Listings fail without one or the other.
2

Give Every Variant a SKU Code

Use letters and numbers, keep each one unique in your store, and use the same SKU you use on your other channels. (How the two codes differ: SKUs vs. UPCs.)
3

Add a Barcode if the Product Has One

Reselling another brand? Use the code on its packaging. Your own product? Assign one of your own. UPCs.com delivers codes by email in minutes for a one-time fee.
4

Check the Digits Before You Submit

Temu validates the check digit, and a code that fails is dropped. Confirm yours with our free check digit calculator.
5

Put the Barcode on the Package

Create the image with our free barcode generator, or order printed barcode labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Temu require a UPC?

Temu's public documentation marks the barcode field as mandatory only for book categories, where it is an ISBN. For other products it is optional. Check your own category in the Seller Center, because requirements can vary and change.

Which barcode types does Temu accept?

UPC, EAN, ISBN and GTIN-14, according to its current listing guide.

Is there a GTIN exemption on Temu?

We found no exemption process in Temu's public documentation. Outside book categories the barcode field is optional, so an exemption would not be needed.

Can I use the same UPC on Temu and Amazon?

Yes. One product keeps one code on every channel.

Do I need a barcode to register as a Temu seller?

Nothing in the documentation we reviewed ties seller registration to barcodes. Registration asks for business details. Product identifiers come in at the listing stage.

One Code for Every Channel

UPC codes for a one-time fee, with no renewal fees and instant email delivery. List on Temu today and be ready for the next marketplace or store.

Buy UPC Barcodes Now

The post Selling on Temu: Do You Need a UPC or Barcode? Product Identifier Requirements for Sellers appeared first on UPCs.com.

Walmart Marketplace UPC and GTIN Requirements in 2026: Product IDs, Exemptions and Which Codes Fit

PK — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Walmart Marketplace will not let you set up an item without a product ID, and it looks closely at the ID you give it. Sellers who arrive from eBay, Etsy or their own Shopify store are often surprised by how strict that step is. So what are the Walmart Marketplace UPC and GTIN requirements in 2026?

The direct answer: every item needs its own product ID: a 12-digit UPC, a 13-digit EAN, a 14-digit GTIN, or an ISBN for books. Walmart validates that ID, and it may ask that the brand on your listing matches the company the barcode prefix is registered to. If your product has no ID at all, you can ask Walmart for a GTIN exemption. Below is what Walmart's current seller policy says (it was last updated on September 2, 2026), the errors it produces, and a plain look at which kind of code fits which kind of seller.

Item setup on Walmart Marketplace starts with three fields that have to agree: product ID type, product ID and brand.

What Walmart Requires

Walmart's product identifier policy opens with one sentence: all items sold on Walmart Marketplace must have product IDs. It accepts four types.

Type	Digits	Used For
UPC	12	General purpose, mainly North America
EAN	13	General purpose, mainly outside North America
GTIN	14	General purpose, worldwide
ISBN	10 or 13	Books and publications only

The policy adds a short list of rules:

One unique ID per product. Each size, color and pack count is a separate item with its own ID. (Count yours: how many UPC codes do I need?)
No reuse. Walmart says the reuse of product IDs for separate items is strictly prohibited. (More: can you reuse a UPC code?)
One ID at setup. Even if your product carries both a UPC and a GTIN-14, you set the item up with one of them.
Numbers only. No dashes and no spaces. Items with incorrect IDs are not processed.
Model numbers and SKUs do not count. They are not universal, so Walmart does not accept them as product IDs.
A new brand name means new IDs. Walmart says a primary brand change needs new product IDs. Small packaging changes do not.

How Walmart Validates a Product ID

This is the part most sellers miss. Walmart's policy says listings with invalid product IDs will be removed, and that invalid IDs can lead to suspension or termination of a Marketplace account. Its examples of invalid IDs include:

Codes meant for coupons, refunds or in-store use.
An ID used on the wrong kind of product, such as a book code on clothing.
An item registered for one brand but set up under a different brand.
An item registered by a company but set up under a brand name that is not related to that company.

In plain terms, Walmart may ask that the brand on your listing matches the company the barcode prefix is registered to. If you resell another company's products, that is simple: use the code already printed on the package. If you sell your own brand, it decides which kind of code you should use. We cover that below.

No Product ID? Request a GTIN Exemption

Walmart offers an exemption for products that do not have a product ID. Its guide names private label and handmade products as examples. An exemption works with both seller-fulfilled items and Walmart Fulfillment Services.

1

Open GTIN Exemptions

In Seller Center, go to Catalog and select GTIN Exemptions. You need admin access to apply.
2

Choose the Category and Product Type

One request can cover up to 10 categories and 100 product types. You can add up to three links to your own website or another marketplace to help Walmart verify your store.
3

Select the Brand and Give a Clear Reason

Walmart's own example of an acceptable reason is that your assortment does not have manufacturer-issued GTINs. "I need an exemption to list items" is its example of a reason that fails.
4

Submit and Wait

Walmart says to allow up to three business days. After approval, wait four hours, then set up the item with the same brand and product type that were approved.

Walmart notes that requests are commonly denied when it finds that the seller has been issued a GTIN before. An exemption also covers Walmart only. It does not put a scannable barcode on your product for stores or other channels.

The Product ID Errors Walmart Lists

Typos and numbers that do not exist. Check the entry in your spreadsheet and resubmit. Our free check digit calculator catches a mistyped digit in seconds.
The wrong pack size. Walmart's example is a 12-pack of soap listed with the ID of the 24-pack. The offer is merged onto the wrong item page and customers receive less than they expected.
Repeated mismatches. Walmart unpublishes items with a product ID mismatch and may count the frequency of mismatches in your seller performance.
Invented numbers. Walmart's advice is direct: if your item does not have a product ID, never create a fake one.

(Error-by-error fixes: common UPC listing errors on Walmart.)

Which Code Fits Which Seller

Your Situation	What Fits on Walmart Marketplace
You resell another brand's products	The UPC already printed on the package. Do not buy a new code for it.
Private label or handmade items with no barcode, sold online only	A GTIN exemption from Walmart.
Your own brand, with Walmart as your main channel	A company prefix registered in your own company's name. It costs more and carries an annual fee, but the registration matches your brand.
Products you sell in stores, on your own website and on other marketplaces	Purchased codes work well for those channels. For the Walmart listing, read the note below first.

A note on purchased codes. With codes you buy from a reseller such as UPCs.com, the prefix stays registered to the company it was first issued to. Each code is still unique and yours to use for good. For store shelves, inventory systems, your own website and many marketplaces, nothing more is needed. On Walmart Marketplace, the brand rule above can apply to a listing under your own brand name. If Walmart questions a code you bought from us, send us your order number. We can supply a letter of affiliation for your brand, and every order carries a 30-day money-back guarantee. (What that letter is: UPC letter of affiliation.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walmart Marketplace require a UPC?

It requires a product ID for every item. That can be a UPC, an EAN, a 14-digit GTIN or an ISBN. The only way to list without one is an approved GTIN exemption.

Can I use the same UPC on Walmart and Amazon?

Yes. A product keeps one code on every channel. That is what lets marketplaces, stores and your own inventory agree on what the item is.

How long does a Walmart GTIN exemption take?

Walmart says to allow up to three business days for a response. Once approved, wait four hours before you create the item.

Can I check a code before I list it?

Yes. Run it through our free UPC lookup to see whether it already points to another product, and confirm the last digit with the check digit calculator.

UPC Codes for Every Channel You Sell On

One-time fee, no renewal fees and instant email delivery. More than 200,000 businesses served since the late 1990s, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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The post Walmart Marketplace UPC and GTIN Requirements in 2026: Product IDs, Exemptions and Which Codes Fit appeared first on UPCs.com.

Google Shopping and Merchant Center: Why Valid GTINs Get Your Products Seen

PK — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

You've set up Google Merchant Center, connected your store, and your products are finally eligible to show in Google Shopping — then the warnings start: "Limited performance due to missing identifiers," or worse, items disapproved for an invalid GTIN. Many sellers leave the barcode field blank and hope for the best. So does Google Shopping really need a GTIN, and what happens if you don't have one?

The direct answer: Google asks for a GTIN — in the US, your 12-digit UPC — for every new product that has one, and uses it to understand exactly what you're selling. Products with a valid UPC and matching brand give Google the clearest possible signal; products without one can be flagged for limited performance, and invalid numbers can get items disapproved. Below is how Google uses GTINs, when "identifier exists: no" is the honest answer, and how to fix your feed.

A valid GTIN tells Google exactly which product you sell, so your listing can be matched and shown with confidence.

How Google Uses Your GTIN

Google Shopping and free product listings show millions of products from thousands of stores. To make sense of them, Google groups identical products together — and the GTIN is the most reliable way to do that. When your listing carries a valid UPC:

Google knows exactly what the product is, rather than guessing from your title and photos.
Your listing can be matched to the right product and shown alongside other offers for it.
Your data looks complete and trustworthy, which avoids the "missing identifiers" warnings in Merchant Center.

The Three GTIN Situations in Merchant Center

Your Situation	What to Submit	What Happens
Product has a valid UPC	The UPC in the `gtin` field, plus your brand	The strongest signal Google can get
Product truly has no code (custom, handmade, vintage)	`identifier_exists` set to "no"	Accepted, but Google has less to match on
Branded product sold in quantity, no code yet	Get UPCs, then add them	Until then, expect "missing identifiers" warnings
Made-up or copied number	Nothing — remove it	Google checks the check digit and number ranges; invalid codes can be disapproved

The "Identifier Exists: No" Trap

Feed apps make it easy to switch identifier_exists to "no" for every product just to clear the warnings. That setting is meant for items that genuinely have no code. Using it for branded products you sell in quantity hides the real problem: Google still doesn't know exactly what your product is. If you're building a brand, the fix is to give each product its own UPC. (How many you need: how many UPC codes do I need?)

Common GTIN Errors (and Fixes)

Invalid check digit: usually a typo or a number from a free generator. Verify any code with our check digit calculator. (How it works: how to read a UPC barcode.)
One code on several variants: each size and color needs its own UPC. Group variants with item_group_id instead of sharing a code.
Brand mismatch: the brand in your feed should match the brand printed on the product.
Store-internal numbers: SKUs or in-store codes aren't GTINs. Keep them in your SKU field. (The difference: SKUs vs. UPCs.)

Step-by-Step: Fixing Your Google Feed

1

Find the Products Google Is Flagging

In Merchant Center, open the product diagnostics and look for "missing identifiers" and "invalid GTIN" issues. That's your to-do list.
2

Get a UPC for Every Product and Variant

Order your codes at UPCs.com — delivered within minutes, owned forever, with no renewal fees.
3

Add the Codes in Your Store, Not Just the Feed

In Shopify, enter each code in the variant's Barcode field; in WooCommerce, use each product's or variation's GTIN/UPC field. Your Google sales channel or feed plugin passes it to Merchant Center. (Store setup: barcodes for Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.)
4

Set Brand and Identifier Settings Correctly

Make sure every product has the right brand, and switch identifier_exists back on for any product that now has a UPC.
5

Use the Same Codes on Every Channel

The UPC you give Google should be the same one on your packaging, Amazon, and eBay. (More: do you need a UPC to sell on eBay? and UPC codes for Amazon.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a GTIN required for Google Shopping?

Google asks for a GTIN for new products that have one. Products that genuinely have no code, such as handmade or custom items, can be submitted with identifier_exists set to "no."

Is a UPC the same as a GTIN?

Yes. A 12-digit UPC is a type of GTIN, and it's the one used for products sold in the US. (Explained: GTIN vs. UPC.)

Can I use a free barcode generator for my Google feed?

No. A generator can draw a barcode image, but it can't give you a genuine number of your own. (Why: online barcode generators.)

Do I need a different GTIN for each size and color?

Yes. Each variant is its own product with its own UPC; use item_group_id to group them.

Give Google the Data It Wants

Authentic UPC codes delivered in minutes — one for every product and variant. Clear the "missing identifiers" warnings and use the same codes on every channel.

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The post Google Shopping and Merchant Center: Why Valid GTINs Get Your Products Seen appeared first on UPCs.com.

Do You Need a UPC to Sell on eBay? Product Identifiers, “Does Not Apply” and When a UPC Helps

PK — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

List a new item on eBay and you'll quickly meet the "Item specifics" section with a UPC field, a Brand field, and an MPN field — and a tempting option called "Does not apply." Sellers moving over from Etsy or their own website often wonder whether they can skip it. So do you need a UPC to sell on eBay?

The direct answer: if your product has a UPC, eBay expects you to enter it, and in many categories product identifiers are required for new items. "Does not apply" is meant for items that genuinely have no code — handmade, custom, vintage, or one-of-a-kind pieces. If you sell your own branded products in quantity, a UPC for each one is worth having: it connects your listing to eBay's product catalog and keeps your products consistent across every channel you sell on. Below is how eBay's product identifiers work and how to add yours correctly.

Item specifics: the UPC field connects your listing to the product catalog; "Does not apply" is for items that have no code.

eBay's Product Identifiers, Explained

Identifier	What It Is	When to Use It
UPC (or EAN / ISBN)	The product's barcode number	Whenever the product has one; required for new items in many categories
Brand	The brand name printed on the product	Always, if the product is branded
MPN	The manufacturer's part or model number	If the product has one; common for parts and electronics
"Does not apply"	A statement that no code exists	Handmade, custom, vintage, or one-of-a-kind items

eBay's exact requirements vary by category and item condition, and eBay may not renew or accept listings that are missing identifiers it requires. The simplest rule: if the product has a UPC, enter it. (More on eBay: UPC codes for eBay.)

When "Does Not Apply" Is the Right Answer

Handmade and custom items made one at a time.
Vintage and antique items made before barcodes existed.
One-of-a-kind pieces such as art or refurbished one-offs.

It isn't meant for branded products that are sold in quantity. If you're building a brand — especially if you also sell on Amazon, Walmart, or in stores that require UPCs — give every product its own code from the start.

Why a UPC Helps Your eBay Listings

Catalog matching. A UPC connects your listing to eBay's product catalog, which fills in product details and makes your item easier to find through search filters.
Consistency across channels. The same code identifies the same product on eBay, Amazon, Walmart, Google, and your own store, so your inventory and listings stay in sync.
Buyer confidence. A real, unique product identifier signals an established product rather than a one-off.

Variation Listings: One UPC Per Option

If you sell a product in several sizes or colors in one listing, each variation gets its own UPC in the variation details. Five colors means five codes. (Worked examples: how many UPC codes do I need? and UPC codes for clothing.)

And don't be tempted to invent numbers or use one from a free generator: a made-up code can match your listing to someone else's product. (Why: online barcode generators.)

Step-by-Step: Adding UPCs to Your eBay Listings

1

Check Whether Your Item Already Has a Code

If you're reselling another brand's product, the UPC is printed on its packaging — use that one. If it's your own product, you'll need your own codes.
2

Buy One Code Per Product and Variation

Order your UPCs at UPCs.com. They arrive within minutes and are yours for good — no renewal fees.
3

Enter the Code in Item Specifics

Add the UPC and your brand name in the listing's Item specifics. For variation listings, add each variation's code in its own row.
4

Put the Barcode on the Product

Print the barcode on your packaging or add a label, so the code on the listing matches the code on the item. (No barcode on your packaging yet? Use barcode stickers.)
5

Use the Same Code Everywhere

Enter the same UPC for the same product on Amazon, Walmart, Shopify, and TikTok Shop. (Marketplace rules compared: TikTok Shop UPC requirements and UPC codes for Amazon.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a UPC required to sell on eBay?

For new items in many categories, eBay requires product identifiers when the product has them. Handmade, custom, and vintage items without a code can use "Does not apply."

Can I sell used items on eBay without a UPC?

Yes. If the item has a UPC on its packaging, adding it helps match your listing to the right product, but used and vintage items often have none.

Do I need a different UPC for each color in a variation listing?

Yes. Each size, color, or style variation is a separate product with its own code.

Will UPCs from UPCs.com work on eBay?

Yes. They're authentic 12-digit UPC codes, and you enter them in eBay's UPC field like any other product code.

List on eBay With Confidence

Authentic UPC codes delivered in minutes — one for every product and variation. Buy once, use them on every marketplace, and own them forever.

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The post Do You Need a UPC to Sell on eBay? Product Identifiers, “Does Not Apply” and When a UPC Helps appeared first on UPCs.com.

Can You Reuse or Transfer a UPC Code? Discontinued Products, Rebrands and Selling Your Business

PK — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Products come and go. A flavor gets discontinued, a line is rebranded, a small brand is sold to a bigger one. And each time, the same question comes up about the barcodes: can you reuse a UPC code for a new product, and can you transfer your UPCs when you sell the business?

The direct answer: don't reuse a UPC on a different product — give every new product a fresh code. But the codes you own are business assets: when you sell your brand, they go with the products, and the new owner keeps using them without reprinting a single box. Below we'll cover the few cases where an old code can come back, when a "same" product actually needs a new code, and how to hand your codes over cleanly in a sale.

One code, one product — for good. Your codes and your proof of ownership travel with the brand.

Why You Shouldn't Reuse a UPC

A UPC is only useful because everyone agrees it means one thing. Once a code has been on a product, it lives on in places you don't control:

Marketplace catalogs. Amazon, Walmart, and Google keep the code tied to the original product's details. A new product listed under an old code can end up matched to the old product page or flagged as a mismatch. (Fixing mismatches: Amazon error 8572 explained.)
Retailer and distributor systems. Stores, wholesalers, and 3PLs may still have the old product on file, along with its price and description.
Old stock in circulation. Units of the discontinued product may still be sitting on shelves, in warehouses, or with resellers.

The global barcode standards stopped allowing codes to be reused on different products in 2019 for exactly these reasons. A fresh code costs very little; untangling a reused one can cost weeks of lost sales.

When an Old Code Can Come Back

Situation	Use the Old Code?
A discontinued product returns exactly as it was	Yes — same product, same code
A code you assigned but never printed, listed, or sold	Yes — it was never used, so it's still free
Packaging redesign, same product and contents	Yes — the product hasn't changed
New size, quantity, or formula	No — it's a new product
Rebrand with a new brand name on the product	No — marketplaces tie codes to brands
A completely different product	No — never

Transferring UPCs When You Sell Your Business

When you buy UPCs from UPCs.com, the rights to those specific numbers are transferred to you, with no renewal fees. That makes them an asset you can pass on with the business. (Ownership explained: how to avoid barcode renewal fees.)

The codes stay with the products. The new owner keeps selling the same products under the same UPCs — no reprinting, no relisting from scratch.
Hand over the paperwork. Include your code list (which code is on which product), your purchase records, and your certificates in the sale documents.
Include the unused codes. Codes you bought but never assigned can go to the new owner as well, ready for new products.
Need documents for the new owner? Contact our team before closing and tell us what the buyer needs. (Related: what is a UPC letter of affiliation?)

Step-by-Step: Keeping Your Codes Clean for Life

1

Keep One Master Spreadsheet

Every code you own, the product it's assigned to, the date, and a status column: active, discontinued, or unused. This one file answers every future question. (Setting it up: how many UPC codes do I need?)
2

Retire Codes, Don't Recycle Them

When a product is discontinued, mark its code "discontinued — do not reuse." If the exact product ever returns, bring the code back with it.
3

Take a Fresh Code for Every New Product

New flavor, new size, new brand name? Use the next unused code on your list. Running low? Top up your codes — they never expire, so extras simply wait until you need them.
4

Keep Your Proof of Ownership Safe

Store your order confirmation and certificates with your business records. They're what you'll show a marketplace, a retailer, or a buyer.
5

Include Codes in Any Sale

If you sell the brand, list the UPCs as an asset in the agreement and hand over the spreadsheet and paperwork at closing. If you're the buyer, ask for them before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the UPC from a discontinued product on a new one?

No. The old code is still tied to the old product in marketplace and retailer systems. Give the new product its own code.

Do I need new UPCs if I only redesign my packaging?

No. If the product, its size, and its contents are unchanged, it keeps its code.

If I sell my business, do the UPCs go with it?

Yes. The codes are assets tied to the products. The buyer keeps using them, and your code list and certificates should be part of the handover.

Do UPC codes expire?

Not ours. Codes from UPCs.com are a one-time purchase with no renewals. (Details: Will my UPC codes ever expire?)

Codes You Own, for Good

Authentic UPC codes delivered in minutes. Buy once, own them outright, and take them with your brand wherever it goes.

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The post Can You Reuse or Transfer a UPC Code? Discontinued Products, Rebrands and Selling Your Business appeared first on UPCs.com.

Already Printed Your Packaging Without a Barcode? How to Add UPC Barcode Stickers That Scan

PK — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

It happens all the time: the boxes are printed, the pallets have arrived — and then a retailer, Amazon, or your new 3PL asks for a UPC barcode on every unit. Or you've switched suppliers and the old barcode on your packaging no longer belongs to you. Reprinting thousands of boxes isn't in the budget or the timeline. So can you just add a UPC barcode sticker to packaging you've already printed?

The direct answer: yes. A barcode sticker is a perfectly good way to add a UPC — as long as it's a full-size code on an opaque white label, placed flat, covering any old barcode completely, and applied in the same spot on every unit. Then fold the barcode into your artwork at the next print run. Below is how to choose the sticker, where to put it, and how to label a whole shipment without mistakes.

A white barcode label adds a scannable UPC to packaging that's already printed — no reprint needed.

Your Options When Packaging Has No Barcode

Option	Best For	Trade-Off
Barcode sticker	Inventory you already have, and small runs	Labor to apply each label
Reprint the packaging	Your next production run	Cost and lead time; your current stock still needs labels
Hang tag or neck tag	Apparel, bottles, and items with no flat surface	Tags can be removed or torn off
Sleeve or belly band	Gift boxes and premium packs	Extra printing and assembly

For most brands, the answer is both: stickers for the stock you have now, and the barcode printed into the artwork next time. (Artwork specs for the reprint: barcode files for packaging designers.)

Choosing the Right Barcode Sticker

Size: a standard UPC needs a label of about 1.5" × 1" or larger. Don't shrink the barcode below 80% of standard size to fit a smaller sticker.
Opaque white: the label must fully hide whatever is printed underneath, especially an old barcode. A see-through label lets scanners read both codes.
Matte finish: glossy labels can reflect light back into the scanner.
Material to match the pack: paper for dry boxes and bags; film for bottles, jars, or anything that gets wet or cold. (Full guide: which barcode label material should you use?)
Size and color text: if you sell several variants in similar boxes, print the variant name under the barcode so the right sticker goes on the right box.

Where to Put the Sticker

On a flat panel — back or bottom — away from edges, folds, seams, and flaps.
Over the old barcode if there is one, covering it completely. Two barcodes on one pack confuse scanners and can ring up the wrong product.
Not over required information like ingredients, warnings, or your company details.
In the same spot on every unit, so warehouse staff and cashiers know where to scan.

Shipping through Amazon FBA? Amazon may also ask for its own FNSKU label, which covers the manufacturer barcode on the unit. (Details: Amazon FNSKU explained.)

Step-by-Step: Labeling Existing Inventory

1

Get Your UPC Codes

Buy one code for each product variant — each size, color, flavor, and pack count. The codes and barcode files arrive within minutes. (How many: how many UPC codes do I need?)
2

Get the Stickers Printed

Order printed barcode labels on rolls or sheets — 1,000 labels per code, with your own text under the barcode, shipped within 24 hours in the US. Prefer to print yourself? Use blank label sheets and our guide to printing barcode labels at home.
3

Label One Variant at a Time

Clear the table, label every unit of one size or flavor, then move to the next. Mixing variants on the same bench is how the wrong sticker ends up on the wrong box.
4

Press Firmly and Let It Set

Apply to a clean, dry surface at room temperature and rub the label down. Adhesive can take up to a day to reach full strength, so label before products go into cold storage or cartons.
5

Spot-Check With a Scan

Scan a few units from each batch with a phone app and confirm the number matches the product. (If it doesn't scan: why won't my barcode scan?)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will retailers and Amazon accept a barcode sticker?

Generally yes, as long as the barcode scans, is securely attached, and doesn't hide required label information. Some retailers have their own labeling rules, so check the vendor guide of any store you sell to.

Can I put a sticker over an old barcode?

Yes — and you should cover it completely with an opaque label. Leaving the old code visible can cause the wrong product to ring up.

What size barcode sticker do I need?

About 1.5" × 1" or larger for a standard UPC. Bigger is fine; smaller than 80% of standard barcode size is not.

Do I need a different sticker for each variant?

Yes. Each size, color, or flavor has its own UPC, so each needs its own labels.

Barcode Your Packaging Without Reprinting

Get your UPC codes in minutes and your printed barcode labels within 24 hours. Label the stock you have now and keep selling.

Shop Printed Barcode Labels

The post Already Printed Your Packaging Without a Barcode? How to Add UPC Barcode Stickers That Scan appeared first on UPCs.com.

UPC Codes for Shopify Stores: The Barcode Field, When You Need It and How to Add Codes in Bulk

PK — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:51:44 +0000

Open any product in your Shopify admin and you will find a Barcode field sitting next to SKU. Shopify lets you leave it empty, and plenty of stores do, until a sales channel refuses to publish a product or a scanner at a market stall cannot find the item. So when do you need UPC codes for a Shopify store?

The direct answer: your online store runs fine without barcodes. You need them when you sell through a channel that asks for a GTIN, such as the Google & YouTube channel or Amazon, Walmart, eBay and Target Plus through Marketplace Connect, and when you scan products at Shopify POS, in a stockroom or at a retailer. Use one code per variant and enter it in the Barcode field. Below is what the field accepts, which channels read it, and the fastest ways to add codes to a whole catalog.

SKU is your own internal code. The Barcode field holds the universal one that channels and scanners read.

What the Shopify Barcode Field Is

Shopify describes barcodes as identifiers for products and variants, used for scanning and for product identification in online marketplaces. A few details from its help center are worth knowing:

Each variant has its own. A shirt in three sizes has three barcode entries.
You can store up to 20 barcodes on a product or variant. The same value cannot be used twice on the same one.
Each barcode has a type. If you pick a standard type, the value has to match that standard's length and characters.

Type	What Shopify Accepts
UPC	8 or 12 digits
EAN	8 or 13 digits
GTIN	8, 12, 13 or 14 digits
ISBN	10 or 13 characters, for books
ASIN	10 letters or digits
Custom	Any value up to 255 characters. This is the default.

A standard retail UPC from UPCs.com is 12 digits, so choose UPC. (How the two codes differ: SKUs vs. UPCs.)

When You Need a Barcode on Shopify

Where You Sell	What Shopify's Help Center Says
Online store only	The barcode is optional.
Google & YouTube channel	Google requires a unique product identifier for each product. If a product has a GTIN, you need to add it before you can publish. Without a GTIN, you add an MPN and brand.
Marketplace Connect	Amazon, Walmart, eBay and Target Plus require a unique product identifier such as a GTIN, UPC, MPN or EAN. Private label goods without one need an exemption from the marketplace.
Shopify POS	Barcode scanners add products to the cart at checkout. The device camera can scan 1D and 2D barcodes.
Shop channel	We could not find a published barcode requirement. Shopify's general note is that some sales channels might require a GTIN before a product can be published.

Google also has category rules: music, movies and video games need a UPC, EAN or JAN, and books need an ISBN. (Background: Google Merchant Center GTINs. Marketplace rules: Walmart Marketplace requirements and eBay UPC requirements.)

Outside Shopify, two more situations call for a real code: a fulfillment warehouse that receives your stock by scan, and a wholesale buyer whose register needs a barcode on every unit.

Custom Value or Real UPC?

A Custom value is fine when the only scanner involved is your own. A number you invent will scan at your own POS because your store is the only place it has to mean anything.

It stops working the moment a channel asks for a GTIN. Those channels expect a real, unique code. A made-up number can be rejected, or worse, match your product to someone else's listing. (Why: online barcode generators.)

If you resell another brand's products, do not buy codes for them. Shopify's advice is the right one: the GTIN is printed above or below the barcode on the packaging, and the manufacturer can supply it. If the products are your own, you need your own codes. UPCs.com delivers them by email in minutes for a one-time fee.

How to Add UPCs in Bulk

1

Assign One Code Per Variant in a Spreadsheet

List every variant with its SKU, then paste one UPC beside each. Format the column as text so leading zeros stay in place. (Counting help: how many UPC codes do I need?)
2

Small Catalog: Use the Bulk Editor

In the Shopify admin, open Products, tick the products you want, and click Bulk edit. Use Columns to add the barcode column, paste your codes down it, and save.
3

Large Catalog: Export, Fill In, Re-Import

Export your products to CSV. Fill in the Barcodes column on each variant row (older files call it Barcode or Variant Barcode). Shopify's format puts the type before the value, for example upc:012345678905. A value with no type is imported as Custom, and several codes are separated with semicolons.
4

Import With Overwrite Turned On

Choose the option to overwrite products with matching handles. Shopify then replaces the values in the columns you changed. Keep a copy of the original export in case you need to go back.
5

Spot-Check and Print

Open a few products and confirm each variant shows the right code. Then put the barcode on the product itself with our free barcode generator, or order printed barcode label sheets at $29.99 per 1,000 labels.

Adding a single product? Open it, go to the variant's inventory details, type the code into the Barcode field and save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shopify require a barcode?

No. The field is optional for your online store. Individual sales channels, such as Google and the marketplaces, set their own rules.

Is a SKU the same as a barcode?

No. A SKU is a code you make up to organize your own stock. A UPC is a universal code that identifies the product everywhere it is sold.

Do my variants need separate UPCs?

Yes. Every size, color and pack count that a customer can choose is its own product and gets its own code.

Should I pick GTIN or UPC as the type?

A 12-digit UPC is one kind of GTIN, so either type accepts it. Picking UPC keeps your data clear.

Can I use the same UPC on Shopify and on marketplaces?

Yes, and you should. One product keeps one code on every channel.

Fill In That Barcode Field

UPC codes delivered by email in minutes, one for every variant. One-time fee, no renewal fees, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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The post UPC Codes for Shopify Stores: The Barcode Field, When You Need It and How to Add Codes in Bulk appeared first on UPCs.com.

Barcodes for Cosmetics and Beauty Products: UPCs and Labels for Jars, Tubes and Bottles

PK — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Beauty brands live and die by variety: a lipstick in twelve shades, a serum in two sizes, a lotion in three scents, a holiday set, a travel mini. Every one of those is a product a customer can pick — and every one of them has to scan correctly at checkout and on Amazon. Add tiny tubes and curved bottles that barely have room for a label, and it's no surprise founders ask: what barcodes do cosmetics actually need?

The direct answer: every shade, scent, formula, and size gets its own 12-digit UPC, and so does every set or kit you sell as one item. The UPC isn't part of FDA labeling and doesn't need any government registration. On small packaging it usually goes on the outer carton or on a label turned to fit the curve. Below we'll separate the barcode from the regulatory label, count codes for a typical line, and solve the small-package problem.

On a narrow bottle, turn the barcode so the bars run around the curve; on jars, use a flat side or the lid.

UPC vs. FDA: Who Regulates What on Your Label?

A UPC is sometimes mistaken for an FDA registration. It isn't. The required label elements and the barcode do different jobs:

Label Element	Who Governs It	What It Does
Ingredient list	FDA	Lists ingredients in descending order of predominance
Product identity and net quantity	FDA	States what the product is and how much is inside
Business name and contact details	FDA (including the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, MoCRA)	Identifies the responsible company and how to report problems
UPC barcode	Commerce standard — not a government agency	Identifies the exact shade, scent, and size at registers and marketplaces

So the FDA cares about what your label says, not about your barcode. Buying UPCs involves no application and no waiting — order at UPCs.com and the codes arrive by email within minutes.

How Many UPCs Does a Beauty Line Need?

One per unique sellable item. In beauty, "unique" usually means a different shade, scent, formula, or size:

Product	Variations	UPCs Needed
Lipstick	12 shades	12
Face serum	Full size and travel size	2
Body lotion	3 scents × 2 sizes	6
Holiday gift set	Sold as one item	1
Total for the line	4 products	21 UPCs

A few beauty-specific rules: minis and travel sizes each need their own code, refills are separate products from the full pack, and a gift set gets its own code even though each item inside has one. A refreshed pack design for the same product keeps its code. (The full counting method: how many UPC codes do I need?)

Solving the Small-Package Problem

Lip balm, nail polish, mascara, and sample vials rarely have room for a full-size barcode. Here's what works:

Put the barcode on the carton. If the product is sold in a box or on a blister card, the barcode goes there — that's what gets scanned.
Turn it on narrow tubes. Rotate the barcode 90° so the bars run horizontally around the tube. Bars that wrap across a tight curve often won't scan.
Don't shrink below 80% or cut the height. A cropped barcode fits the space but fails at the register. (Specs: barcode files for packaging designers.)
Use a neck tag or hang card when the item has no box and no flat surface.

Labels That Survive the Bathroom

Beauty products get wet, oily, and handled constantly. Paper labels soak up lotion and water; film labels (polypropylene or polyester) with a permanent adhesive hold up far better, and a matte finish scans more reliably than gloss under store lights. (Full comparison: which barcode label material should you use?)

Step-by-Step: Barcoding Your Beauty Brand

1

Map Every Shade, Scent, and Size

Build a spreadsheet with one row per shade × size (or scent × size), plus minis, refills, and sets. Give each row an internal SKU. (SKU vs. UPC: here's the difference.)
2

Buy Your UPCs — Once, Not Annually

Order your block at UPCs.com. You'll receive the numbers and scan-ready barcode files within minutes, and the codes are yours for the life of your brand — no renewals as your shade range grows.
3

Place the Barcode in Your Artwork

Send your designer the PDF barcode file for each shade along with your ingredient panel. Check that each pack carries its own code — swapped barcodes between shades are the most common beauty mistake.
4

Choose Labels That Last

If you label bottles yourself, use film labels. Or have us print them: printed barcode labels on rolls or sheets, shipped within 24 hours in the US.
5

Sync the Codes and Test-Scan

Enter each UPC in Amazon, Shopify, and your retailer paperwork, then scan a finished product with a phone app before the full production run. Selling to stores? Add SCC-14 case codes for your shipping cartons. (Amazon specifics: Amazon FBA UPC requirements.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the FDA require a barcode on cosmetics?

No. The FDA regulates the ingredient list, identity, net quantity, and business details on your label. Barcodes are a retail and marketplace requirement, not a government one.

Does every shade need its own UPC?

Yes. Each shade is a separate product to registers and marketplaces, and so is each size.

Do travel sizes and minis need a separate UPC?

Yes. A 15 ml travel size and a 50 ml full size are different products, so each needs its own code.

Where does the barcode go on a lipstick or lip balm?

On the outer carton or blister card if there is one. If the tube is sold loose, turn the barcode so the bars run around the tube, and keep it at 80% of standard size or larger.

Launch Your Beauty Line Right

Authentic UPC codes delivered in minutes — one for every shade, scent, and size. One price, owned forever, with no renewals as your range grows.

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The post Barcodes for Cosmetics and Beauty Products: UPCs and Labels for Jars, Tubes and Bottles appeared first on UPCs.com.

Barcode Label Materials: Paper vs. Film, Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer

PK — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

A barcode label only has one job: scan every time, for as long as the product is on a shelf or in a warehouse. Yet labels fail all the time — they fade in a sunny window, smear in a bathroom, curl off a cold bottle, or peel off in the freezer. The barcode was fine; the label was wrong for where it lived. So which barcode label material should you use?

The direct answer: for dry, indoor products, a standard matte paper label is all you need. For anything wet, oily, cold, or meant to last for years, choose a synthetic film label with an adhesive rated for the conditions, printed with thermal transfer or professional printing — never direct thermal. Below is a quick-reference table, the difference between the print methods, and how to test a label before you commit.

The right label depends on where your product lives: shelf, bathroom, fridge, or warehouse.

Quick Reference: Which Label for Which Product?

Where the Product Lives	Label Material	Adhesive	Print Method
Retail boxes, bags, hang tags (dry, indoors)	Matte paper	Permanent	Any
Bath and beauty, bottles, anything wet or oily	Film (polypropylene or polyester)	Permanent	Thermal transfer or professional print
Refrigerated and frozen	Film or freezer-grade paper	Freezer or all-temperature	Thermal transfer or professional print
Warehouse stock kept for months or years	Paper or film	Permanent	Thermal transfer or professional print
Shipping labels (days to weeks)	Direct thermal paper	Permanent	Direct thermal

Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer (and Office Printers)

How the barcode gets onto the label matters as much as the label itself:

Direct thermal: the printer heats special heat-sensitive paper, which darkens. There's no ink or ribbon, so it's cheap and simple — which is why it's used for shipping labels. The catch: the print fades with heat, sunlight, and time, and it scratches easily. Don't use it for product barcodes that need to last.
Thermal transfer: the printer melts ink from a ribbon onto the label. The result lasts for years. Wax ribbons suit paper labels, wax-resin is a good all-rounder, and resin ribbons are the toughest choice for film labels exposed to water, oils, or rubbing.
Laser and inkjet sheets: handy for small batches on an office printer. Laser toner holds up well; inkjet ink can smear when wet unless you use waterproof label stock. (How-to: printing barcode labels at home.)
Professionally printed labels: no printer to buy, no ribbons, and consistent print quality from the first label to the thousandth. (Cost comparison: pre-printed labels vs. DIY printing.)

Adhesive: The Part Nobody Thinks About

Permanent: the standard for product labels. It won't come off cleanly — which is the point.
Removable: peels off without residue. Useful for gifts and resale items, but not for barcodes that must stay put.
Freezer or all-temperature: designed to stick in the cold. Standard adhesive can lose its grip below freezing.
High-tack: for textured, rough, or tightly curved surfaces.

Whatever you choose, apply labels to a clean, dry surface at room temperature and press them down firmly. Many adhesives take up to a day to reach full strength, so label products before they go into cold storage or shipping boxes.

Finish, Curves, and Small Products

Matte beats gloss. A glossy finish can reflect store lights straight back into the scanner.
Film bends better than paper. On small bottles and tubes, a flexible film label follows the curve without wrinkling or lifting.
Turn the barcode on narrow curves. Rotate it 90° so the bars run around the bottle rather than across the curve. (Artwork specs: barcode files for packaging designers.)
Leave room for a full-size code. A standard UPC needs a label of about 1.5" × 1" or larger. (Choosing a format: rolls vs. sheets.)

Step-by-Step: Choosing and Testing Your Label

1

Describe Where the Product Lives

Shelf, bathroom, fridge, freezer, outdoors, or warehouse? Wet, oily, or handled a lot? Write it down — it decides everything else.
2

Decide How Long the Label Must Last

Days (shipping) is a different job from years (retail stock). Anything longer than a few weeks rules out direct thermal.
3

Match Material and Adhesive to the Surface

Paper for dry, flat surfaces; film for wet, oily, or curved ones; freezer adhesive for cold.
4

Pick How You'll Print

Print yourself on blank rolls or blank sheets, or have us print them: our printed barcode labels come on rolls or sheets of 1,000 in several sizes and ship within 24 hours in the US. Need a size or label that isn't listed? Use the form on the Printed Barcode Labels page and tell us where the labels will be used.
5

Torture-Test a Sample

Put a labeled product through its real life: a night in the freezer, a wipe with the product's own lotion or oil, a week on a sunny windowsill. Then scan it. (If it fails: why won't my barcode scan?)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do direct thermal labels last?

It depends on heat and light, but they can start to fade within months. Use them for shipping, not for product barcodes that sit on shelves or in storage.

Are paper barcode labels waterproof?

No. Water and oils soak into paper and can blur the print or lift the label. Use a film label for anything that gets wet.

What label should I use for frozen products?

A label with a freezer or all-temperature adhesive, applied before the product goes into the freezer, printed with thermal transfer or professional printing.

Matte or glossy barcode labels?

Matte. Glossy finishes can reflect light back into the scanner and cause missed scans.

Barcode Labels, Printed and Shipped

Printed UPC labels on rolls or sheets, shipped within 24 hours — or blank labels to print yourself. Tell us where they'll be used and we'll help you choose.

Shop Barcode Labels

The post Barcode Label Materials: Paper vs. Film, Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer appeared first on UPCs.com.