How to Apply for a Barcode: A Simple Guide for Sellers

Why Do Sellers Need to Know How to Apply for a Barcode?

When a business owner or a creator wants to sell a new product, they often face a common hurdle: the barcode. Whether the goal is to sell on massive online platforms like Amazon or on the shelves of a local grocery store, that small square of black and white stripes is essential. It is not just a sticker; it is a requirement for doing business.

Learning How to Apply for a Barcode might seem confusing at first. There are many numbers, different types, and strange terms. However, the process is actually quite simple. One can think of a barcode as a “fingerprint” or a digital ID card for a product. It tells store computers exactly what item is being sold, who made it, and how much it costs. Without this unique ID, tracking sales and inventory becomes impossible.

The Official Way: Using GS1 for Barcodes

The safest and most trusted method to get a barcode is through an organization known as GS1. They are the global group in charge of managing these numbers. Their job is to ensure that no two products in the world share the same code. If two products had the same number, store computers would get confused, and customers might be charged the wrong price.

Here is the step-by-step process on How to Apply for a Barcode using the official GS1 system.

Step 1: Visit the Local GS1 Website

GS1 is a global organization, but it has local offices in almost every country. A seller needs to find the website that matches their location. For example, a business in the United States should visit GS1 US, while a company in London should go to GS1 UK.

• Why is this important? Registering locally ensures the company helps support the correct region.
• How to find it: A simple web search for “GS1” plus the country name usually works.

Step 2: Estimate the Total Product Quantity

Before spending any money, the seller must count how many codes they actually need. This depends on how many different products they plan to sell.

• Single Items: If a person only has one product, like a single type of homemade jam, they might only need to buy one code. This is often cheaper.
• Many Items: If a business has 10, 20, or 100 products, buying codes one by one is too slow and expensive.
• Company Prefix: For larger inventories, it is better to buy a “Company Prefix.” This is a special code just for that business. It allows the owner to create blocks of barcodes—like 10, 100, or even 1,000 unique numbers—at once. The cost might start around $250 USD for small batches, but it saves money in the long run.

Step 3: Choose the Right Type (UPC or EAN)

When figuring out How to Apply for a Barcode, one will encounter two main acronyms. Choosing the right one depends on where the product will be sold.

• UPC (12 digits): This format is the standard for the United States and Canada. If the product is for North American stores, this is the correct choice.
• EAN (13 digits): This format is used in Europe, Asia, Australia, and almost everywhere else globally.
• Global Selling: Modern scanners can usually read both types. However, it is smart to pick the format that matches the main group of customers to avoid any issues.

Step 4: Pay and Get the Unique Numbers

After filling out the online forms and paying the fee (usually in USD or the local currency), GS1 will issue the unique numbers. These are officially called GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers). These numbers now belong solely to that business. No one else in the world can use them.

How to Turn Numbers into Images

Once the seller has the GTINs, the job is only half done. A computer can read the number, but a scanner needs stripes. The seller must turn those digits into a visual barcode symbol.

Using Online Generators

Most GS1 websites provide a free tool for their members. The user simply types in the new GTIN number, and the tool creates the artwork.

• File Types: The tool usually lets the user download a high-quality image file, such as a JPEG or PNG.
• Verification: This ensures the stripes perfectly match the number.

Printing the Labels Correctly

The final step in How to Apply for a Barcode is putting that image on the product. The seller should send the image file to their graphic designer or package printer.

• Clarity is Key: The barcode must be printed clearly. If it is blurry, the scanner will fail.
• Size Matters: It should not be too small. A standard size is often recommended so that checkout scanners can read it quickly without the cashier having to type the numbers by hand.

FAQ

Q: Can a seller get a barcode for free?

A: Generally, no. Official barcodes from GS1 cost money because the organization verifies that the number is unique. Free or cheap codes from random websites might be rejected by major retailers like Amazon or Walmart.

Q: Is a different barcode needed for every color?

A: Yes. If a seller offers a T-shirt in Red and Blue, each color needs its own unique barcode. This helps the store track exactly which color is selling and which one is out of stock.

Q: How long does the application take?

A: It is usually very fast. Once the application is submitted and paid for online, the seller can often access their numbers immediately or within just a few business days.

Q: Is a barcode necessary for selling on a personal website?

A: Strictly speaking, no. If a person only sells on their own small website, they can use any system they want. However, having a registered barcode makes the business look professional and makes future expansion easier.