Archive | GS1 UPC Barcodes

A UPC (GTIN) is simply a unique numeric identifier that corresponds to a particular product and brand.  Whereas the UPC-A barcode symbol only encodes the UPC (GTIN) numbers, the actual product data details reside in proprietary databases.  The GTIN.Cloud is the sole source repository that enables manufacturers to assign and manage their UPC assignments. Unlike […]

Product and packaging changes are very common. Aside from adding new colors and size assortments, companies routinely make changes to product configurations and packaging text. There are detailed and explicit rules dictating when a new GTIN (UPC) barcode is required. Aside from the 528-page GS1 General Specifications, the GS1 GTIN Management Standard provides guidance when […]

Alternative to Support from Our GS1 Barcode Consultants As an alternative to relying on our GS1 barcode consultants for UPC barcode implementation, companies can optionally take educational classes from GS1 to correctly assign and implement GTINs. As the global standards organization, GS1 offers an array of live classes and webinars enabling companies to learn specifics […]

Our GS1 consultants are on the front line working with companies interested in implementing UPC barcodes, and routinely field inquiries from companies confused and angered about UPC codes (GTINs). Those who are confused are normally overwhelmed with conflicting information posted online and in videos about UPC and barcodes. They are enticed by the notion of […]

Retail Today Is In The Palms of Every Consumer’s Hands While brick-and-mortar is very much alive, many shoppers are inadvertently turning to popular social and e-commerce channels for purchases. In the past decade, e-commerce and social channels have been disrupting retail models and accelerating change – it is very likely to continue to evolve. E-commerce […]

Whether you are selling in stores, online or both, it is imperative to use UPC bar codes associated with your brand. This means that when retailers and marketplaces, such as Amazon, validate your UPC on the GS1 Company Database, your company is listed as the licensee. As the US Barcode Authority, we produce over 1,000,000 […]

In a recent update, Google endorsed the need for manufacturers to license GS1 GTINs (UPCs) to their brand and re-emphasized the necessity for correct GTIN product identification. Product identity is essential in e-commerce because it ensures that online visitors accurately understand the origin and unique identity of a product. This also applies to the web […]

If you do a Google search for the Official UPC database, you will come across numerous official-sounding websites. Unfortunately, none of the information on these unregulated websites should be trusted since the product data is not provided by brand owners. (Click Here To Learn More). There is not a single global database that contains a […]

In May 2016, Amazon refined their UPC (GTIN) requirements and clearly stated that both new and existing vendors MUST use GS1 UPC barcodes. Click here to view policy update. A GS1 UPC barcode has a UPC (GS1) Company Prefix licensed to the brand owner. Despite this update, many vendors were confused by conficting information published, […]

Walmart and Shopify just announced a partnership enabling small – medium size businesses access to the continually increasing traffic on Walmart.com. In the last quarter, US eCommerce business grew 74% and this new initiative opens access to over 1 million Shopify sellers to get in front of 120 million monthly users on Walmart.com. The Walmart […]