If you’re selling stuff online—really selling, not just testing the waters—barcodes aren’t optional. They’re one of those behind-the-scenes things that people forget about until they realize they can’t move forward without them. Here’s why they’re a big deal
Product Barcodes Benefits in the E-commerce Industry
If you’re selling stuff online—really selling, not just testing the waters—barcodes aren’t optional. They’re one of those behind-the-scenes things that people forget about until they realize they can’t move forward without them. Here’s why they’re a big deal:
They help you avoid inventory headaches
Say you’ve got 15 products. Now add three sizes, two colors, and some bundle packs. Before you know it, your spreadsheet’s a mess. Barcodes let you track everything with a scan—no typos, no second-guessing.
Big platforms won’t take you seriously without them
Amazon, Flipkart, Walmart—they all ask for barcodes when you list your products. Not just any barcode either. They want valid, registered GTINs (like UPC or EAN), which identify your product globally.
Shipping goes faster. Way faster
Fulfillment centers depend on speed. The difference between typing a product code and scanning a barcode? It’s seconds, multiplied across thousands of items. Time saved is money saved.
See Also: Why Barcode Registration is Essential for Exporters
You’ll screw up less. Your team will too
Everyone makes mistakes. But when your system depends on typing product names or IDs by hand, those mistakes add up. Barcodes slash that risk.
You’ll be ready when growth hits
At first, manual tracking might work. But once orders pick up and you add more SKUs, you’ll wish you had set up barcodes earlier. They connect with POS systems, ERPs, warehouse tools—you name it.
Product Barcodes in E-Commerce legitimize your brand.
Having GS1 barcodes tells suppliers and marketplaces that you’re serious. It’s a signal. You’re not just reselling someone else’s products—you’re building something.
How to Register Barcodes for Your Products
It’s not rocket science, but it does have to be done right. Here’s a step-by-step process for Barcode registration that works—no shortcuts, no tricks.
Step 1: Figure out what type of Barcode Registration you need
You’ll most likely use:
UPC – mainly in the U.S. and Canada
EAN – used globally, especially in Europe and Asia
Both are forms of GTINs. Same purpose, just different formats.
Step 2: Register with GS1
GS1 is the only official place to get real, recognized barcodes. Every country has its own GS1 office (like GS1 India or GS1 US). Don’t buy cheap codes online. Those often get rejected by platforms. And when they do, fixing it is a pain.
Step 3: Pick your plan
You can either:
Buy one barcode at a time (for small catalogs), or
Get a company prefix (for larger product lines)
There’s an upfront fee and usually a yearly renewal. Rates vary depending on where you register.
Step 4: Assign your barcodes
Once you’ve got your GS1 account, log in and assign barcodes to each product. Note: if you have the same item in two sizes or three colors, each one needs its own barcode. It’s not optional.
Step 5: Create the barcode image
After assigning the numbers, use GS1 tools or barcode software (BarTender, for example) to generate the actual black-and-white barcode image.
Step 6: Label your products
Print the barcode on your packaging. Or if that’s not possible, use a clear, durable sticker. Make sure it’s scannable. If the code doesn’t scan at a warehouse, your shipment could be delayed—or worse, rejected.
Step 7: Add the code to your listings
When you’re setting up a product listing on Amazon or Flipkart, you’ll be asked for a product ID. That’s where your GTIN goes. Most sites automatically verify it with GS1’s database, so don’t fudge the number.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use free or self-made barcodes?
You can, for internal use. But most marketplaces will block your listings if the code doesn’t match GS1’s database. It’s not worth the risk.
Q2: What if two of my products are nearly identical? Can they share a code?
No. Even minor differences—like color, size, or version—mean you need a new barcode.
Q3: What if I only sell digital products?
Usually, you don’t need barcodes for digital items. But if there’s a physical component—like a USB stick or printed card—you probably do.
Q4: Is printing barcodes on packaging mandatory?
If you’re using fulfillment centers or planning to enter retail, yes. Some platforms accept outer-label barcodes, but having it on the product itself is safer.
Q5: How much does it cost to get started?
In India, GS1 pricing starts around ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per year. In the U.S., expect more. It depends on how many barcodes you need and whether you go for a prefix.
Barcodes won’t help you sell more overnight. But they’ll save you from the kind of problems that stop people from scaling up. And once things get busy, you’ll be glad they’re already in place.
If you need further assistance or have any doubts, our experts are here to help you. Call us: 8881-069-069.
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