In order for an item to be seamlessly accepted around the globe, it must be marked with an identifier that adheres to a global standard followed by suppliers and retailers. GS1 is the global agency, which establishes identification standards for various industries (i.e. retail, healthcare) and licenses unique GS1 Company Prefixes and UPC assignments. Our team of Barcode Consultants and Standards Professionals are necessary to facilitate the process of obtaining and managing UPC barcodes with a licensed UPC Company Prefix directly from the GS1.
The video to the right provides an overview on how to buy GS1 UPC barcodes and the video below illustrates why it is so important.
GS1 UPC Barcode Services
Ever since the first product needed a barcode, Bar Code Graphics has been assisting companies with all aspects of their creation and implementation. As the authority on barcode creation and print quality, we have directly or indirectly touched most suppliers in the major retail stores.
The GS1 Barcode Service bundles several of our services for companies new to the process or looking to have support from an expert. Most companies need to start assigning them right away and don’t want to devote a person or group to understanding, applying, and staying current with GS1 standards.
GS1 UPC Barcode Service helps companies with every step. In addition to application processing, personal assistance with GTIN assignments and product data uploads, high resolution digital barcodes (.eps) are included.
| Number of Items | GS1 License | GS1 UPC Service | Total Fee | Included Barcodes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 -10 | $250 | $150 | $400 | 10 files | SELECT |
| 1 – 100 | $750 | $250 | $1,000 | 100 files | SELECT |
| 1 – 1,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $3,500 | $1,000 credit | SELECT |
| 1 – 10,000 | $6,000 | $2,000 | $8,500 | $1,500 credit | SELECT |
| 1 – 100,000 | $10,500 | $2,500 | $13,000 | $2,000 credit | SELECT |
To proceed, please click on the appropriate SELECT link. To speak with a UPC support representative please call 800-662-0701 or click on the Chat button below.
Our GS1 Barcode Service includes one-on-one support from an assigned consultant who facilitates the entire process of obtaining GS1 Company Prefixes (when necessary), UPC/GTIN management, and marking your products/shipments with compliant GS1 barcodes. In addition, verified printed barcode labels and/or high resolution digital barcode files (.eps) are included. For an overview of the entire GS1 UPC process, please visit https://www.barcode-us.info/gs1/
Online Alternatives to GS1 for Obtaining UPC Barcodes
Please be advised that there are third-party companies on the internet that offer to sell single UPC bar codes for discount rates. Most of the main retailers will not accept their numbers since they require UPCs to be licensed to the brand names of their suppliers. Quite SIMPLY, buying “upc barcodes” from any organization other than GS1 US puts you at risk for acceptance by retailers. There may be smaller retailers and online marketplaces which do not require a unique GS1 Company Prefix. However, if you plan on someday selling to any larger retailer in the future, you do not want to have your products marked with UPC barcodes which may not be accepted.
Most retailers have a formal policy regarding accepting UPC barcodes which are DIRECTLY assigned from GS1 US. The following list is just a small sampling of retailers who will only accept products with UPC barcodes and GS1 Company Prefixes assigned directly by GS1 US.
*The retailers listed have explicit instructions or guidelines on their supplier requirements. Most other retailers (small and large) simply request suppliers to follow GS1 guidelines and they are not aware of the damaging reseller market.
- Wal-Mart
- Kroger
- Home Depot
- Sears
- Lowes
- Whole Foods
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Nordstrom
- Wegmans
- CVS
- True Value
- Meijers
- Kohl’s
- Macys
- WalMart
- JCPenney
- Target
- SuperValu
- Dillards
- Michaels
- Cabelas
- Dicks Sporting Goods
- SuperValu
