If you’re launching a new product, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is “Do I need a barcode?” The answer depends on where and how you intend to sell your products.
In many cases, the answer is yes. However, there are situations where you can begin selling without one.
This guide explains when you need a barcode, the barcode requirements for different sales channels, and how to choose the right barcode for your business.
Do I Need a Barcode?
Whether you need a barcode depends on your sales channel.
Generally speaking, you’ll need a barcode if you plan to:
- Sell through major online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay or Walmart.
- Supply products to retailers, supermarkets or wholesalers.
- Have products scanned at the checkout in physical stores.
- Manage inventory using barcode scanners.
- Sell internationally.
On the other hand, you may not need a retail barcode if you only sell products directly through your own website and you don’t use barcode-based stock management.
If you’re unsure, it’s usually better to obtain barcodes from the beginning. This avoids having to redesign packaging or relabel products later.
If you’re ready to get started, browse our Buy Barcode Numbers page:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers/
Do I Need a Barcode to Sell Online?
One of the most common questions we receive is:
Do I need a barcode to sell online?
The answer depends on the platform.
Amazon
Most products listed on Amazon require a valid product identifier such as an EAN or UPC barcode, although Amazon may offer GTIN exemptions for certain brands or product categories. Most private label and branded products will require their own unique barcode.
eBay
Many eBay categories now ask sellers to provide a product identifier. Supplying a barcode can improve your listings and help buyers find your products.
Shopify, WooCommerce and Your Own Website
You can often sell without a barcode on your own website. However, adding barcodes makes inventory management, fulfilment and future expansion much easier.
If you later decide to sell on Amazon or through retailers, you’ll already have the correct product identification in place.
When Do I Need a Barcode?
Many businesses don’t realise they need barcodes until a retailer or marketplace asks for one.
You should obtain barcodes when you:
- Launch a branded product.
- Introduce new product variations.
- Sell different sizes or colours.
- Supply wholesale customers.
- Start selling through multiple sales channels.
- Need products scanned at the point of sale.
Remember that every unique product variation requires its own barcode.
For example:
- Blue T-shirt – Medium = 1 barcode
- Blue T-shirt – Large = 1 barcode
- Red T-shirt – Medium = 1 barcode
Each variation must have a unique product number.
Barcode Requirements
Barcode requirements vary depending on who you’re selling to.
Selling to Retail Stores
Retailers normally require products to have a unique barcode that can be scanned at checkout.
Selling Through Online Marketplaces
Marketplaces often require unique product identifiers to prevent duplicate listings and improve catalogue quality.
Internal Business Use
If you’re only using barcodes for stock control inside your own business, retail EAN or UPC numbers may not be necessary. Internal barcode systems such as Code 128 can often be used instead.
Which Barcode Do I Need?
The two most common retail barcode types are:
EAN Barcodes
EAN (European Article Number) barcodes are the standard used throughout the UK, Europe and most of the world.
UPC Barcodes
UPC (Universal Product Code) barcodes are primarily used in the United States and Canada.
The good news is that our barcode packages include a free UPC equivalent, making it easy to sell internationally without purchasing separate barcode numbers.
Learn more about our barcode packages here:
Do I Need a Different Barcode for Every Product?
Yes.
Every unique product needs its own barcode.
This includes differences in:
- Size
- Colour
- Flavour
- Weight
- Packaging
- Quantity
- Bundle configuration
For example, a 250g coffee bag and a 500g coffee bag require different barcode numbers.
Can I Reuse a Barcode?
No.
Each barcode should permanently identify a single product.
Reusing barcode numbers for different products can create confusion with retailers, marketplaces and inventory systems.
How Many Barcodes Should I Buy?
Think about your future product range.
If you’re launching:
- One product – buy 1 barcode.
- Five products – buy a 5 barcode pack.
- Ten products – choose a 10 barcode pack.
- Larger catalogues – consider packs of 50, 100 or more.
Buying enough barcodes from the start is often more cost-effective than purchasing additional codes later.
View all available barcode packs:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers
Why Choose Get A Barcode?
At Get A Barcode, we make purchasing barcode numbers simple.
When you buy from us you’ll benefit from:
- Instant barcode delivery.
- No annual renewal fees.
- UK-based customer support.
- EAN barcodes supplied with a free UPC equivalent.
- Suitable for online sellers, retailers and growing businesses.
- Fast and easy ordering.
Whether you’re launching your first product or expanding an existing range, we have barcode packages to suit businesses of every size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a barcode to sell online?
Not always. If you’re only selling on your own website, you may not need one immediately. However, marketplaces and retailers often require unique product identifiers.
When do I need a barcode?
You should obtain a barcode before selling through retailers, supermarkets, wholesalers or most major online marketplaces.
Can two products use the same barcode?
No. Every unique product variation requires its own barcode.
Are EAN and UPC barcodes different?
They use different numbering formats but serve the same purpose. Our barcode packages include both an EAN number and a free UPC equivalent.
Where can I buy barcode numbers?
You can purchase barcode numbers instantly from Get A Barcode. Simply visit:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers
Get Started Today
If you’re still asking “Do I need a barcode?”, the safest approach is to obtain one before launching your product. It prepares your business for growth, simplifies inventory management and helps you sell through more channels.
Browse our range of barcode packages today and receive your barcode numbers instantly, with no annual fees and free UPC equivalents included.