If you’ve started selling products online or you’re preparing to launch your first retail product, you’ve probably heard conflicting advice about barcodes. Unfortunately, there are plenty of barcode myths that can confuse new sellers and even experienced businesses.
In this guide, we’ll separate fact from fiction, explain how retail barcodes really work, and help you avoid expensive mistakes. Whether you’re selling on Amazon, Shopify, Etsy or in physical shops, understanding the truth about barcodes will make launching your products much easier.
If you’re ready to purchase barcode numbers, visit our Buy Barcode Numbers page on Get A Barcode.
Myth 1: Every Product Needs a Barcode
False.
Not every product requires a barcode.
A barcode is only necessary when the retailer or marketplace asks for one. For example, many online marketplaces and larger retailers require unique product barcodes for inventory management and checkout systems. However, if you’re selling handmade products directly at local craft fairs or through your own website, you may not immediately need one.
If you’re unsure, our guide “Do I Need a Barcode to Sell My Product?“ explains when barcodes become necessary.
Myth 2: Barcodes Store Product Information
False.
This is probably the biggest misconception.
A retail barcode does not contain information such as:
- Product name
- Price
- Description
- Weight
- Manufacturer
Instead, the barcode simply represents a unique identification number. When the barcode is scanned, the retailer’s inventory system looks up that number in its own database and retrieves the associated product details.
Think of a barcode like a vehicle registration number. The number identifies the item, but the information is stored elsewhere.
Myth 3: You Must Buy Barcodes Directly from GS1
Not always.
Many people believe GS1 is the only place to obtain retail barcodes.
While some major retailers have specific supplier requirements, many businesses successfully use legally sourced retail barcode numbers from established providers like Get A Barcode.
Our barcode numbers are:
- Unique
- Suitable for most online marketplaces
- Suitable for most retailers
- Delivered instantly
- Supplied with both EAN and UPC versions
- Available without ongoing annual fees
Before purchasing, always check whether your intended retailer has any specific barcode requirements.
Myth 4: Barcodes Expire
Usually false.
A barcode itself does not suddenly stop working.
Some barcode providers charge annual renewal or membership fees. If those fees are not maintained, your rights to use those numbers may change depending on how they were licensed.
At Get A Barcode, the barcode numbers you purchase are yours to use without annual renewal charges.
Myth 5: One Barcode Can Be Used on Every Product
False.
Every individual product requires its own unique barcode.
For example:
| Product | Barcode Required |
|---|---|
| Red T-Shirt (Small) | Yes |
| Red T-Shirt (Medium) | Different barcode |
| Blue T-Shirt (Small) | Different barcode |
| Coffee Mug | Different barcode |
Each size, colour or variation sold separately should normally have its own barcode.
If you’re planning multiple products, it’s usually more economical to purchase several barcode numbers together.
Myth 6: A Barcode Shows Where a Product Was Made
False.
You’ve probably seen social media posts claiming the first few digits reveal the country of manufacture.
They don’t.
Those numbers relate to the organisation that originally allocated the barcode range—not where the product was manufactured. A product made in the UK could legitimately have a barcode beginning with numbers associated with another country.
Always rely on the product’s country of origin labelling instead.
Myth 7: You Can Reuse an Old Barcode
Generally no.
Once you’ve assigned a barcode to a retail product, it should remain associated with that product.
Reusing barcode numbers on completely different products can create inventory issues, retailer confusion and customer complaints.
The safest approach is simple:
One product = One barcode.
Myth 8: EAN and UPC Are Completely Different
False.
Many first-time sellers worry about choosing between EAN and UPC.
In reality:
- EAN uses 13 digits.
- UPC uses 12 digits.
Both identify products and are recognised internationally. At Get A Barcode, every purchase includes both EAN and UPC versions, giving you maximum flexibility if you sell in different markets.
Myth 9: Any Barcode Image Will Scan Perfectly
False.
Barcode quality matters.
A barcode that is:
- stretched
- blurred
- printed too small
- printed with poor contrast
may fail to scan correctly.
That’s why we provide professionally generated barcode artwork suitable for commercial printing.
If required, you can also order professionally printed Barcode Labels directly from Get A Barcode, saving time and ensuring excellent scan performance.
Myth 10: Buying Barcodes Is Complicated
Definitely false.
Purchasing retail barcodes is surprisingly straightforward.
At Get A Barcode you simply:
- Choose how many barcode numbers you need.
- Complete checkout.
- Receive your barcode numbers instantly.
- Add them to your product packaging.
- Start selling.
You can read our complete guide:
- How to Buy a Barcode for a Product
- How to Barcode a New Product
Both guides explain the process from start to finish.
Common Barcode Questions
Do I need a barcode for Amazon?
Most branded products sold on Amazon require a unique barcode unless your products qualify for a specific exemption.
Can I use one barcode forever?
Yes. Once assigned to a product, that barcode should continue to identify that product throughout its life.
Can two products share the same barcode?
No. Every retail product should have its own unique barcode.
Do handmade products need barcodes?
Not always. However, if you plan to sell through marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify or many retail stores, you’ll often need one.
Why Buy Barcodes from Get A Barcode?
At Get A Barcode, we’ve helped thousands of businesses get their products ready for retail.
When you order from us you’ll receive:
- Instant digital delivery
- Unique barcode numbers
- Both EAN and UPC formats
- No annual renewal fees
- UK-based customer support
- Barcode artwork ready for printing
Whether you’re launching your first product or expanding an existing range, we make obtaining retail barcodes quick and straightforward.
Get Started Today
If you’re ready to sell online or in retail stores, explore our Buy Barcode Numbers page to choose the quantity that suits your business.
You may also find these guides helpful:
- How to Buy a Barcode for a Product
- Do I Need a Barcode to Sell My Product?
- How to Barcode a New Product
- EAN vs UPC Barcodes
- Frequently Asked Questions
With the right information and the right barcode supplier, you’ll be ready to get your products onto the shelves—and into customers’ hands—with confidence.