If you’re launching an online store with Shopify, one question often comes up early in the process:
Do I need a barcode for Shopify?
The simple answer is not always. Shopify allows you to sell products without barcodes. However, if you want to sell professionally, manage inventory efficiently, or expand onto marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and TikTok Shop, assigning a unique barcode to each product is strongly recommended.
At Get A Barcode, we supply affordable EAN barcode numbers with FREE UPC barcode numbers, helping UK businesses prepare their products for Shopify and other leading ecommerce platforms.
Does Shopify Require a Barcode?
Unlike some online marketplaces, Shopify does not require every product to have a barcode before you can list it.
You can manually create products using your own SKU numbers.
However, barcodes become extremely useful when:
- Managing stock
- Using barcode scanners
- Connecting to point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Selling through multiple sales channels
- Expanding into retail stores
- Listing products on marketplaces that require GTINs
Adding barcodes from the beginning can save significant time as your business grows.
What Barcode Does Shopify Use?
Shopify supports standard GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) formats, including:
- EAN-13 (commonly used throughout the UK and Europe)
- UPC-A (commonly used in North America)
When you buy an EAN barcode from Get A Barcode, you also receive the matching UPC barcode number free of charge, making it easier to sell internationally.
Browse our barcode packages here:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers
Why Should You Add Barcodes to Shopify Products?
Although optional, barcodes offer many advantages.
Better Inventory Management
Barcodes make it much easier to track stock accurately.
Whether you’re shipping ten products a week or thousands every month, barcode scanning reduces manual errors and speeds up order fulfilment.
Prepare for Growth
Many businesses start with Shopify before expanding to:
- Amazon
- eBay
- TikTok Shop
- Etsy
- Wholesale customers
- Physical retail stores
Having unique product barcodes already assigned means you’re ready to grow without reorganising your catalogue later.
Compatible with Shopify POS
If you sell both online and in person using Shopify POS, barcode labels allow products to be scanned quickly at checkout, improving customer service and inventory accuracy.
One Barcode Per Product Variation
Each unique product variation requires its own barcode.
For example:
| Product | Barcode Required |
|---|---|
| White Water Bottle | ✔ |
| Black Water Bottle | ✔ |
| 500ml Bottle | ✔ |
| 750ml Bottle | ✔ |
Different colours, sizes, flavours or designs should each have their own barcode.
How to Add a Barcode in Shopify
Adding a barcode is straightforward.
When creating or editing a product:
- Open the product in Shopify.
- Scroll to the Inventory section.
- Locate the Barcode (ISBN, UPC, GTIN, etc.) field.
- Enter your EAN or UPC barcode number.
- Save your changes.
Once entered, your barcode becomes part of your product information and can be used with inventory systems, barcode scanners and connected sales channels.
Where Can You Buy Shopify Barcodes?
At Get A Barcode, purchasing barcode numbers is quick and straightforward.
Our barcode packages include:
- Instant delivery
- No annual renewal fees
- Unique EAN barcode numbers
- FREE UPC barcode numbers
- Suitable for Shopify and many other ecommerce platforms
- UK-based customer support
View all barcode packages here:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers
Can You Use the Same Barcode on Other Marketplaces?
Yes.
A barcode identifies the product itself rather than the marketplace.
This means you can generally use the same barcode on:
- Shopify
- Amazon
- eBay
- TikTok Shop
- WooCommerce
- BigCommerce
- Retail POS systems
Using one consistent barcode across all platforms keeps your inventory organised and simplifies stock management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a barcode to sell on Shopify?
No. Shopify allows you to list products without barcodes. However, using unique barcode numbers makes inventory management easier and prepares your business for selling on additional platforms.
Can I create my own barcode?
You should ensure each barcode is unique to your products. Purchasing barcode numbers from a trusted supplier helps avoid duplication and supports future business growth.
Do I need a different barcode for each product?
Yes. Every unique product or variation should have its own barcode.
Are Shopify barcodes the same as Amazon barcodes?
Yes. The same barcode can generally be used across multiple marketplaces, provided it uniquely identifies that product.
Get Your Shopify Barcodes Today
Whether you’re opening your first Shopify store or managing an established ecommerce business, adding professional barcode numbers is a smart investment.
Get A Barcode provides instant delivery, FREE UPC barcode numbers and no annual renewal fees, making it easy to prepare your products for Shopify and future expansion.
Browse our barcode packages:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers
You may also find these guides useful:
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/how-to-buy-a-barcode-for-a-product/
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/do-i-need-a-barcode-to-sell-my-product/
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/do-handmade-products-need-barcodes/
Final Thoughts
Shopify gives businesses complete flexibility, and while product barcodes aren’t mandatory, they quickly become invaluable as your store grows.
Adding unique barcode numbers improves stock management, supports barcode scanning, prepares your business for retail sales and allows you to expand onto marketplaces with confidence.
If you’re serious about building a scalable ecommerce business, assigning professional barcode numbers from day one is a simple step that will benefit your business for years to come.