Starting a new business? Here’s the complete barcode checklist you need before selling your products online or in stores.

Launching a new product is exciting, but many new businesses overlook one essential requirement—a barcode.

Whether you’re selling through your own website, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, TikTok Shop or wholesale to retailers, having the correct barcode in place from the start can save time, prevent listing problems and make your business look professional.

This simple barcode checklist will help you make sure you’re ready to start selling.

Why Do New Businesses Need Barcodes?

A barcode gives every product a unique identity. Retailers, online marketplaces and inventory systems use barcode numbers to identify products quickly and accurately.

Without the correct barcode you may struggle to:

List products on online marketplaces
Track stock accurately
Sell through retail stores
Integrate with warehouse systems
Scale your business

If you’re unsure whether you need one, read our guide:

Do I Need a Barcode to Sell My Product?
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/do-i-need-a-barcode-to-sell-my-product/

Your New Business Barcode Checklist

✅ 1. Decide Where You Will Sell

Your selling platform determines your barcode requirements.

Common selling channels include:

Amazon
eBay
Etsy
Shopify
WooCommerce
Wix
Squarespace
BigCommerce
TikTok Shop
Not On The High Street
Your own website
Physical retail shops

Before buying barcodes, check the specific requirements for each platform.

Helpful guides:

Barcode Requirements for Amazon
Barcode Requirements for Shopify
Barcode Requirements for Etsy
Barcode Requirements for eBay
Barcode Requirements for WooCommerce
Barcode Requirements for Wix
Barcode Requirements for Squarespace
Barcode Requirements for BigCommerce
Barcode Requirements for TikTok Shop
Barcode Requirements for Not On The High Street

Check out our Barcode Requirements Page.

✅ 2. Count How Many Barcode Numbers You Need

A common mistake is assuming one barcode covers every version of a product.

In reality:

Each unique product requires its own barcode.

You need a different barcode for every:

Colour
Size
Flavour
Scent
Weight
Pack size
Version

For example:

Product	Barcode Needed
Blue T-Shirt Small	✔
Blue T-Shirt Medium	✔
Blue T-Shirt Large	✔
Black T-Shirt Small	✔
Black T-Shirt Medium	✔
Black T-Shirt Large	✔

Six variations require six barcode numbers. Every SKU needs its own unique identifier.

✅ 3. Buy Your Barcode Numbers

Choose a trusted UK supplier that provides:

Instant delivery
Genuine EAN barcode numbers
Barcode images
No annual renewal fees
Proof of ownership
Lifetime use

Get A Barcode provides everything you need to begin selling within minutes.

Visit:

https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers

✅ 4. Download Your Barcode Images

After purchasing, save your barcode files somewhere safe.

You may receive several formats such as:

Different printers and designers may require different file types.

✅ 5. Add Barcodes to Your Packaging

Your barcode should:

Print clearly
Have plenty of white space around it
Not be stretched
Not be distorted
Be easy for scanners to read

Poor-quality barcodes can lead to failed scans, delays and rejected products.

✅ 6. Test Your Barcode

Before printing hundreds or thousands of labels:

Scan it using a smartphone
Test it with a barcode scanner
Print a sample label
Check that it scans first time

This simple step can prevent expensive mistakes.

✅ 7. Add Barcodes to Marketplace Listings

Many marketplaces ask for barcode numbers when creating product listings.

Examples include:

Amazon
eBay
TikTok Shop
Shopify
Google Shopping

Keep a spreadsheet of:

Product Name
SKU
Barcode Number
Product Variation

Good organisation saves time as your catalogue grows.

✅ 8. Keep Your Barcode Numbers Safe

Once assigned:

Never reuse a barcode for a different product.

Each barcode should permanently belong to one product only. Reusing numbers can create inventory problems and retailer confusion.

✅ 9. Think Ahead

Many businesses begin with one product before expanding.

Buying multiple barcode numbers now can save time later if you intend to launch:

New colours
Gift sets
Bundle packs
Larger sizes
Seasonal editions

Planning ahead helps your product range grow smoothly.

✅ 10. Keep a Barcode Register

Create a simple spreadsheet including:

Product name
SKU
Barcode number
Date assigned
Marketplace listings
Label artwork version

This becomes invaluable once your business has dozens or hundreds of products.

Common Barcode Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

❌ Using one barcode for multiple products

❌ Reusing old barcode numbers

❌ Stretching barcode images

❌ Printing at poor quality

❌ Forgetting product variations need separate numbers

❌ Losing your barcode records

Most of these issues are easy to avoid with a little planning.

Quick New Business Barcode Checklist

Before launching your product, make sure you have:

✔ Decided where you’ll sell

✔ Counted product variations

✔ Purchased enough barcode numbers

✔ Downloaded your barcode files

✔ Added them to your packaging

✔ Tested every barcode

✔ Recorded barcode numbers

✔ Uploaded them to your selling platforms

✔ Stored everything safely

Ready to Buy Your Barcodes?

At Get A Barcode, we make it simple for new businesses to start selling.

You’ll receive:

Instant barcode delivery
Genuine EAN barcode numbers
Barcode images ready to print
No annual fees
Lifetime ownership
UK-based customer support

Whether you’re launching your first product or expanding your range, we’re here to help you get selling quickly.

Browse our barcode packages today:

https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one barcode for all my products?

No. Every unique product and every variation requires its own barcode.

Do I need a barcode for Shopify?

While Shopify itself doesn’t always require one, barcodes make stock control much easier and may be needed if you also sell on marketplaces or through retailers.

Do handmade products need barcodes?

If you plan to sell online or through retailers, barcodes are strongly recommended. Many marketplaces require them, especially as your business grows.

How quickly can I get barcodes?

With Get A Barcode, barcode numbers are delivered instantly after purchase, allowing you to start listing your products without delay.

Final Thoughts

Getting your barcode setup right from the beginning makes launching your business much easier. It improves inventory management, helps you meet marketplace requirements and prepares your products for future growth.

Follow this checklist before your first sale, and you’ll avoid many of the common mistakes that new businesses make.