While you don't scan a barcode during online checkout like you would at a cash register, you will still use the number sequence under the barcode (also known as a GTIN) that uniquely identifies the product. The GTIN and barcode are still very important in fully digital store, like Amazon. The GTIN you provide to Amazon will go into their database. Amazon has committed to providing accurate data to their customers, who will look up GTINs to see who they belong to. So, it is even more important to have the correct, validated product identification in a digital world. You could lose out on sales and damage business relationships if you provide bad data.
Why GS1 US?
Barcodes Originate from GS1
In order to sell on Amazon, you’ll need an authentic way to identify your products. GS1 is the global authority for the unique identification of products and companies, which serve as the building blocks for barcodes.
Amazon recommends obtaining a GTIN (product ID)—directly from GS1 or the product manufacturer for that exact reason. Here's a direct quote from their Seller Central help site:
"If you do not have a product ID for your product, you can request it from the manufacturer. If you manufacture the product yourself, visit the GS1 standards website for more information."*
According to a recent Amazon study, American small businesses sold more than 3.4 billion products through the online marketplace in the past year, up from 2.7 billion the previous year. Additional research underscores the importance of having U.P.C.s and GTINs in online product listings. A GS1 US study revealed in 2019 that the majority of growing small businesses (54%) said that using U.P.C.s in their product listings made it easier for customers to find and buy their products.
Barcodes from GS1 Work Nearly Everywhere
It's important to understand that the reason retailers recommend GS1 US. When you get your barcodes from GS1 US, the product data will identify your company only. If you get your barcodes from anywhere else, it's very likely that you will not be listed as the brand owner of that barcode.
The best part about GS1 barcodes is that they are accepted all over the world. The barcode you need for your product on Amazon, is the same barcode you'll need to list your product on another retailer’s website and in retail stores.
Retailers often verify the authenticity of your barcodes by checking in the GS1 Database before they allow you to sell on their site. If your company is not listed in the database as the brand owner of that barcode, your account might be suspended, or you might need to relabel your products. Both will cost you time and money!
What are the business benefits of using GS1 barcodes?
- Fast and accurate data capture at every point in the supply chain
- Less stock-holding and less waste
- Greater responsiveness to trade customers and consumers
- The ability to automate warehousing
- Better control over distribution and storage
- Fewer errors in the recognition of goods
- Improved company to company communications throughout the supply chain
- One standard for use with all trading partners, therefore no conflicting demands.
Cutting Corners is Costly
The reason retailers prefer GS1 over the alternatives is because your company is identified as the brand owner of that barcode and product in our global registry.
GS1 US continuously works to make barcoding products easy for members. If you need help determining how many barcodes you need, check out our Barcode Estimator! We'll walk you through a series of questions to help you determine which option is the best one for your company.
Uniquely identify your brand and your barcodes with a GS1 Company Prefix or a GS1 US GTIN and invest in the future of your business. A GS1 Company Prefix will allow you to license a block of barcodes at one time, where as GS1 US GTIN is a single barcode.
Need more information like pricing?
| Number of items needing a barcode/GTIN** | Initial fee | Annual renewal fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GS1 US GTIN | $30 | NONE |
| 10 | $250 | $50 |
| 100 | $750 | $150 |
| 1,000 | $2,500 | $500 |
| 10,000 | $6,500 | $1,300 |
| 100,000 | $10,500 | $2,100 |
| NDC/NHRIC Company Prefix | $2,100 | $2,100 |
Still need more information? Visit our How to Get Barcodes page >