Common Barcoding Myths Explained

Myth 1: My product didn’t launch, so I no longer need my GS1 Company Prefix

Reality:  Even though your product didn’t launch or your retailer didn’t buy your product, it’s still wise to maintain your GS1 Company Prefix license. Once your license expires, GS1 US® can re-assign your GS1 Company Prefix to another company. This means that you can no longer identify your products with your old GS1 Company Prefix. Maintaining your license now allows you to sell new products, or sell your existing products to any retailer in the future, without the extra expense of licensing a new GS1 Company Prefix. Renew your GS1 Company Prefix license > 

Myth 2: I only sell products online - I don’t need U.P.C.s

Reality:  More and more online retailers are requiring unique product identification. And, if you decide to sell your products in physical stores, you’ll need to barcode those products. The same identifier (called the GTIN® or Global Trade Item Number ®) used for physical products is the same identifier you use to identify the product online. Once your license expires, GS1 US can re-assign your GS1 Company Prefix to another company. This means that you cannot identify your products with your old GS1 Company Prefix. Maintaining your license now allows you to sell your products to physical stores, and to online retailers, without the extra expense of licensing a new GS1 Company Prefix in the future. Renew your GS1 Company Prefix license > 

Myth 3: I’ve already numbered my products; I no longer need my GS1 Company Prefix

Reality:  Although you may be done numbering your products, you still need to maintain your GS1 Company Prefix license to continue using these unique numbers on your current products. If your annual license expires, GS1 US can re-assign your GS1 Company Prefix to another company. This means that you cannot identify your products with your old GS1 Company Prefix. Use of the prefix after its expiration is in strict violation of your license agreement with GS1 US. Maintaining your license now allows you to continue using your product identification without the extra expense of licensing a new GS1 Company Prefix in the future and without the expense of relabeling your products with the new GS1 Company Prefix. Renew your GS1 Company Prefix license > 

Myth 4: Cheaper barcodes bought elsewhere are just as good as those created with the GS1 US Company Prefix

Reality:  We understand the need to control expenses. But did you know that many retailers are requiring that barcodes link back to the brand owner of the product? While the U.P.C.s you can obtain through other sources may scan, the numbers contained in them will not identify your company as the brand owner. Only barcodes created with your unique GS1 Company Prefix will reflect your company as the brand owner in the GS1 Company Database (GEPIR). Renew your GS1 Company Prefix license >

Renew your GS1 Company Prefix License today!

This will take you here where you can renew your GS1 Company Prefix license. You’ll need to input your GS1 US Username and Password (from your Welcome Email) or your account number and invoice number to enter this secure site.