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The Truth about Buying GS1 Barcodes: GS1 vs Resellers - Best Practices Revealed


Suppose you sell products, especially on platforms like Amazon. Having UPC/EAN codes for your products is essential. Many physical and online shops in the UK, including major platforms like Amazon, require UPC/EAN codes to ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of the products sold. However, buying UPC/EAN codes can sometimes be confusing, and it's important to avoid scam sellers and fakes. This blog post explores the difference between buying UPC/EAN codes directly from GS1 and purchasing them from resellers. We'll introduce My Barcode UK as a legitimate source for barcodes.


First, let's address the issue of falsely claimed GS1 barcodes. Many resellers in the market advertise their codes as GS1 barcodes when they are not. This situation leads to serious problems, especially with platforms like Amazon that enforce strict UPC/EAN policies for registered brand sellers. These policies require cross-checking UPC/EAN codes against the GS1 database. However, you do not need to register for Amazon's Brand Program to sell on Amazon. Most resellers in the UK do not register for Amazon's Brand Program and use GS1 barcodes from legitimate resellers - such as My Barcode UK - without any issues and save money.


When buying UPC/EAN codes, understanding the differences between purchasing from GS1 and opting for resellers is crucial. My Barcode UK offers a valuable alternative for acquiring UPC/EAN codes, aligning with the best practices of "Buying GS1 Barcodes: GS1 vs Resellers." This approach enables you to save on upfront costs while meeting the requirements of UK retailers. With My Barcode UK, you can confidently navigate acquiring legitimate UPC/EAN codes through trusted and established practices.


For some UK retailers and circumstances, registering directly with GS1 might be necessary. However, buying from a reputable reseller like My Barcode UK is a cost-effective solution for most sellers, especially those primarily selling on their website or non-corporate platforms in the UK. Most retailers will accept GS1 barcodes purchased from My Barcode UK.


When choosing a reseller to purchase UPC/EAN codes, ensuring their legitimacy is important. My Barcode UK is a trusted source for barcodes in the UK, offering a Best Price Guarantee and a Works for Amazon Guarantee. We provide fast digital delivery of barcodes - within the same day - making the process quick and convenient for UK sellers.


To avoid fake or illegitimate GS1 barcodes, here are some tips to keep in mind when buying from a reseller:

1. The reseller should be selling barcodes from a prefix obtained from GS1 or other legitimate sources.

2. Be cautious of resellers offering UPC/EAN codes at prices that seem too good to be true; these are likely fake codes.

3. Ensure the reseller has avoided legal issues or trouble with UK licensing, regulatory bodies, or law enforcement.

4. Verify that the reseller is a registered and legitimate business with a physical address, phone number, and email contact information. Check Companies House.

5. Check if the reseller has a dedicated website and is not solely selling on auction websites.


Once you purchase UPC/EAN codes from a reseller like My Barcode UK, you will receive a list of the assigned numbers and images ready for printing. Registering these numbers for your products is a straightforward process, and you can easily provide the GS1 barcodes to the UK shops or platforms you are working with. Suppose you sell unique products that do not have UPC/EAN codes, such as handmade goods or collectables. In that case, following specific guidelines for including unique identifiers in your product feed is important.


The UPC/EAN issue extends beyond Amazon, affecting resellers and merchants on a growing number of channels in the UK. It's crucial to stay informed about the requirements and guidelines related to UPC/EAN codes, and this blog post serves as a valuable resource to navigate the UK landscape.


Remember, choosing a reputable source like My Barcode UK ensures that you have legitimate UPC/EAN codes for your products, which will help you avoid any legal or logistical issues in the future.

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