How to Get UPC Barcodes for Your Products

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From the Wall Street Journal

Universal product codes — UPCs — are the 12-digit numbers that appear under the barcodes on many U.S. products. Getting a UPC means first joining a group to get assigned a unique identification number. They are given out by GS1 US, a nonprofit group that sets standards for international commerce.

Here’s how it works: Businesses pay to join GS1 US, and in exchange, it assigns each member its own identification number that appears as the first part of its UPC. Membership can be pricey -- an initial fee of least $250, plus annual renewal fees starting at $50.

Companies usually need different UPC codes for each product they sell, even if it is just a different size. So companies will add more numbers to their GS1-issued identification code to identify each of their products. You save money by using a UPC code reseller, but if you're selling through major retailers, this isn't an option.

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