Everything You Need to Know About Amazon UPC Codes in 2024

As a new (or expert) Amazon Seller it is always important to understand Amazon UPC codes. Amazon requires all products to have a UPC prior to being listed.

The only requirement Amazon places on these codes is that you purchase a “GS1 UPC code”. However, you can't just create your own UPC Code, you have to buy through a reputable website (see below).

Do you Need Amazon UPC Codes to Sell Products on Amazon?

The reason you need a UPC code to sell on Amazon is that you can enter something into the product ID field when you list a product for sale. Select “UPC” from the drop-down menu of the “Product ID” section. You can’t even list a product to sell on Amazon without an appropriate UPC code.

UPC Codes are also known as “barcodes”.

What to Put In the Amazon Product ID Section

EANs and UPCs are the main Amazon product IDs used in Australia, New Zealand, and many Western and European countries (including the USA, UK, and Canada)

How to Purchase Cheap Amazon UPC Codes

1. Buy Amazon UPC codes through a reputable website (see below)
2. Download the barcodes through an Excel spreadsheet and JPEG images
3. Create your Amazon Product Listing
4. Enter the UPC code into the “Product ID Field” to verify its authenticity
5. Complete your product listing

Where to Buy Amazon UPC Codes

When people look for cheap UPC codes they turn to shady sellers and get them from eBay. It’s most likely that these cheap codes are recycled. Using recycled codes may lead Amazon to believe you sell fraudulent products, which gets your account shut down. Let's take a look at some trusted sellers of cheap Amazon UPC codes:

• Snap UPC: a trusted UPC code seller for Amazon. They also have codes for other sites including eBay. Sellers can buy individual barcodes for five dollars each, or get bundles for better savings – up to $0.10 per barcode.
• Order Barcode Labels is another trusted seller. Amazon sellers can use the website to generate barcodes for their products and purchase them. The prices for labels range between $15 for 250 labels up to $25.50 for 1000 labels. Labels are also available in a variety of materials and sizes, including the option to purchase waterproof labels.
• Barcode Mania: One of the most reasonably priced barcode providers around. They have barcodes available for just $4.99 for a single barcode, with prices going up to $140 for 600 codes.

UPC Code for Amazon FAQ

1. How many UPC codes do I need per product?

You only need to list one UPC code for new products on Amazon. For example, one UPC code will cover all “t-shirts”, no matter how many shirts you sell.

2. I’ve never sold products on Amazon before but want to start a private label business. It asks me for a product ID whenever I go to create a new product. Is that where I enter the UPC code?

This is where the UPC code goes. You need a product ID to list a new product on Amazon. Choose UPC from the menu and enter the appropriate UPC code.

3. Will the UPC code be the same for the same products?

The UPC code for the same products will be the same. You can use one UPC code for many matching products. If you have already listed an item, then just change the amount of product you sell.

4. Do I need a UPC code to list a product I’ve already got a listing for on Amazon?

If you will list the same item more than once on Amazon you should be able to piggyback on the current details page instead of having to make a brand-new one. This means you don’t need to purchase a UPC code if you already have the item up for sale. Choose ASIN for the product ID and enter the ASIN number from the existing listing.

5. Do I need to physically put the Amazon UPC code on the products I list?

You can list as many products as needed through a single UPC code. If you are selling 100 hairbrushes, then you only need one UPC code for the product listing on Amazon. You don’t need to actually put the UPC code on the product either.

Amazon gives each item you list a unique identifier. This code is what you put on the actual products. The UPC code is only there for listing the product.

6. What are some other common terms in the Amazon Product ID section of Amazon listings?

ASIN

The ASIN is the Amazon Standard Identification Number. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric unique catalog number assigned by Amazon that won’t actually be generated until the product is listed.

When creating a new product listing with a UPC code, Amazon assigns the new listing an ASIN identification. This is how the systems at Amazon keep track of which sellers are selling which versions of which items when multiple people list the same products.

GCID (for Advanced Users Only)

When creating a brand on Amazon you will be given a unique identifier for your brand to list products under.

The ID can only be used when adding new products that are part of the approved registered Brand list.

Registering your brand on Amazon allows you to circumvent the entire UPC code stage of listing a product. It allows you to sell products without a UPC code. It’s something to consider once your sales ramp up on the platform.

GTIN

A GTIN is part of another code, such as an EAN or UPC code. These are 14-digit codes used to identify products, services, and items. Think of them as the umbrella that collects the GS1 barcodes we’ll be using, including UPC codes.

Keep things simple by keeping in mind that all product listings require a UPC code. This should be standard practice for you.

So . . .

Remember that you only need a UPC code to make an initial listing on Amazon. You don’t need to physically apply them to each product. You also only require one UPC code for each variation of your product. You don’t need UPC codes if you sell via retail arbitrage. Products you get via arbitrate are shipped with barcodes that you can use to list and sell products.

Don’t forget that you just want to sell your products on Amazon. You don’t want to have to worry about UPC codes and logistics. You don’t need to get much deeper into the discussion on UPC codes. This is only a small part of ranking products on Amazon and running your own Amazon business.

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