Step 1: Estimate Barcode Quantity
One of the most common questions companies ask us when it comes to UPC barcoding is determining “How many UPCs to buy”. There are two different UPC barcode options available. For companies, who plan on selling to larger retailers and determine that they need several UPC barcodes normally license a UPC Company Prefix so they can have 10 or more UPC barcodes. Alternatively, single GS1 GTINs are available to small companies that need just a few barcodes now. The next steps provide additional information for either option.
How To Estimate Your Barcode Needs
As a general rule, every variation of your product will need its own UPC. If your product comes in different colors or patterns, each different color or pattern will need a UPC. If your product comes in different sizes, each size will need a unique UPC.
The same is true for different configurations and packaging. For example, a plastic bottle of sparkling water will need a different UPC than the same sparkling water in a glass bottle. The same kind of baby shampoo with and without a bundled toy will need different UPCs for each type of packaging.
Estimating your UPC needs is important now, but also important to revisit from time to time. Regardless of which option you select now, the GS1 management system is flexible enough to allow companies to obtain additional company-licensed prefixes and single GTINs in the future.
Apply and License a Prefix (9+ more UPCs)
Apply and License Single GTINs (less than 10)
UPC COMPANY PREFIX LENGTH AND ASIGNMENT CAPACITY
A UPC is 12 digits long and is made up of the prefix, and item number, and a check digit. The longer the prefix the less UPCs you can assign. As expected, long prefixes are less expensive and short prefixes more expensive.
See Table Below for Unit Pricing Breakdown
As the table shows, price per UPC decreases significantly for each step up in capacity. Let’s say you needed UPCs for 400 products; it makes more sense to get the 1,000 capacity prefix ($3,500) than 4 – 100 capacity prefixes ($4,000).
For most companies, the primary factor to consider is cost. UPC Company Prefixes require both initial membership fees and yearly renewals. Choosing a prefix with too few assignments will force you to purchase another one later, which is typically cost-inefficient due to pricing tiers. Conversely, selecting a prefix with more assignments than necessary means paying annual fees for unused numbers—remember, you’ll pay yearly fees for every GTIN regardless of whether it’s being used.
While excess capacity is costly, errors in planning can be equally expensive. Thoroughly evaluating your current UPC requirements and anticipating future needs will help you select the most appropriate option.
Placing Barcodes on Products
Single GTIN UPC Barcodes
GS1 AI Powered Help Desk
We Are Here To Help!
Please contact us at 888.540.6885 or chat with us online If you would like to set up a call with a consultant for assistance, please use the button below.
