UPC barcodes for your own products: the basics

A UPC barcode is the familiar striped code on most packaged products, with a string of numbers underneath. UPC barcode basics matter when you start selling your own products, like house-made sandwiches, a store-brand snack mix, or items packed in-store. Official UPCs come from GS1 US and are needed if you plan to sell through other retailers. For items sold only in your store, in-store codes are often enough.

Knowing the difference saves you money and time.

What is a UPC?

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. A UPC is a 12-digit number shown as a barcode. Scanners read the barcode, and the POS looks up the item.

The number has parts. The first part is a company prefix, which identifies the brand owner. The next part identifies the specific product. The last digit is a check digit, which helps catch scanning errors.

Every size, flavor, and variety of a product gets its own UPC. A 12-ounce and a 20-ounce bottle of the same drink have different codes.

Where do official UPCs come from?

In the US, official UPC company prefixes are issued by GS1 US, a standards organization. A business licenses a company prefix and then assigns product numbers under it.

GS1 US offers different options depending on how many products you need to number. Check their site for current options and costs.

An official UPC means the code is unique worldwide. No other product in any store should have the same number.

You'll generally need official UPCs if you plan to sell your products through other stores, distributors, or online marketplaces. Many of them require GS1-issued codes.

When are in-store codes enough?

If you only sell a product in your own store, you may not need an official UPC.

Many POS systems let you create in-store item codes. You assign a number, print a barcode label, and the POS knows what it is.

In-store codes work well for deli sandwiches, house-packed snacks, bakery items, and items sold by weight with scale labels.

The catch is that in-store codes only work in your system. If you ever sell the product elsewhere, you'll need official UPCs.

If you use NRS POS, ask how to create in-store items and print barcode labels.

How do you print and use barcode labels?

Use a label printer that can print barcodes. Most small direct thermal label printers can.

Choose a label size that fits your product and leaves room for the item name and price.

Print a test label and scan it at the register before labeling a whole batch.

Place labels on a flat, smooth part of the package. Barcodes on curves, folds, or wrinkles scan poorly.

Keep labels away from heat and sunlight, which can fade direct thermal printing.

For label rolls, browse the paper rolls category on NRS Marketplace. For price guns and simple price labels, check the label guns category.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Reusing a code for a different product. Every product and size needs its own code.

Making up numbers that look like UPCs. A random 12-digit number might match a real product somewhere and cause confusion. Use your POS's in-store numbering or official GS1 codes.

Buying codes from unofficial resellers without understanding what you're getting. Some retailers only accept GS1-issued prefixes licensed to your business.

Printing labels too small or too faint to scan.

Here's a hypothetical. A store makes three sandwich types and sells them only at its counter. It creates three in-store codes in the POS, prints labels with the name, price, and barcode, and tests each one. Checkout gets faster, and sales reports now show which sandwich sells best.