Retail & Product Marking - UPC labels are on almost everything we buy.  With UPC barcodes, proper tracking can be achieved throughout the distribution network.  If you are only using barcodes for your own internal use, you will not need a UPC number, but the minute a product is sold in the retail marketplace, it HAS to have a UPC code.

Before you can put a UPC bar code on your product, you need to have a UPC assigned for the product. In order for retailers to properly identify your products, a unique UPC barcode is required for each and every product.

But how do you get one?  You will need to request a number from the GS1 US (formerly the Uniform Code Council).

Have you ever noticed that every UPC bar code label is different?  The GS1 is a global standards organization that guarantees the every product, asset, service or location will be uniquely identified, virtually worldwide.

To be honest, obtaining a number through the GS1 is not cheap. Even if you are a small business you will have to pay a fee every year to use the company number prefix that is assigned to you.  For some businesses this is a formidable requirement. What has recently developed is the ability to buy a single number for a single product.  There are three companies in the US that joined the UCC prior to 2002 that have the ability to subdivide and issue single UPC numbers under there own business number assignments.  Simply Barcodes (www.UPCcode.us), www.upcexpress.com and legalbarcodes.com.

However, this is really not a good idea--and EIMINC is NOT endorsing this choice.  If your company needs UPC codes for a large number of products or if you are going to sell them through The Kroger Company or Walmart Stores, Inc. you will have to deal with GS1 directly.  You may also find that over time, the number of large retailers forcing GS1 Compliance for traceability requirements will grow.

Once your UPC number is assigned, you can print this number directly onto the packaging of your product or you can use labels. If you choose to use labels, we can print the labels for you and assure you of the highest quality scans.

Or you can print the labels yourself using bar code printing software, blank labels and printer. For users new to printing we offer our Quick Start Barcode Label Printing Systems which includes everything you need to get started printing labels quickly and easily. We can also provide you an artwork ready electronic file of your UPC barcode in a variety of electronic formats. (Call for details)

Already have your UPC numbers and looking for labels? (or an artwork ready electronic file)

 We can't begin to list the options available to you with product marking labels. You can get logos, security cuts, special shapes and sizes. Give us a call and we can help you determine which combination of products and services will help you achieve your product marking goals.

We Print or You Print?

It's up to you. Often this application does not require a quantity of labels that makes it reasonable to print in your facility. When you prefer to make your labels, we can provide the labels, software and printers.