Typical UPC-A for retail
Many new products make the move to the ‘big time’ when they get a UPC code on their label. This is required by many distributors and large chain stores. The most common barcode format for retail packaging is the UPC.
UPC numbers must be registered, just like an internet domain name, so that when a code is scanned in the grocery store, the proper price is displayed and the store’s inventory is reduced by one unit to reflect the sale.
To make sure that two products don’t have the same UPC, like domain names, there is a central clearinghouse to coordinate this activity. The clearinghouse is GS1 – formerly known as the Uniform Code Council. You can find excellent information, and actually sign up for your own UPC code in minutes at this website:
GS1 – Barcode Leaders – http://www.gs1.org/barcodes
As always, you can call the experts at Rose City Label with barcode questions, too. We are happy to help!