UPC codes question

[liawrig.nq8rdwqa3]

Would anyone know a valid site where I can buy valid UPC codes to use to add listings?  I am trying to add a listing elsewhere and running into "invalid codes".  Feel like I threw my $$ away.

[varebelrose]

If I am listing something that does not have a UPC code (vintage, used, handmade items, for example), I always just use "Does not apply".  What are you trying to list that would require one?

YMMV.

[myboardid]

UPC codes are specific to the manufacturer.  Each company has its own codes, the first numbers in the code are for that particular business, the next few for a division, the next few for the design group and the last few for the particular product.  You can't just make them up or buy new ones.  Does your item have a bar code on it?  The UPC code is the 12 digit number on the bottom of the bar code - the ones you need to have a magnifying glass to see.  You need all 12 digits.   

[m60driver]

As an old fart who sees the world through graduated bifocals and thus is incapable of reading tiny barcode numbers, I always just use the ""Does not apply" option.  On the rare occasions when Ebay does not allow me that option then I have two other options. First, I can try to find the same item already listed where someone has listed the correct UPC code.  Or second, I can just list the item as used but keep "New" in both the title and description with a note in the description explaining the situation.  And I do understand that not using a barcode might cause me to lose a sale here or there, but apart from one poster on these boards I have yet to meet a buyer who searches by barcode.

[a_c_green]

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@m60driver wrote:

And I do understand that not using a barcode might cause me to lose a sale here or there, but apart from one poster on these boards I have yet to meet a buyer who searches by barcode.

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Buyers aren't going to tell you how they found your item. I've seen plenty of people with scanner apps on their phones who are scanning the barcode of an item in a store or estate sale or wherever, and looking to see what eBay prices for that item are like. If they find yours and it's cheaper than the example they're searching with, they may buy yours.

[krazzykats]

This is the official site:

GS1 US

Apply for a Barcode