What is eBay UPC? (all you must know)
eBay is one of the oldest online retailers in the game since its creation in the 1990s, and it’s still wildly popular in the world today. But how is this possible? What services must companies provide to make people want to go back for more? On the one hand, it uses product identifiers such as UPC.
So you might be wondering what UPCs are, or why eBay uses them. If so, keep reading the articles below to find more answers to these questions!
What is the eBay UPC in 2022?
eBay uses Universal Product Codes, or UPCs, to help customers and sellers in 2022. By using these product identifiers, the buyer’s experience becomes easier as they may pop up more items that may be of interest to them. Also, for sellers, having a UPC helps their listings show up not only on eBay’s navigation, but also on Google and Bing’s.
Why does eBay use UPC?
eBay wants users to have a hassle-free shopping experience when using their site. Therefore, they provide certain services to achieve this goal.
Additionally, eBay helps shoppers find what they’re looking for using UPCs, item brands, global trade item numbers, and more.
However, adding these search topics not only helps buyers, but sellers as well, as it increases your listing’s visibility in the eBay search engine and Google.
Additionally, they make your items eligible for deals and promotions.
Additionally, product identifiers allow eBay’s catalog to grow, allowing for better and faster matching of buyers/items on the company’s website.
Therefore, eBay uses UPCs not only to help buyers and sellers on its site, but also because they help eBay expand its online catalog, which in turn brings more shoppers to the site.
In which categories can I use product identifiers?
In some categories, if you sell your item in “new” or manufacturer-refurbished condition, you must list certain items in the item description.
For example, you must say the item’s brand, global trade number, and manufacturer’s part number. The categories to which this rule applies are as follows:
- ebay auto
- Home & Garden (Tools & Appliances)
- music
- pet supplies
- Health and Beauty
- Musical Instruments and Gear
- toys and hobbies
- sporting goods
- Video Games and Consoles
- baby
- camera
- Cell Phones and Accessories
- books
- DVD
- Consumer electronics (computers, tablets, etc.)
- clothing and footwear
- Industrial and Commercial (Electrical, Healthcare, Heavy Equipment, etc.)
How to create a UPC code?
If the item is used or refurbished, most items you try to sell on eBay should already have a UPC code.
However, if the item was created by you and you want it to have its own UPC, follow these steps:
- Figure out how many of your products require UPC
- Join GS1 US and apply for your GS1 company prefix
- Assign a unique product number to your item
- Choose a barcode design
- Determine how barcodes are displayed
- Order your UPC barcode
- Test the printed barcode
Additionally, although GS1 is the only legitimate UPC producer, they can be purchased from third-party internet sources.
However, many online stores will not accept UPCs even though it is cheaper to buy them from third parties.
This is because the barcodes are not original and are used in stores that are no longer open.
So even though it’s a new barcode to you, when it shows up, it will have another company’s prefix appended.
Overall, this is a problem because most retailers require you to append your own prefix to the UPC barcode.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on eBay Reserve Prices, eBay’s Global Shipping Program, and eBay Bids.
in conclusion
UPCs or Universal Product Codes are very helpful to everyone involved because they allow you to find what you’re looking for online with one quick and easy search.
Plus, it helps not only potential buyers but sellers as well, as people can more easily find your listings on the eBay website as well as on Google and other search engines.
