If you’re selling products online, you’ve probably encountered the need for UPC (Universal Product Code) barcodes. Whether it’s for listing on Amazon, selling to retailers, or simply organizing your inventory, proper barcode management is essential for any growing ecommerce business.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about assigning and managing UPC barcodes on your Shopify store.
What Are UPC Barcodes and Why Do You Need Them?
UPC barcodes are 12-digit codes that uniquely identify your products. They’re the standard for retail in North America (EAN codes are used internationally). Here’s why they matter:
- Marketplace requirements: Amazon, Walmart, and other marketplaces require valid UPCs for most product listings
- Retail partnerships: Physical retailers need barcodes for their POS systems
- Inventory tracking: Barcodes make scanning and tracking inventory much easier
- Product authenticity: Valid barcodes help establish your products as legitimate
Where to Get UPC Barcodes
There are two main options:
1. GS1 (Official Source)
GS1 is the official organization that manages UPC codes. Buying from GS1 ensures your codes are unique and universally accepted. This is required for major retailers and some marketplaces.
2. Third-Party Resellers
You can purchase UPCs from resellers at lower prices, but these may not be accepted by all retailers or marketplaces. Fine for smaller operations but verify acceptance before purchasing.
Assigning Barcodes in Shopify with Dragon UPC Barcodes Manager
Once you have your barcodes, here’s how to assign them using our app:
Step 1: Install the App
- Go to the Shopify App Store
- Click “Add app” and authorize Dragon UPC Barcodes Manager
- The app will sync with your product catalog automatically
Step 2: Single Product Assignment
For individual products:
- Open Dragon UPC Barcodes Manager from your Shopify admin
- Find the product you want to update
- Enter the UPC/EAN code in the barcode field
- Click “Save” — the app validates the barcode automatically
Step 3: Bulk Assignment
For multiple products at once:
- Prepare a CSV file with your product identifiers and barcodes
- Go to the “Bulk Import” section in the app
- Upload your CSV file
- Map the columns to match your data
- Click “Import” — all products update at once
Step 4: Validation
Dragon UPC Barcodes Manager automatically validates your barcodes:
- ✅ Check digit validation — ensures the barcode is mathematically correct
- ✅ Format validation — confirms proper UPC-A (12 digits) or EAN-13 (13 digits) format
- ✅ Duplicate detection — alerts you if a barcode is assigned to multiple products
Best Practices for Barcode Management
Keep a Master Record
Always maintain a spreadsheet or database of your barcode assignments. This makes it easier to track what’s been assigned and what’s available.
Assign Before You List
Always add barcodes to products in Shopify before listing them on external marketplaces. This prevents sync issues later.
Validate Regularly
Run periodic checks to ensure all your products have valid barcodes, especially before busy seasons or new marketplace listings.
Use Variants Wisely
Each product variant (different sizes, colors, etc.) needs its own unique barcode. Plan your barcode purchases accordingly.
Common Barcode Issues and How to Fix Them
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| ”Invalid barcode” error | Incorrect check digit | Verify the barcode with the supplier or re-enter carefully |
| Marketplace rejection | Using reseller codes where GS1 is required | Purchase GS1-certified barcodes |
| Duplicate barcode | Same code on multiple products | Use the app’s duplicate detection to find and fix conflicts |
| Missing barcodes | Products added without codes | Use bulk export to identify products missing barcodes |
Ready to Get Started?
Managing barcodes doesn’t have to be complicated. With Dragon UPC Barcodes Manager, you can:
- Assign barcodes individually or in bulk
- Validate codes automatically
- Check GS1 compliance
- Export your data anytime
Install Dragon UPC Barcodes Manager — it’s free to get started.
Questions about barcode management? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.