What is the difference between UPC codes and EAN codes?
Author:SimplyBarcodes
A 'UPC' (Universal Product Code) is assigned to a product and contains a unique number that can be used to identify a single distinct product. Stores use this number to keep track of inventory, sales, taxes and re-ordering needs. While the UPC is used for merchandise in the United States and Canada and contains 12 numerical characters, the EAN (International Article Number) has 13 numerical characters and is used in countries other than those in the U.S. and Canada.
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What is the difference between UPC codes and EAN codes?[/caption]The use of UPC and EAN numbers has become so widespread that most retailers refuse to carry/sell a product without a UPC/EAN number. Most stores (online or otherwise) use what's called a 'POS' (point of sale) system. Basically, this is the 'point' or place where a purchasing transaction occurs and money is exchanged for a service or product. This generally occurs at the register or check out location.
What kinds of items have UPCs? Pretty much every item in your kitchen pantry has a UPC barcode on it. Although there are a few exceptions to the rule – such as books (which require an ISBN, a different kind of code), prescription medications, and magazines for example – just about every other product that is sold mainstream is a participant in the coding system. For small business owners who have a product they wish to market, they will find that retailers will not do business with them unless these codes are either printed into the packaging or labeled with UPC sticker barcodes.
Although the numbers can be entered manually into the computer or register, in order to be scanned by a 'reader,' the UPC must have a barcode attached to it. The barcode is a series of bars of varying widths which the computer translates and matches up to the corresponding numerically labeled item in the database.
A governing board known as GS1 is charged with the oversight of the UPC and EAN systems. It is their job to set forth and enforce the guidelines and bylaws which all users agree to be governed by. In order to obtain a UPC or EAN code, you can join GS1 (membership fees are quite expensive) and lease your numbers. Or if you only need a few, you can purchase them from a reputable business that specializes in generating and selling the codes. It's important to do your homework on the business you select.
As with all niche markets these days, there are dishonest individuals trying to take advantage of hard working people. It's a solid business practice to get in the habit of doing background research and checking out consumer review sites before doing business with any online entity.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/databases-articles/what-is-the-difference-between-upc-codes-and-ean-codes-6321661.html
About the Author
For a reputable company that you can trust to provide you with authentic UPCs, try the professionals over at: Simplybarcodes.net or for EANs try: OfficialEANcode.com They have been in business for over a decade and have a proven track record as well as an A rating with the BBB. Whether you decide to obtain your codes from the above businesses or not, they are great sources of information, so it's highly recommended that you at least check out their sites! Happy coding everyone!
