JAN = 13 digits (begins with 450 through 459) 4 - Entering the wrong barcode number If in doubt use the simple key below to guide you: The remedy? Count the digits, verify the barcode format you have (likely a UPC or EAN). Their system will expect 13 digits (since that’s what you told them) but you entered 12 digits, so it’s one digit short and comes back invalid. Example is having a UPC barcode (12 digits) but instead of selecting the UPC from the drop down you select the “EAN” (13 digits) as your product ID. What this means is you didn’t enter the whole barcode number or you picked the wrong format. If this happens the error message will say: “The value specified is invalid.” We all make mistakes, barcodes are new to most sellers, so it is easy to enter the wrong number or format in the product ID field. This can cause chaos or false expectations if the pictures of the item no longer match the product you’ve been shipping the whole time. Unless you’re the #1 seller on that listing you do not have control over it, so some other seller can change key attributes and screw up what you have going on. Pros: You don’t have to get your own barcodes, you can be tied to an existing listing (less effort) and saves some time.Ĭons: You are piggy-backing off of another listing. While this is doable, it is not always recommended, even on Amazon. Normally in the real world, you would never do this, but with Amazon, it is oddly commonplace to use another manufacturer's UPC or EAN number. Barcodes are inexpensive these days, there are options to legally own as well as license, more on this later. If found using another’s barcode the nicest thing they could do is send you a cease and desist.
Making up a number, though not hard, is a quick way to be in conflict with another business or brand. This is why each barcode number is unique to your product no matter what store you distribute to on earth.
GS1 is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that handles barcode formatting globally. “Why is it wrong?”, you may ask, “Aren’t barcodes just random numbers?” Not quite, each barcode number is globally unique, no two alike, and comes from a single source, GS1. Stores take their inventory data seriously and if they find out a new seller is being an amateur at best, or crooked at worst, they may ban you from ever selling with them. Making up a UPC or EAN (GTIN) barcode number is a bad idea, not only is it illegal, it will quickly get your item delisted once caught and you could be banned from any store or website you do this on, not just Amazon. It should go without saying, this is illegal.