UPC requirements for Amazon’s Home & Garden category
Jul 10th, 2008 | By Max Leisten | Category: Amazon Announcements, Amazon CategoriesAmazon officially announced yesterday (via Seller Central) that starting in August 2008 it will require UPC codes in the Home & Garden category (in the US). I believe that only leaves Jewelry as the only “no UPC required” category on Amazon.
Should really not be a surprise since Amazon has slowly be implemeting this requirements across its categories to provide a better shopping experience:
Hidden in the FAQ for this change is also Amazon’s growing reluctance to grant UPC exemptions which traditionally have been made for sellers that either manufacture their own products or private-label:
Can I be exempt from providing UPCs?
We are not allowing UPC exemptions except for fresh flowers. All merchants are required to provide UPCs within the Home and Garden category.
Merchants that do not have UPC codes will need to purchase them or sell into existing listings (using the Amazon ASIN number).
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I sell in that category and this will really effect me. I have 1400 + unique items. the cost per UPC is about $6 each. I talked to a CS about this and she said come fall they will be suppressing ( ie purging) non upc listings. (They will not show up in search). Big, Big problem for me, my days on Amazon may be numbered.
What I recommend is looking at your top sellers on Amazon and buying UPC codes for those so that you’ll continue to generate revenue if you believe you can remain the price leader here.
Buying a UPC, of course, and creating the listing will allow your competitors to piggy-back on those via ASIN. But that same could work for you — if someone creates the listing with UPC you could sell using the ASIN generated as a result without having to invest in UPCs.
Definitely will be a headache.
Thanks for the reply, on my items that won’t work as they are posters for unique concerts and I am the only seller. I checked into this and pre 2002 UPC registered manufactuerers can issue upc numbers at will, and they don’t have to renew their accounts. I am now looking for a manufacturer that went bankrupt pre 2002 so I can take over their upc company prefix. —
So where can we register a UPC for only $6? I was researching earlier today, and found only sites that sold them for $20 and up which is too rich for my blood considering someone else will just piggy back on me. $3-$6 depending on the item is more reasonable. At $20/item I would hope for some degree of exclusivity for 30-60 days or so.
It would be nice if Amazon could help sellers purchase UPCs on the cheap.
I came across this web site - http://www.upccode.net that sells official UPC barcodes at a much lower price! You could spend $750 + annual fees and buy upc codes from GS1 or just get in touch with someone at Simplay Barcodes (www.upccode.net) and they will offer you the best price in the industry for bulk bar codes.
I had to sell 100+ products and they really were very helpful, efficient and totally transparent with the upc barcode services and I was able to sell my inventory on time and with cheap overheads through Amazon.
Here is some information on the site-
Yes, we are the most visited and preferred site to safely buy official legal UPC codes, according to trusted website monitoring services such as McAfee Site Advisor.
Yes, the cost for your single barcode is only $89.00. This is a one-time fee. There are NO memberships, renewals, annual fees, setup charges, or any other ongoing commitments. This results in a lower overall cost of ownership.
Yes, our barcodes are authentic, never-before released UPC codes, issued by the only legal source, GS1 (formerly know as the Uniform Code Council or UCC).
Yes, your UPC code is unique. Unlike many of the supposedly “free” bar code issuers, your number is GUARANTEED to be unique and authentic. There is no danger of cross-over, duplication, or expiration of your barcodes.
Yes, you OWN your UPC barcode. It can be registered in your name, and it becomes your company’s asset. Your barcode can be re-used for future products once you have sold out or discontinued a current product.
Yes, your purchase includes a scan-quality Adobe Photoshop image of your barcode. Simply Barcodes emails this image directly to you.
Yes, we can supply barcodes to companies located outside of the USA. Our barcodes are valid worldwide.
Yes, we are a real U.S.-based company with a real business office. Feel free to call to schedule a time to visit us at our Atlanta headquarters.
Yes, your barcode is a standard UPC-A General Use barcode, as applicable to all products, except pharmaceuticals. Our clients sell their products using our UPC or EAN codes all over the world in stores like Amazon, Home Depot, Sports Authority, Walgreens, and many more.
Yes, we have a certificate available stating that the UPC numbers have been assigned by us to you and only you.