Buy and use EAN codes the smart way
What to check before you buy, how many codes you really need and what Amazon and the big marketplaces ask for. Straight answers, no sales talk.
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Buying How Many EAN Codes Do I Need? Count Them Right First Time You need one EAN code for every version of a product a customer can buy separately: each size, colour, flavour, pack size and bundle. You do not need one per individual item in stock. 9 min read -
Marketplaces Barcode for Amazon UK: Selling With or Without GS1 Amazon.co.uk asks for an EAN or UPC in most categories and checks it against GS1 data. For a branded product, use GS1 codes licensed to you or apply for a GTIN exemption; non-GS1 codes are only realistic for Generic listings, and even then without guarantees. 9 min read -
Marketplaces EAN Codes for eBay UK, Etsy and OnBuy: What Each One Needs eBay.co.uk asks for an EAN in many categories but accepts 'Does not apply' when your product truly has none. Etsy rarely needs one for handmade items, and on OnBuy you should check the barcode field for your category before you buy. 8 min read -
Troubleshooting EAN Already in Use? Why It Happens and How to Fix It An 'EAN already in use' error means the marketplace already links that number to a product, often because the code was sold or used before, or because two of your own variants share it. Find which cause applies before you change anything. 9 min read