Working out the number of barcodes your business requires is essential to maintain smooth retail operations in Canada. From different product types to various packaging options, knowing your barcode needs can help improve inventory management and create a better shopping experience for your customers. 

In Canada, UPC barcodes are the norm for retail products, whether in-store or online. A UPC barcode consists of 12 digits and is a globally unique number assigned to each retail item. If you are selling your products internationally (outside of North America, or in multiple countries) then we recommend getting EAN-13 barcodes instead because they are the preferred barcode format outside of USA/Canada.

Assigning Barcodes to Different Products

The amount of barcodes you'll need depends on the variety of products you have. Every unique product must have its own barcode for precise identification at the point of sale. For instance, if you're selling a T-shirt available in different sizes and colours, each variation (size, colour) needs a separate barcode. This ensures effective inventory management and provides useful data on sales performance for each variant. Not assigning individual barcodes to each product variation can lead to inventory discrepancies and complicate the sales process.

Considering Packaging Variations

Besides individual products, packaging variations also determine the number of barcodes required. For example, if your product is sold as a single unit, in a multi-pack, and in a different configuration like a promotional bundle, each packaging type needs its own barcode. This distinction is vital for retailers to manage stock correctly and for you to monitor sales of different packaging options. In Canada's competitive retail market, making sure that each packaging variant has a unique barcode aids in logistics efficiency and improves the consumer shopping experience.

Planning for Future Growth

As your business expands, you will likely need more UPC or EAN-13 barcodes. It’s essential to plan ahead and think about the number of barcodes you might need as you introduce new products, packaging variants, or even rebrand existing items. In Canada, barcodes are typically bought in blocks, which can be more economical if you foresee needing a large quantity. By anticipating future barcode needs, you can avoid delays in product launches and ensure your inventory system remains organised and efficient. Proper barcode management is crucial for scaling your business and maintaining smooth operations in the retail environment. 

For more information or to order UPC or EAN-13 barcodes, please visit the Barcodes Canada website: https://barcodescanada.com/. They specialise in providing barcode services and solutions to businesses in Canada.