Why Transparency Matters: How GS1 Membership Protects Your Brand

In an increasingly transparent world, brand integrity is essential to long-term business success. Consumers, retailers, and regulatory bodies demand transparency across the supply chain, and businesses need to ensure that their products meet these expectations. GS1 membership offers the tools and services necessary to provide full product traceability and compliance with global standards, protecting your […]

Avoiding Expensive Repackaging with GS1 Barcode Compliance

When a product’s barcode is rejected by a retailer, the consequences can be financially devastating. Companies using non-GS1 barcodes often find themselves facing expensive rebranding, repackaging, or even product recalls. This situation is entirely avoidable by ensuring that your products are equipped with GS1-compliant barcodes from the start. GS1 barcodes offer more than just product […]

The Real Cost of Using Non-GS1 Barcodes: Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

Many small businesses are attracted to third-party barcode providers because they appear cheaper upfront. However, while these barcodes may seem cost-effective at first, they come with long-term risks that can far outweigh the initial savings. Non-GS1 barcodes lack the critical elements of traceability, verification, and global recognition that GS1-licensed barcodes provide. Without the global compliance […]

Why Major Retailers Are Rejecting Non-Compliant Barcodes

If you’ve been trying to get your products on the shelves of major retailers and have faced unexpected rejection, the culprit might be your barcode. More retailers are adopting GS1-compliant barcoding systems, and products with non-GS1 barcodes are increasingly being turned away. Why? Non-GS1 barcodes lack the traceability and verification required to guarantee product authenticity […]

The Importance of Barcode Traceability in Supply Chain Management

In today’s globalized economy, traceability is a critical aspect of supply chain management. From raw materials to finished goods, businesses need to ensure that their products can be traced throughout every step of the supply chain. GS1 barcodes provide the necessary transparency and accountability to do this effectively, enabling businesses to track products from the […]

The Hidden Risks of Using Third-Party Barcodes for E-commerce

In the competitive world of e-commerce, having the right barcode is critical to your product’s success. While third-party barcodes may seem like a cheaper option, they come with hidden risks that can damage your business in the long run. These barcodes often lack the global verification and traceability provided by GS1, which can lead to […]

Barcode Validation: How to Ensure Your Barcodes Are Legitimate

Ensuring your barcodes are legitimate is more important than ever in today’s competitive marketplace. With the increasing reliance on global supply chains, businesses must ensure that their barcodes meet international standards. GS1’s Verified by GS1 service is a powerful tool that allows companies to validate their barcodes, ensuring that they are globally recognized, compliant, and […]

GS1 vs. Third-Party Barcodes: Understanding the Difference

Barcodes are more than just numbers—they’re a gateway to your product’s traceability, authenticity, and acceptance in the global marketplace. While third-party barcode providers may offer cheaper barcodes, they cannot match the value and security that comes with GS1 barcodes. GS1 barcodes are globally recognized, ensuring that each barcode is unique to your company and your […]

What Does ‘GS1 Compatible’ Really Mean? (Spoiler: Not Much)

You may have come across third-party barcode providers claiming that their barcodes are “GS1 Compatible.” While this sounds reassuring, it’s actually misleading. All it means is that the barcode can be read by a scanner—it doesn’t mean that the barcode meets GS1’s global standards for traceability, verification, or authenticity. Many businesses have fallen into the […]

Are all barcodes equal?

Are all barcodes equal? At first glance, all barcodes might seem the same—simple patterns of lines and numbers that allow products to be scanned at checkout. But beneath that surface lies a world of complexity that can significantly impact your business. So, are all barcodes equal? The short answer is no—and the differences can have […]