If you are into the world of E-commerce, you probably have heard about acronyms such as EAN, GTIN, SKU.

But what is this all about?

In this blog, we are focusing on EAN codes and their effect on your store so that you can understand what a European Article Number is and why to use it.

EAN codes allow your products to be standardized, meaning they are uniquely recognized. A simple explanation: EAN codes are unique barcodes used to identify new branded products sold in retailing that consist of a 12 to 13-digit number found below the barcode of an article.

Source https://www.gtin.info/barcode-101/

EAN number and barcode usually are on the product’s packaging and are traditionally scan and read by a computer, exactly as the ones used at any supermarket. Sometimes the barcode can’t be scanned, and in those cases can also be included manually.

EAN codes make it easier for suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to search and find specific products by creating a standardized system that eliminates inconsistencies in information and labeling on products, minimizing human mistakes when processing articles.

But why are EAN codes essential to monitor prices successfully? 

The answer is simple. EAN codes are unique, which means that for the same product, there will be only one. That makes it easier to match up products to monitor competitors. In other words, without using this barcode, all shops would be using different codes for their articles (they would have thousands of them), so comparing or matching products would be impossible.

This standardization saves a lot of time when comparing products from competitors and ensures accuracy.

Keep in mind!

Selling online doesn’t mean that you need to use EAN codes. That is just concerning those selling articles online within Europe. However, if you are in the USA and sell products to Europe, you won’t need EAN codes but a UPC, the equivalent in America.

At PriceTweakers, we understand that all this vocabulary could be overwhelming. Especially if you are starting in this business, but that’s where we come in. There is nothing to worry about, we know what we do, and we are here to help you solve all the questions or inquiries you might have.

Our software monitors your competitors’ price strategy closely regardless of the type of code they use (EAN, SKU, GTIN, or UPC). It gives you access to up-to-date price comparisons, reports, different graphs, price change alerts on your bestselling products, and all the information you need to have more insight into your business.

Are you ready to Grow your Business? If your answer is YES, contact one of our experts now!

By Stephan Stein

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