What Does Universal Product Code (UPC) Mean On eBay?

Finding certain items on eBay can be tricky, especially if you don’t know the exact name and model of a product. Fortunately, in most countries, certain products have a reference code called Universal Product Code (UPC) that is used to identify them.

Universal Product Codes are 12-digit numeric codes that have matching machine-readable barcodes, which are commonly used for inventory management, product identification, and point-of-sale transactions.

eBay makes use of UPCs to help online shoppers find items more easily. You’ll be able to easily find specific products using Universal Produce Codes in various categories and conditions.

In this article, we’ll delve into the essential aspects of Universal Product Codes, what type of products you can find with them, and how to search for them on eBay. Let’s get started!

What Kind of Items Can You Find on eBay Using Universal Product Codes?

There is a wide range of items that you can find on eBay using Universal Product Codes and typically include consumer products such as electronics, clothing, home appliances, and other types of household goods.

Below, you’ll find a more comprehensive list.

• Home Appliances: From coffee machines and rice cookers to washing machines and dryers, you can find a wide range of home appliances on eBay using their UPCs. Some are brand new and even come with their original box while others are still in mint condition. 

• Electronics: If you’re shopping for your home on a budget then eBay may be a suitable platform to find electronic items. You can find televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, and electronic accessories as well. 

• Clothing: Dresses, shirts, pants, and shoes can also be found on eBay using their Universal Product Codes. It’s also likely easier for you to come across pieces from well-known brands as compared to handmade clothing by smaller brands.

• Jewelry & Accessories: Jewelry essentials such as necklaces, earrings, watches, handbags, hats, and more can be found using a UPC. 

• Toys: It’s always a good idea to purchase children’s toys from eBay as kids tend to outgrow them in a few years. You can find a wide variety of new and pre-owned toys like board games, puzzles, and more using Universal Product Codes.

• Books: While you may be able to find some books using a UPC number, we suggest using an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) on eBay instead, as they tend to be more common.

Why Do Listings on eBay Include a UPC?

The main reason that eBay sellers tend to include a Universal Product Code is to enhance their listing’s visibility to potential customers. However, there are also other reasons and we’ll be exploring them below:

• Assists Buyers in Finding Products: Using Universal Product Codes allows buyers to find specific products they’re looking for instead of having to go through hundreds of listings. This allows them to filter out results to show a product from the right manufacturer, model, and color.

• Helps Buyers Cross-Reference: By using UPCs, buyers can compare the listing on eBay to the product from the manufacturer to ensure they are purchasing the correct item. Buyers can also compare designs and features to make sure the item isn’t counterfeit. 

What To Look Out For Before Buying UPC Items?

While using a Universal Product Code can help you find the exact products you’re looking for, there are additional things that you should keep in mind. Let’s explore some of these in more detail below.  

• Check the Seller’s Reviews: The first thing you’ll want to do is to check the seller’s reviews, as they can provide insights into their reliability and how satisfied previous customers were.

• Verify the Item’s Condition: Next, check through any photos provided by the seller to verify the item’s condition. If the seller states that the item is brand new, then there should not be any signs of usage. 

• Compare Prices: Finally, you’ll want to compare the original item’s price with the listing on eBay. Brand-new items with the same UPC should sell for around the same amount – oftentimes a little cheaper. For used items, you can expect to pay much less.

How To Search for Products on eBay Using a Universal Product Code

Finding items on eBay using the Universal Product Code is straightforward and fast. Simply enter the UPC in the search bar, and eBay’s search algorithm will match the code to relevant listings, displaying the exact product that you’re looking for.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. Visit eBay and locate the search bar.
2. In the search bar, paste in the product’s UPC and hit the search button.
3. Once the page refreshes, you’ll be presented with several listings of the product you’re looking for. Make sure that the product is from the correct manufacturer, and that the model number, color, and type are the same.
4. Go through the listings until you find one that suits your preference.
5. Add it to your cart and complete the transaction.