Packaging, barcodes and shelf readiness
The checks a buyer runs on packaging before saying yes. The SellToStores audit covers barcode status, case pack, shelf size and label gaps.
Do I need a UPC barcode to sell to stores?
Yes, for most stores and every distributor. A scannable UPC on each unit lets the register ring it up. UPCs are issued through GS1, so buy yours from them and keep each number tied to one product and size permanently.
How do I get a UPC?
Apply for a company prefix through GS1, the organization that issues UPCs, and assign one number to each product and size. Buying from resellers can create numbers that do not belong to your company, which some retailers reject, so check with GS1 first.
What do buyers check on packaging?
Buyers check that a barcode scans, the label is complete, the unit is sealed or tamper-evident where expected and the box fits the shelf. They also check whether the product looks professional next to competitors. The audit lists the gaps a buyer will notice.
What should be on a health or beauty label?
Labels usually need the product name, net quantity, ingredient list, your business name and address and any warnings. Requirements depend on the product type and are set by regulators, so confirm yours with the FDA or a qualified consultant before a large print run.
What shelf size should my product be?
Match the standard shelf depth and height in the store type you want. A product that is too tall or wide may not fit. Ask a few stores for their shelf dimensions, and list your unit and case dimensions on your sell sheet.
What is shelf life, and what do stores expect?
Shelf life is how long a product stays safe and effective after production. Stores want enough remaining life to sell through, so state the shelf life or period-after-opening symbol and use first-expired, first-out shipping. Ask each buyer for their minimum remaining life.
Should I use display units?
A small countertop or shelf display often helps a first order, because a store with no space for your line may skip it. Offer it with the opening order or at a set order size, and make sure it arrives ready to set up.
What is a case pack and how should I choose one?
A case pack is the count of units in one shipping carton. Choose it to match how stores restock, such as 6 or 12. Odd counts make ordering awkward, so keep the case pack consistent across similar products.
How should I label cases for shipping?
Put your name, product, SKU, unit count and a case barcode on each carton so a store or distributor can receive it quickly. Large retailers and distributors may require a specific label format, so ask before shipping.
What does the SellToStores audit say about packaging?
The audit's packaging check covers barcode status, case pack, shelf size and label gaps a buyer will notice. You get a written verdict and a list of fixes, so you can correct packaging before outreach starts.
Can I change packaging after I start selling?
Yes, but plan for it. Tell accounts when new packaging begins, state whether old and new will ship together and keep the same UPC unless the product changes. A UPC change confuses stores and distributors, so avoid it for cosmetic updates.
How do I handle refills and multipacks?
Give refills and multipacks their own UPCs and case packs, and list them as separate items on your sell sheet. A store should be able to order each variant without breaking a case.
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Answers about SellToStores come from this site's pages and terms. Everything else is general wholesale guidance with illustrative numbers, and regulatory points are not legal advice, so confirm them with the regulator or counsel.
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