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As more retailers of all shapes and sizes join Faire, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Many are relying on GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) to manage orders, streamline inventory, and shop new products with confidence.
If you’re thinking, “Do I need these? What even is a GTIN?”—you’re not alone.
Here’s what you need to know—and how to get started if you don’t have them yet.
Let’s break it down.
What’s a GTIN, and why does it matter?
A GTIN is a globally recognized identifier for a product, most commonly found as a UPC, EAN, or ISBN barcode on a product’s packaging. These numeric codes:
- Help retailers easily scan and track products.
- Reduce errors in inventory management.
- Power faster, more automated reordering systems.
In short, GTINs are a bit like passports for your products. They allow retailers—especially large or high SKU count retailers—to plug your catalog directly into their backend systems. Without them, your products may not even be considered by certain buyers, leaving potential opportunity on the table.
In need of a more technical deep dive? Read about GTINs vs. UPCs on Faire.
Which retailers need GTINs?
We’re seeing increasing GTIN/UPC requests from retailers that use advanced inventory tools—such as grocery chains, hardware stores, and toy retailers.
These retailers typically:
- Manage multiple independent store locations.
- Have automated reorder flows.
- Use third-party Point of Sale (POS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools.
GTINs make it easier for them to bring on new brands—and keep reordering from them without manual work.
Tools already available with Faire work well with GTINs and make ordering even easier!
Faire app features
In the Faire mobile app, brands can quickly build an order for retailers by scanning product GTINs. This eliminates the need to manually type in product names and search, which can be especially useful at events like trade shows where products are displayed with barcodes.
Retailer search features
Retail buyers are able to search using a “Has GTIN” filter, enabling them to find products that fit their inventory management needs with ease. This is great to know, especially if you have GTINs and haven’t included them in your product details yet—you may be leaving opportunity on the table.
Don’t have GTINs yet? Here’s how to move forward
We get it—adding GTINs can feel like a lift, especially if you’re a small team or newer brand. The good news: You don’t have to do it all at once, and Faire has tools to help.
If you’re just getting started:
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Get GTINs from GS1: GTINs must be purchased from GS1 to be globally recognized. This ensures your products are registered uniquely to your brand.
- Start with your bestsellers: Focus on your core products that are most likely to land in bigger stores.
- Use Faire’s Bulk Editor: You can quickly update product listings with GTINs in bulk.
For more information, read our help center article on GTINs.
The bottom line
Adding GTINs to your product listings isn’t just an operational task—it’s a gateway to new buyers and larger orders. As Faire continues to grow with a greater variety of retailers, having GTINs helps ensure your brand is ready to scale with them.
