obtaining upc code

[surforlife1]

Does anyone have any experience with purchasing a upc code? There seem to be a great number of ideas about if one needs to pay a great deal of money based on projected sales and a yearly fee, then there is the sites claiming that you don't need to pay that much and no yearly fee is needed.
Does one ever really own a upc code? With so many different people selling them, how do you know yours will be usable for as long as you are in business? Any info or experience others have had would be appreciated. Thanks.

[peteVA]

Here is the source of all UPC/EAN codes. This is the registry where they all are assigned and registered. Home | GS1 - The global language of business

The only way to be 100% sure is to join there and be assigned your own codes.

All of the other sites are selling numbers they have been assigned. They may be several layers below the actual member / assignees, simply marketers trying to make a buck.

You may not need a UPC code at all. You need one if you are selling your product through Amazon, I am told, but many retailers can use a Code 3 of 9 (code 39) or other code as well. Their scanners come out of the box with UPC and 3 of 9 both enabled, in most cases. In fact many retailers put their own 3 of 9 or similar code label right over the manufacturer's UPC code.

All of the UPC code "sellers" are selling the same thing. Some may stick you for a fee, others may give you lifetime rights. It's all the same product, you have to decide how to purchase it.