Why GTIN/EAN search beats keyword search when comparing prices
Search « iPhone 15 » and you get cases, refurbished units, and last year's model. Search the EAN barcode and you get the exact SKU — the only way to compare apples to apples across merchants.
EAN, GTIN, UPC — what's the difference?
- EAN-13 — 13 digits, standard in Europe (9780201379624)
- EAN-8 — 8 digits, small packaging
- UPC — 12 digits, common in North America
- GTIN — umbrella term for all of the above
Where to find the barcode number
- On the product box (below the bars)
- On the manufacturer's spec sheet (MPN + EAN)
- Via a photo — Volade image search reads barcodes from clear photos
Why keywords fail
Retailers use marketing names (« Pro Max Ultra 256GB Midnight ») that don't match across sites. The EAN is universal — one number, one product, comparable offers.
Watch out: Bundles and marketplace listings sometimes share a parent EAN but ship different contents. Always verify seller and condition.
Step-by-step: compare by EAN
- Copy the 8–13 digit code from packaging
- Paste into Volade search bar — auto-detection highlights EAN mode
- Sort by delivered price, check Volade Score picks
- Set a price alert if you're not ready to buy today
Full walkthrough: how Volade price comparison works.