Amazon Barcodes EXPLAINED GS1 vs UPC vs FNSKU How Many Barcodes to Buy & Which Barcode is Best

Summary

In this informative video, Crescent explains the importance of barcodes for selling products on Amazon, detailing the different types required, such as manufacturer (UPC) and Amazon barcodes (FN SKU). He emphasizes the necessity of unique barcodes for each product to maintain inventory accuracy and avoid issues with product quality, especially for private labels. The video outlines the process of obtaining barcodes, highlights the advantages of using Amazon's FN SKU, and clarifies how to apply barcodes correctly on product packaging. Crescent also offers tips on managing barcode requirements when selling through both Amazon and retail stores.

Takeaways

• 📦 All products sold on Amazon require a barcode for identification and inventory tracking.
• 🔍 The two main types of barcodes are the Manufacturer Barcode (UPC, EAN) and the Amazon Barcode (FN SKU).
• 📈 Using the Amazon Barcode helps keep your inventory separate from other sellers, which is crucial for private label products.
• 📏 Barcodes must be unique for each product variant (e.g., size, color) and easily scannable on the outer packaging.
• 💡 Cover any existing barcodes on products with opaque tape or a marker to avoid scanning errors during fulfillment.
• ✅ Purchase UPC barcodes directly from GS1 to ensure validity and compliance with Amazon's guidelines.
• 💰 GS1 barcodes now cost around $30 each, making them a more reliable option than cheaper third-party alternatives.
• 🔢 Identical units of a product can share the same barcode, but any variation requires a separate barcode.
• 🖨️ For private label products, obtain a PDF of your UPC barcode for printing on packaging; FN SKU labels can also be printed via Seller Central.
• ⏳ Allow 24-72 hours for new UPC barcodes to be recognized in the GS1 database before listing products on Amazon.

Q & A

Why are barcodes required for selling products on Amazon?

Amazon requires barcodes to identify and track inventory throughout the fulfillment process. Each item sent to an Amazon fulfillment center must have a unique barcode.

What are the different types of barcodes mentioned in the video?

The main types of barcodes discussed are the manufacturer barcode (UPC, EAN, ISBN) and the Amazon barcode (FN SKU). There is also a mention of the Transparency barcode.

What is the difference between a manufacturer barcode and an Amazon barcode?

The manufacturer barcode is recognized worldwide and is used for retail sales, while the Amazon barcode (FN SKU) is specific to products sold through Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.

When should sellers use the FN SKU instead of the manufacturer barcode?

Sellers should use the FN SKU if they want to keep their inventory separate from other sellers’ inventory, particularly when selling private label products. This helps maintain control over product quality and reviews.

How can sellers obtain a UPC barcode?

Sellers can obtain a UPC barcode directly from GS1, which is the official source for barcodes. Purchasing from third-party sellers is not recommended as it can lead to account issues with Amazon.

How many barcodes do you need to buy for identical products?

For identical products, only one UPC barcode is needed for all units. However, if there are any differences in size, color, or packaging, separate barcodes are required for each variation.

What should you do if your product packaging already has a UPC barcode?

If your product already has a UPC barcode and you plan to use the FN SKU, you need to cover the existing UPC barcode to ensure only the FN SKU is visible for scanning.

What is the potential risk of using barcodes from third-party sellers?

Using barcodes from third-party sellers can result in invalid barcodes being flagged by Amazon, which can lead to account suspension or removal of selling privileges.

What is the benefit of having a barcode flowchart?

The barcode flowchart helps sellers determine how many barcodes they need based on their selling methods and the types of products they are offering on Amazon.

What should a seller do if they encounter errors when using a new UPC barcode?

If errors occur, sellers may need to wait 24 to 72 hours for the GS1 database to update before using the new UPC barcode. They may also need to provide proof of ownership to Amazon if required.