{"id":1,"date":"2023-01-03T14:38:36","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T19:38:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/?p=1"},"modified":"2024-07-26T16:46:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T20:46:14","slug":"hello-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/03\/hello-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Amazon Barcodes EXPLAINED GS1 vs UPC vs FNSKU How Many Barcodes to Buy &amp; Which Barcode is Best"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Amazon Barcodes EXPLAINED GS1 vs UPC vs FNSKU How Many Barcodes to Buy &amp; Which Barcode is Best\" width=\"680\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-IOFXsLDFhA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-markdown\"><p>If you\u2019re navigating the world of Amazon selling, you\u2019ve likely encountered the need for barcodes. Whether you\u2019re managing a single product or thousands, understanding which barcodes you need and where to get them is crucial. In this post, we\u2019ll break down everything you need to know about Amazon barcodes, including the differences between GS1, UPC, and FNSKU, how many barcodes you need to buy, and which ones are best for your needs.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Do You Need Barcodes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>When selling on Amazon, barcodes are essential for tracking and managing inventory. Amazon\u2019s guidelines are clear: all products sent to their fulfillment centers must have a barcode. This barcode helps Amazon identify and track your inventory throughout the fulfillment process.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick summary of why barcodes are necessary:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Inventory Tracking:<\/strong> Barcodes ensure that Amazon can keep track of how many items are in stock and which items are sold.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Order Fulfillment:<\/strong> They help Amazon in shipping the correct product to the customer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quality Control:<\/strong> Proper barcoding helps in maintaining the quality and condition of products sent to customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Types of Barcodes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Amazon requires two main types of barcodes for products:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Manufacturer Barcode (UPC, EAN, ISBN)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>UPC (Universal Product Code):<\/strong> A 12-digit barcode commonly used in the US for retail products.<\/li>\n<li><strong>EAN (European Article Number):<\/strong> A 13-digit barcode used internationally.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ISBN (International Standard Book Number):<\/strong> Used specifically for books.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Global Recognition:<\/strong> These barcodes are recognized worldwide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Usage:<\/strong> Ideal for wholesale and arbitrage where products are resold as-is.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> Found on branded products like Colgate toothpaste or Nike shoes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>2. Amazon Barcode (FNSKU)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit):<\/strong> A unique identifier used by Amazon to track products in their fulfillment centers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Amazon-Specific:<\/strong> Recognized only within Amazon\u2019s ecosystem.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Usage:<\/strong> Ensures that your inventory is separate from other sellers\u2019 inventory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> The FNSKU is specific to your inventory and is necessary if you\u2019re using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>UPC vs FNSKU: Which One Should You Use?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Manufacturer Barcode (UPC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Advantages:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Global Compatibility:<\/strong> Works across various retail platforms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost-Effective:<\/strong> Cheaper when purchased from third-party sellers (though risky).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disadvantages:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Co-mingling:<\/strong> Amazon will co-mingle your inventory with other sellers if you use UPCs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Amazon Barcode (FNSKU)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Advantages:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Inventory Separation:<\/strong> Keeps your inventory distinct from other sellers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Amazon Fulfillment:<\/strong> Required for FBA to prevent inventory co-mingling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disadvantages:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Amazon-Specific:<\/strong> Not usable outside of Amazon\u2019s platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>How to Use Barcodes on Your Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Barcode Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Manufacturer Barcode (UPC):<\/strong> Should be on the exterior packaging of the product.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Amazon Barcode (FNSKU):<\/strong> Must be visible on the packaging and should cover any existing UPCs if you\u2019re switching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Placement Guidelines:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Scannability:<\/strong> Barcodes need to be easily scannable and visible on the product\u2019s outer packaging.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Covering Old Barcodes:<\/strong> If switching from a UPC to an FNSKU, cover the old UPC with opaque tape or stickers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Product Type<\/th>\n<th>Barcode Type Required<\/th>\n<th>Quantity Needed<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Single Product (e.g., blue fidget spinner)<\/td>\n<td>UPC for each type<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Different Colors\/Sizes (e.g., blue and red fidget spinners)<\/td>\n<td>UPC for each variation<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Product Bundles (e.g., fidget spinner bundle)<\/td>\n<td>UPC for the bundle<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><strong>How Many Barcodes Do You Need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s a breakdown to help you determine how many barcodes you need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Identical Products:<\/strong> Only one barcode is needed for each type.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Different Variations:<\/strong> Each variation (size, color) needs its own barcode.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Product Bundles:<\/strong> One barcode per bundle\/package, regardless of the number of items inside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Example Calculation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re selling:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Blue Fidget Spinners:<\/strong> 1 barcode<\/li>\n<li><strong>Red Fidget Spinners:<\/strong> 1 barcode<\/li>\n<li><strong>Light Pillows (2 colors, 2 sizes):<\/strong> 4 barcodes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snorkel Mask Bundle:<\/strong> 1 barcode<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Total Barcodes Needed:<\/strong> 7<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Where to Buy Barcodes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>GS1 vs. Third-Party Sellers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>GS1:<\/strong> The most reliable source for UPC barcodes. They ensure that your barcodes are valid and registered in their global database.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Third-Party Sellers:<\/strong> Often cheaper but can cause issues with Amazon\u2019s listing requirements and your account health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Current Pricing:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>GS1 Barcodes:<\/strong> $30 per barcode (reduced from previous higher rates).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Third-Party Barcodes:<\/strong> Typically around $10 each, but may risk account issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Recommendation:<\/strong> Always purchase directly from GS1 to avoid potential problems with Amazon.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Using and Customizing Barcodes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Obtaining and Printing Barcodes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>For UPCs:<\/strong> After purchase, you\u2019ll receive a PDF with the barcode. Print this directly on your packaging or as a sticker.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For FNSKUs:<\/strong> Update your settings in Seller Central to use Amazon barcodes. Print labels from Seller Central or have them designed and printed by your supplier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Handling Barcode Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Database Update:<\/strong> New UPCs may take 24-72 hours to be updated in Amazon\u2019s system.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certificate of Authenticity:<\/strong> If Amazon requires proof of ownership, provide the certificate received from GS1.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding and correctly applying barcodes is crucial for efficient product management and compliance with Amazon\u2019s requirements. Here\u2019s a recap of the key points:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use UPCs<\/strong> for global recognition, especially in wholesale and arbitrage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use FNSKUs<\/strong> for FBA to keep your inventory distinct.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy barcodes from GS1<\/strong> to avoid complications with your Amazon account.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cover existing barcodes<\/strong> if switching to a new type.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ppc"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/maxresdefault-2.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":130,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions\/130"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.crescentkao.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}