Amazon FBA Barcodes Explained
More and more people have started Amazon (Fulfillment by Amazon) FBA businesses over the last year or two. The reason is simple: it is possible to make a passive income from home with Amazon FBA. It can even let you quit your regular job to pursue bigger and better things. One of the most common topics that seems to confuse people is the topic of Amazon barcodes. There is a short
video in which the
Nine University teams explains everything you need to know about barcodes.
What Are Amazon Barcodes?
Barcodes, also known as UPC codes, are on everything. From products at the grocery store to clothing, every item that you buy most likely has a barcode. They are unique to each product and are meant to be used as a means of tracking, cataloging, and identifying products. This means that different forms of the same product will even have a different UPC code. A good example of this, as explained in the video, is soda. A six-pack of soda cans will have a different barcode than a two-liter bottle of the same brand.
What Is the Difference Between an EAN and a UPC Code?
The only real difference between the two types of codes that you should ever have to worry about is that a UPC code has twelve digits whereas an EAN code has thirteen digits. It can seem confusing at first glance. Do not worry. Getting a UPC code for your products on Amazon is actually pretty simple.
How to Use UPC Codes for Your Amazon Business
Obtaining and Using Your UPC Code
Getting a UPC code is pretty straightforward. After you have obtained your UPC code, you will need to add it to your product listing. The important thing to remember while you do this is that you have to change the SKU to an FNSKU (Fulfillment Networking Stock Keeping Unit). This FNSKU code is what allows Amazon to keep track of the products that are physically residing in their warehouses. This code is unique to your brand as well.
Bundling Products
Another common question about barcodes is, “How do I get UPC codes for products that are bundled together?”. The answer is pretty simple. You will first need to get UPC codes for each product separately. After that, you will need to obtain a UPC code for the bundle. This way, Amazon can track each product and also when they are bought as a bundle.
Where to Buy UPC Codes?
Amazon recommends that you use only GS1 barcodes and that you avoid third-party sites. The GS1 barcodes can be quite costly, and there are a few reliable third-party sites that can be used, however. If you are interested in paying the extra money, www.gs1.org is a good place to start. If you want to save some money, click the video link at the top of the page to learn about some alternative options.
Get Your Codes in the Beginning
Since you will need your UPC codes to launch your listings, it is a good idea to get them as soon as possible. That way you do not have to wait on them in order to launch your product. Staying a few steps ahead throughout the process of launching your products on Amazon FBA is crucial for a smooth launch.
Learn More
If you are starting an Amazon FBA business and need to know more about Amazon barcodes, how to create barcodes for Amazon, or Amazon barcode requirements,
Nine University's training program is just what you need.
Project Nine University has all sorts of information about starting and running an Amazon FBA business. They have a team of experienced professionals who are excited to help you get your FBA business off of the ground!
