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

If you’re navigating the world of Amazon selling, you’ve likely encountered the need for barcodes. Whether you’re managing a single product or thousands, understanding which barcodes you need and where to get them is crucial. In this post, we’ll 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.

Why Do You Need Barcodes?

When selling on Amazon, barcodes are essential for tracking and managing inventory. Amazon’s 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.

Here’s a quick summary of why barcodes are necessary:

• Inventory Tracking: Barcodes ensure that Amazon can keep track of how many items are in stock and which items are sold.
• Order Fulfillment: They help Amazon in shipping the correct product to the customer.
• Quality Control: Proper barcoding helps in maintaining the quality and condition of products sent to customers.

Types of Barcodes

Amazon requires two main types of barcodes for products:

1. Manufacturer Barcode (UPC, EAN, ISBN)

• UPC (Universal Product Code): A 12-digit barcode commonly used in the US for retail products.
• EAN (European Article Number): A 13-digit barcode used internationally.
• ISBN (International Standard Book Number): Used specifically for books.

Characteristics:

• Global Recognition: These barcodes are recognized worldwide.
• Usage: Ideal for wholesale and arbitrage where products are resold as-is.
• Example: Found on branded products like Colgate toothpaste or Nike shoes.

2. Amazon Barcode (FNSKU)

• FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier used by Amazon to track products in their fulfillment centers.

Characteristics:

• Amazon-Specific: Recognized only within Amazon’s ecosystem.
• Usage: Ensures that your inventory is separate from other sellers’ inventory.
• Example: The FNSKU is specific to your inventory and is necessary if you’re using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).

UPC vs FNSKU: Which One Should You Use?

Manufacturer Barcode (UPC)

• Advantages:
  • Global Compatibility: Works across various retail platforms.
  • Cost-Effective: Cheaper when purchased from third-party sellers (though risky).
• Disadvantages:
  • Co-mingling: Amazon will co-mingle your inventory with other sellers if you use UPCs.

Amazon Barcode (FNSKU)

• Advantages:
  • Inventory Separation: Keeps your inventory distinct from other sellers.
  • Amazon Fulfillment: Required for FBA to prevent inventory co-mingling.
• Disadvantages:
  • Amazon-Specific: Not usable outside of Amazon’s platform.

How to Use Barcodes on Your Products

Barcode Placement

• Manufacturer Barcode (UPC): Should be on the exterior packaging of the product.
• Amazon Barcode (FNSKU): Must be visible on the packaging and should cover any existing UPCs if you’re switching.

Placement Guidelines:

• Scannability: Barcodes need to be easily scannable and visible on the product’s outer packaging.
• Covering Old Barcodes: If switching from a UPC to an FNSKU, cover the old UPC with opaque tape or stickers.

Example

How Many Barcodes Do You Need?

Here’s a breakdown to help you determine how many barcodes you need:

• Identical Products: Only one barcode is needed for each type.
• Different Variations: Each variation (size, color) needs its own barcode.
• Product Bundles: One barcode per bundle/package, regardless of the number of items inside.

Example Calculation

If you’re selling:

• Blue Fidget Spinners: 1 barcode
• Red Fidget Spinners: 1 barcode
• Light Pillows (2 colors, 2 sizes): 4 barcodes
• Snorkel Mask Bundle: 1 barcode

Total Barcodes Needed: 7

Where to Buy Barcodes

GS1 vs. Third-Party Sellers

• GS1: The most reliable source for UPC barcodes. They ensure that your barcodes are valid and registered in their global database.
• Third-Party Sellers: Often cheaper but can cause issues with Amazon’s listing requirements and your account health.

Current Pricing:

• GS1 Barcodes: $30 per barcode (reduced from previous higher rates).
• Third-Party Barcodes: Typically around $10 each, but may risk account issues.

Recommendation: Always purchase directly from GS1 to avoid potential problems with Amazon.

Using and Customizing Barcodes

Obtaining and Printing Barcodes

• For UPCs: After purchase, you’ll receive a PDF with the barcode. Print this directly on your packaging or as a sticker.
• For FNSKUs: Update your settings in Seller Central to use Amazon barcodes. Print labels from Seller Central or have them designed and printed by your supplier.

Handling Barcode Issues

• Database Update: New UPCs may take 24-72 hours to be updated in Amazon’s system.
• Certificate of Authenticity: If Amazon requires proof of ownership, provide the certificate received from GS1.

Summary

Understanding and correctly applying barcodes is crucial for efficient product management and compliance with Amazon’s requirements. Here’s a recap of the key points:

• Use UPCs for global recognition, especially in wholesale and arbitrage.
• Use FNSKUs for FBA to keep your inventory distinct.
• Buy barcodes from GS1 to avoid complications with your Amazon account.
• Cover existing barcodes if switching to a new type.