Everything You Need to Know About Barcodes for Amazon FBA
Are you an Amazon dealer looking to sell your products on the platform? Then you need to know about barcodes. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about barcodes for Amazon FBA, including what they are, why you need them, where to get them, and what mistakes to avoid.
What Are Barcodes?
Barcodes are a series of lines and spaces that represent a unique identifier for a product. They are scanned by a barcode reader, which translates the lines and spaces into a number that identifies the product.
GTIN and UPC
When it comes to barcodes for Amazon FBA, there are two types you need to know about: GTIN and UPC. GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number, and it is the barcode used in Germany and Europe. UPC stands for Universal Product Code, and it is the barcode used in America.
Why Do You Need Barcodes for Amazon FBA?
You need barcodes for Amazon FBA because they are required for every product sold on the platform. When you create a new product listing on Amazon, one of the mandatory fields is the product ID, which includes the barcode.
Unique Worldwide Number
The barcode represents a unique worldwide number that identifies your product. When the barcode is scanned in the warehouse, the number is translated into the product's information, such as its name, brand, and category.
Where to Get Barcodes for Amazon FBA
The company that issues and manages barcodes worldwide is GS1. You can buy barcodes directly from GS1, which ensures that you have a real barcode that is registered to your company.
Packages and Prices
GS1 offers different packages for barcodes, depending on your needs. The Smart Starter package is ideal for those who are just starting out and only need one or two barcodes. The Smart Starter 10 package is for those who have more plans and need up to 10 barcodes. For larger projects, you can buy packages of 10,000 or 100,000 barcodes.
Certificate
When you buy a barcode from GS1, you have the option to add a certificate that confirms that you have an original barcode registered to your company. This certificate is useful if you ever need to prove that you are the real owner of the barcode.
Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to barcodes for Amazon FBA is buying them from dubious sources. These sources may offer barcodes at a lower price, but they are not registered to your company and may not be real barcodes at all.
GS1 Registry
Another mistake to avoid is not registering your barcode with the GS1 registry. This registry is used by many platforms, including Amazon, to check that you are the real owner of the barcode. If you don't register your barcode, you may run into problems when creating your product listing.
Conclusion
Barcodes are an essential part of selling products on Amazon FBA. By understanding what they are, why you need them, and where to get them, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your products are listed correctly on the platform.
Highlights
- Barcodes are a series of lines and spaces that represent a unique identifier for a product.
- GTIN and UPC are the two types of barcodes used for Amazon FBA.
- Barcodes are required for every product sold on Amazon FBA.
- You can buy barcodes directly from GS1, which ensures that you have a real barcode that is registered to your company.
- One of the biggest mistakes you can make is buying barcodes from dubious sources.
- Registering your barcode with the GS1 registry is essential to avoid problems when creating your product listing.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between GTIN and UPC?
A: GTIN is the barcode used in Germany and Europe, while UPC is the barcode used in America.
Q: Why do I need a barcode for Amazon FBA?
A: Barcodes are required for every product sold on Amazon FBA. They represent a unique worldwide number that identifies your product.
Q: Where can I buy barcodes for Amazon FBA?
A: You can buy barcodes directly from GS1, which ensures that you have a real barcode that is registered to your company.
Q: What happens if I buy barcodes from dubious sources?
A: If you buy barcodes from dubious sources, they may not be registered to your company and may not be real barcodes at all. This can cause problems when creating your product listing on Amazon FBA.
Q: Do I need to register my barcode with the GS1 registry?
A: Yes, registering your barcode with the GS1 registry is essential to avoid problems when creating your product listing on Amazon FBA.
