Selling on Amazon requires acquainting yourself with the platform's rules and regulations. One of the most important steps to becoming an Amazon seller is understanding and correctly using Amazon UPC codes.
Amazon requires that your products are up to snuff, and one way the platform measures this is with a UPC. If your product listings lack UPC codes, there’s a good chance your products may not be listed correctly, which can reduce their visibility to potential customers.
In this article, we discuss the significance of UPC codes for Amazon sellers and explain how to obtain them through the official channels. We will also offer valuable tips for a smooth and successful selling experience.
An Amazon UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode used as a product identifier for an individual product. Essential for product listings, a UPC code ensures that customers and Amazon can readily identify and differentiate between items.
GS1, an acronym for Global Standards One, is the international organization responsible for developing and managing the global system of standards for business communication. They are the sole source of legitimate UPC codes.
By using GS1-verified scannable UPC codes, sellers ensure their products are accurately identified on Amazon, leading to smoother listing processes, improved inventory management, and a lower risk of account issues.
Understanding how UPC codes work is crucial for various aspects of your Amazon selling journey. These codes offer:
Using Amazon UPC codes to create products makes the process accurate and efficient. The codes allow you to match your products to catalog entries and also reduce the likelihood of creating duplicate product listings. By using valid UPC codes, you ensure that your product information is displayed correctly and consistently across Amazon's marketplace.
UPC codes allow for precise inventory management and tracking. You can conveniently keep track of inventory levels, study sales trends, and spot inconsistencies between your inventory and Amazon's records. This data-driven approach helps optimize your inventory, minimize stockouts, and maximize sales.
Using valid UPC codes is crucial for adhering to Amazon's strict selling policies. Amazon maintains a robust system to combat the sale of counterfeit or unauthorized products. By utilizing genuine UPC codes issued by GS1, you demonstrate that your products are authentic and comply with Amazon's guidelines. This minimizes the risk of account suspensions and other penalties, such as product removal or listing suppression.
UPC codes are recognized across various online and offline marketplaces. By using consistent UPC codes across different platforms, you can easily list and track your products on multiple channels, expanding your reach and increasing sales opportunities.
Getting each of your products a unique product ID is vital for successful product listings on Amazon. Here's the step-by-step process of acquiring UPC barcodes:
To obtain UPC codes for your Amazon business, you must register with GS1, the global authority in barcoding and product identification. Visit the GS1 website to familiarize yourself with their various membership options and services. In the United States, you will be dealing with GS1 US. When you become a GS1 US member, you’ll be granted a unique GS1 Company Prefix. This prefix is foundational to creating unique UPC codes for your products.
During registration, provide business details such as your company name, address, and primary point of contact. This information ensures accurate record-keeping and proper association of your UPC codes with your business identity. Ensure that all details are correct and updated, as these will appear on any future documentation concerning your UPC codes.
Once your registration is complete, GS1 will issue your Company Prefix. You'll use this prefix to generate UPCs for each of your products.
After registration, the next crucial step is purchasing UPC codes. To ensure legitimacy and widespread acceptance, buy your UPC codes directly from GS1. Purchasing from GS1 ensures compliance with Amazon's policies and reduces the risk of your listings being flagged or rejected due to irregularities.
Visit the GS1 website to start the purchasing process. You'll be presented with two main options:
When choosing between these options, consider the size of your product range and future expansion plans. Once you've determined the appropriate type, purchase the UPCs based on the number of products you plan to sell. After completing your purchase, you'll receive a list of UPC numbers that are ready to be assigned to your products.
Assigning UPC codes is more than just a technicality; it's about the precise alignment of the code with its corresponding product details. Here’s how you can correctly assign UPCs:
Ensuring that UPC codes are both valid and properly implemented in your Amazon listings is a critical step for any seller.
First, you'll want to validate your UPCs to ensure they are genuine. This can be done through GS1, where most businesses source legitimate UPC codes. Once you've confirmed their authenticity, proceed to list your products on Amazon.
When you add a new product listing, begin by selecting the category your product falls under. During this process, you will be required to enter your product's identification number, which is the UPC. Select 'UPC' from the available options in the dropdown menu and input your code accurately.
Pro tip: Monitoring your listings post-validation is important. Watch out for errors or warnings from Amazon that could indicate potential issues with your UPC submission. If Amazon flags any code, it may be due to incorrect inputs or compatibility issues, so address these issues promptly to ensure uninterrupted selling.
When purchasing UPC codes for your Amazon business, it's essential to follow best practices to ensure smooth selling and avoid potential issues.
Always obtain UPC codes directly from GS1, the official governing body for product identification standards. Avoid purchasing UPC codes from third-party sellers, as these codes may be invalid, duplicated, or even counterfeit. Purchasing directly from GS1 ensures you receive legitimate codes and maintain compliance with Amazon's policies.
Consider your long-term business needs when purchasing UPC codes. Estimate the number of products you anticipate selling in the coming months or years and purchase a sufficient quantity of codes accordingly. This proactive approach will prevent you from having to make frequent and potentially costly additional purchases.
Develop a system for assigning UPC codes to your products that is both logical and easy to manage. This could involve using a spreadsheet, a dedicated software program, or a barcode labeling system. Consider using a system that allows for easy identification and organization of your products.
Before listing any products on Amazon, carefully validate the assigned UPC codes using GS1's online tools or other available resources. This crucial step helps prevent listing errors, minimizes the risk of product suppression or account issues, and ensures a smooth and efficient listing process.
Never use "recycled" or previously used UPC codes. Each product should have its own unique and valid UPC code. Using recycled codes can lead to various issues, including incorrect product matching, inventory inaccuracies, and potential customer confusion.
Carefully review GS1's pricing and membership options to choose the plan that best suits your budget and business needs. Consider factors such as the number of UPC codes you require, your anticipated business growth, and the features included in different membership tiers.
Always ensure that the UPC codes you purchase and use comply with Amazon's selling policies to avoid any potential issues. Regularly review Amazon's selling policies and make sure your UPC code usage aligns with their guidelines.
Use tools like Informed Repricer to integrate UPC codes with your pricing and listing data. This streamlines the entire process and ensures that your UPC codes are accurately reflected in your Amazon listings. The tool can help you automate many of your daily tasks, such as repricing, order fulfillment, and inventory management, saving you time and effort.
Each product must have a unique UPC code to avoid issues like listing suppression, inventory inaccuracies, and customer confusion. Sharing UPC codes can lead to Amazon removing listings, complicate inventory management, and confuse customers, which may result in negative reviews and reduced sales.
This article discussed the critical role of UPC codes in a successful Amazon selling strategy. We explored how UPC codes optimize product listings, simplify inventory management, and ensure compliance with Amazon's policies.
Acquiring and using UPC codes can build a strong foundation for your Amazon business. To further optimize your Amazon sales, consider leveraging the power of Informed Repricer. Our software is the ultimate pricing automation tool for Amazon sellers. With cutting-edge algorithms and data-driven insights, it ensures you stay ahead of your competition and secure the Buy Box.
With Informed Repricer, you can:
Experience the difference that smart repricing can make. Sign up now for a free 14-day trial and discover how Informed Repricer can transform your Amazon selling experience.
No, you cannot generate your own codes. UPC codes are issued by GS1, the official governing body for product identification standards.
Amazon UPC codes have varying costs based on your needs. If you have one product, you will need one UPC code. If you have several products, then you need one UPC code for each.
For small businesses, a single GS1 US GTIN or UPC code can be bought for $30 from GS1 US with no renewal fees. But if you have a large catalog of products, you’ll need many codes, which will make the total cost much higher.
Amazon typically requires UPCs for every item sold on its marketplace for inventory tracking but offers a workaround through its Brand Registry program. This allows sellers to create a new brand and list products without barcodes if they obtain a GTIN exemption for that brand.
Informed Repricer helps professional sellers on Amazon and Walmart increase their sales and profits by keeping their prices competitive 24/7.
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