Do you know that there are several types of Amazon barcodes, including UPC, EAN, GTIN, SKU, ASIN, and FNSKU, which may often puzzle amazon sellers during their online business. One specific barcode that Amazon sellers must familiarize themselves with is the Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) barcode. This unique identifier is not just a series of numbers but a gateway to efficient inventory management and a smoother selling experience on Amazon. In this blog, we delve into the FNSKU barcode, exploring its importance, how to obtain it, and its impact on your Amazon selling journey.
What is an Amazon FNSKU Barcode?
The FNSKU is a unique identifier assigned by Amazon to products stored in and fulfilled by Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Unlike the universal UPC (Universal Product Code) which identifies the exact product manufacturer and type globally, the FNSKU is specific to Amazon and links the product directly to your seller account. This ensures that when a customer places an order, Amazon picks, packs, and ships the correct item from the multitude of identical products from different sellers in its warehouses.
There are two kinds of FNSKU barcodes, namely Amazon Barcode (usually begins with X0) and Manufacturer Barcode (usually begins with B0). It's not difficult to find that the Manufacturer Barcode of a product is actually the same as its ASIN.
It is highly recommended for Amazon sellers to always use Amazon barcodes. This is because manufacturer barcodes allow for commingled inventory, meaning that products from any seller using the same manufacturer barcode to ship their goods will be mixed together in Amazon's FBA warehouses. If any of these sellers have products that are of substandard quality, all sellers using that manufacturer barcode could suffer the consequences.
The Importance of FNSKU for Amazon Sellers
- Simplifies Inventory Management: The FNSKU helps Amazon accurately track and manage inventory, making it easier for sellers to monitor stock and plan replenishment.
- Protects Your Brand: By linking products to your seller account, the FNSKU minimizes the risk of counterfeit items being sent to your customers, ensuring that they receive the genuine product you’ve listed.
- Streamlines the Fulfillment Process: With the FNSKU, Amazon efficiently processes and fulfills orders, leading to quicker shipping time and higher customer satisfaction.
How to Obtain Your FNSKU?
When you list a new product on Amazon and opt for FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), the platform automatically generates an FNSKU for your item. If you have any FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) listings, these listings will not have FNSKUs.
To find and print your FNSKU labels:
- Go to your Amazon Seller Central account.
- Navigate to the "Manage FBA Inventory" section.
- Select the item(s) you need the FNSKU for.
- Choose "Print Item Labels" from the dropdown menu.
- You can then print these labels yourself or have Amazon do it with a fee charging $0.30 for each.
Please be aware that the process may vary depending on the type of seller you are:
- Private label sellers: Build a unique listing for your product and click on the button "Create". Then Amazon generates the FNSKU barcode when the listing is created. This ensures your product is distinctly identified within the Amazon catalog.
- Arbitrage or wholesale sellers: For a brand that resell existing products, once you enter the pricing and product details and the product listing already exists on the platform, Amazon will assign an exclusive FNSKU code for you. This simplifies the process for sellers leveraging existing listings.
Advice for Printing FNSKU
When selecting a printing method, it is recommended to use thermal or laser printing, rather than inkjet printers. Inkjet printing can lead to smudges, causing images to blur, which affects label recognition and scanning.
Thermal printing is cost-effective, but the print may fade over time or if exposed to moisture. A ribbon printer usually provides better results, with a lower rate of scanning errors.
Applying FNSKU Barcodes to Your Items
Once you have your FNSKU labels, they must be affixed to each product before sending them to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Ensure that the barcode is clearly visible and not covered by any other labels or packaging. This is crucial for Amazon’s scanning and processing systems to recognize and properly handle your products.
Conclusion
The Amazon FNSKU barcode is an indispensable tool for sellers using FBA. It not only aids in efficient inventory management and order fulfillment but also plays a vital role in safeguarding your brand and ensuring customer satisfaction. By understanding how to obtain and use the FNSKU barcode, you can leverage Amazon’s logistics prowess to your advantage, streamlining your operations and focusing on growing your business. Remember, a smooth fulfillment process begins with the right barcode, and the FNSKU is your ticket to that streamlined journey on Amazon.
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