Are you starting your Amazon selling journey? If yes, then get ready to come across terms like FBA, FBM, SKU, and FNSKU.
We’re sure you’re overwhelmed just going through these abbreviations! But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this guide, we will break down the mysterious Amazon FNSKU barcode!
What is it?
Why is it important?
And, how do you get one?
By the end of this article, all your queries will be answered! And you’ll walk away knowing how the Amazon FNSKU label simplifies your inventory and keeps your business running smoothly.
So, let’s start with the basics…
What is the Amazon FNSKU Barcode?
If you’re selling on Amazon, and using the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, you’ll encounter the FNSKU barcode.
FNSKU stands for Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit. It’s a unique code like a fingerprint for each of your products in Amazon’s warehouses. The FNSKU helps Amazon keep your inventory separate and organized. This ensures they grab the right item when someone orders and that you get the credit for the sale.
To put it simply, it’s a code that helps Amazon keep track of your inventory.
Why is the FNSKU Code Amazon Important?
FNSKU Amazon barcodes are important for a few key reasons for both Amazon and sellers using FBA. Here’s how:
For Amazon
- Accurate Fulfillment
FNSKU helps Amazon quickly identify the exact product you’re selling, even if multiple sellers are offering the same item. This ensures they grab the right one when a customer orders, reducing errors and keeping things smooth.
- Inventory Management
FNSKU is important for Amazon to keep track of your inventory in their warehouses. It helps them make sure they have enough of your products in stock to fulfill orders and manage their storage space efficiently.
For Sellers
- Prevents Mixing
Without FNSKU, your inventory could get mixed up with other sellers’ stock, especially if you’re selling a common product. FNSKU ensures your items stay separate, guaranteeing you get credit for your sales.
- Faster Fulfillment
With FNSKU labels, Amazon can quickly locate and pick your products, potentially leading to faster order fulfillment for your customers.
In short, FNSKU barcodes streamline the whole process for both Amazon and sellers, ensuring accurate order fulfillment and proper credit for sales.
How to Get an FNSKU Label on Product?
To sell with Amazon FBA (where they store and ship your stuff), your products might need a special label with an FNSKU barcode.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps to get an FNSKU barcode for your Amazon FBA product:
Step 1: Select the FBA Option
When you create your product listing on Amazon, make sure you choose “Fulfillment by Amazon” (FBA) as the fulfillment option.
Step 2: List your Product
Once you’ve filled out all the details about your product, launch it on Amazon.
Step 3: Amazon Assigns your FNSKU
After your product is listed, Amazon will automatically create a unique FNSKU barcode for it. Think of it like a special ID for your product in Amazon’s warehouses.
Step 4: Find your FNSKU
Now you need to get that code onto your products! Go to your “Manage FBA Inventory” section on Seller Central.
Step 5: Print the FNSKU Labels
Find your product, click the menu next to it, and choose “Print Item Labels.” This will download a PDF file with your FNSKU barcode on it.
Step 6: Label your Products
- Do it Yourself
There are a few ways to get the FNSKU labels on your products:
You can print the FNSKU barcode and stick it on yourself.
- Let your Supplier Do It
If you order your products from someone else, you can ask them to print the FNSKU barcode on the packaging.
- Pay Amazon to Do It
For a fee, Amazon can put the labels on your products for you.
Step 7: Stick the FNSKU on your Products
Make sure each of your products has a clear FNSKU barcode before sending them to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. This helps them keep track of your inventory and avoid any mix-ups.
Should I Still Use the Regular Barcode (UPC) on my Products with the FNSKU?
In most cases, you don’t necessarily need the regular barcode (UPC) on your products with the FNSKU for Amazon FBA.
Because:
- FNSKU is for Internal Tracking
The FNSKU barcode is Amazon’s unique identifier for your product within their warehouses. It helps them track your inventory and ensure it stays separate from other sellers’ stock.
- UPC is for Retail Sales
The UPC barcode is typically used for general retail purposes. It allows stores and consumers to identify the product and look up its details in a database.
Situations Where Other Barcodes Might be Helpful
However, there might be situations where you can use other barcodes like UPC. For instance”
- Selling Outside Amazon
If you plan to sell the same product through other channels besides Amazon, having the UPC barcode can be beneficial.
- Customer Recognition
Some customers might be familiar with UPCs and use them to look up product information online. Having both barcodes wouldn’t hurt.
- Preventative Measure
In case Amazon’s system might encounter an issue with the FNSKU, having a UPC as a backup can help identify the product.
The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you’re unsure, it generally won’t cause any harm to include both the FNSKU and UPC barcode on your products. Just make sure the FNSKU barcode is visible and scannable!
What is the Difference Between an ASIN and FNSKU?
Both ASIN and FNSKU are codes used on Amazon, but they serve different purposes:
- ASIN
The ASIN is a unique code given by Amazon to identify products. You can locate the ASIN on any product detail page on Amazon. It’s similar to a library catalog number, but it’s specifically for Amazon products. Each product has only one unique ASIN, even if it’s sold by different sellers.
- FNSKU
This is a seller-specific code used for inventory tracking within Amazon’s fulfillment centers. It’s like a special ID tag for your product within Amazon’s warehouse. There can be multiple FNSKUs for the same product (ASIN) because each seller will have their own unique FNSKU for their inventory.
And That’s a Wrap!
Here’s the key to getting paid for your Amazon FBA sales: the Amazon FNSKU barcode!
It’s a unique code that helps Amazon identify your products in their warehouses. This way, when a customer orders your item, Amazon can quickly get the right one for them.
Having a clear FNSKU barcode on your products before sending them to Amazon helps everything run smoothly. You can print these labels yourself or ask your supplier to include them on the packaging. It’s a simple step that ensures you get credit for your sales!
However, if you’re having trouble understanding the concept of FNSKU, our Amazon PPC experts at Impact Wolves are more than ready to guide you through the process!
Book a free 30-minute call with our Amazon PPC consultant, and we will provide you with a personalized PPC strategy based on your audit findings to maximize visibility and conversions!
