Understanding SKU Numbers and Barcode Verification in Amazon’s System

Many businesses and sellers are often confused about the distinction between buying a barcode and an SKU number, especially when it comes to listing products on Amazon. This article aims to clarify these concepts and provide insights into how Amazon verifies the authenticity of the SKU and barcode used in their marketplace.

What Are SKU Numbers?

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to each variant of a product. Unlike barcodes, which are graphical representations of numeric or alpha-numeric data, SKU numbers are the digital representation of a product's attributes, such as color, size, and package type. Companies often purchase blocks of SKU numbers to ensure they have enough unique identifiers for all their product listings on Amazon and other marketplaces.

Barcodes: The Visual Representation

Barcodes are the physical representations of the SKU numbers on products. They are the machine-readable symbols that can be scanned and decoded to retrieve the associated SKU information. When you purchase a block of SKU numbers, you are not buying barcodes; you are buying the rights to use these numbers as unique identifiers for your products. The barcodes are then printed on your products and used in the manufacturing and distribution process.

How Does Amazon Verify SKU and Barcode Information?

Amazon does not require the verification of SKU numbers purchased by sellers. However, there is a crucial step of barcode verification. Amazon may request that you provide a sample of your product with the barcode attached. When this sample is scanned, Amazon will verify that the barcode indeed corresponds to the SKU number you have registered. This process ensures that the barcodes on your products are correctly identifying your products on the platform.

Steps for Barcode Verification

The barcode verification process typically involves the following steps:

Register your SKU: Log into your Amazon seller account and register your SKU numbers along with their corresponding barcodes. Prepare a sample product: Ensure you have a sample product with the correct barcode attached. Make sure the barcode is properly formatted and legible. Scan the barcode: Scan the barcode on your sample product and verify that the scan result matches the SKU number you have registered. Provide verification: Submit the sample product and scan result to Amazon for verification. They may request additional information or further scans if needed.

Fulfilling Amazon's Barcode Guidelines

It is essential to adhere to Amazon's barcode guidelines to ensure a smooth verification process and avoid potential issues. Key points to consider include:

Correct formatting: Ensure the barcode is properly formatted according to the GS1 standards. Legibility: The barcode should be clear and readable, with no damage or wear. Placement: Place the barcode in a designated location on the product, often near the price tag or on the packaging. Uniqueness: Each product variant should have a unique barcode to avoid confusion during verification. Consistency: Ensure that all products with the same SKU have the same barcode to maintain consistency across your listings.

Best Practices for Using SKU Numbers and Barcodes

To ensure a successful product listing on Amazon and avoid any issues with barcode and SKU verification, follow these best practices:

Thorough planning: Before listing products, carefully plan the SKU numbers and barcodes to match your product inventory. Testing: Perform thorough testing with a small sample of products to ensure that the barcodes and SKUs are correctly registered. Documentation: Keep thorough documentation of your SKU and barcode assignments for easy reference and verification. Customer support: Utilize Amazon’s customer support if you encounter any issues during the verification process.

Conclusion

In summary, while you don’t ‘buy a barcode’ per se, you purchase unique SKU numbers which, when correctly formatted and affixed with barcodes, can be verified by Amazon. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your products are correctly listed and verified on Amazon’s platform, leading to a successful selling experience.