logo
logo
Sign in

The Difference Between UPC Barcodes and ASINs on Amazon

avatar
Bettina Cabana
The Difference Between UPC Barcodes and ASINs on Amazon

In the world of e-commerce, especially on platforms like Amazon, product identification plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate inventory management and seamless customer experiences. Two commonly used identifiers on Amazon are UPC barcodes and ASINs. 


While they serve similar purposes, there are important differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the dissimilarities between UPC barcodes and ASINs, shedding light on their functions and how they are used on the Amazon platform.


UPC Barcodes: A Brief Overview

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It is a unique numerical identifier assigned to products for the purpose of identification and tracking. A UPC barcode is a graphical representation of this numerical code, typically consisting of a series of black vertical bars of varying widths. These barcodes are widely used in retail environments and are often found on physical products or their packaging.


ASINs: An Introduction

ASIN stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number. It is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to products specifically on the Amazon platform. Each product listed on Amazon is assigned a unique ASIN to distinguish it from others. ASINs are used to facilitate internal processes within Amazon, including inventory management, product cataloging, and search functionality.


Function and Purpose

The primary function of UPC barcodes is to provide a standardized way of identifying products across various retail platforms and supply chains. They are commonly used in brick-and-mortar stores, allowing for efficient inventory management, pricing, and sales tracking. When selling products on Amazon, having a UPC barcode is essential for listing and categorizing your items accurately.


ASINs, on the other hand, are unique to Amazon and are primarily used within the platform's ecosystem. They are specific to each product listing and serve as a key identifier for Amazon's internal operations. ASINs enable effective product search, facilitate product recommendations, and streamline order fulfillment processes. When creating a new product listing on Amazon, the platform automatically generates a unique ASIN for that particular item.


Obtaining and Assigning

To obtain a UPC barcode, sellers typically need to buy UPC codes from an authorized source such as the GS1 (Global Standard 1) organization. GS1 is responsible for issuing unique barcodes to businesses worldwide. Once a seller obtains a valid UPC barcode, they can assign it to their products before listing them on Amazon. This ensures that the product is correctly identified and categorized within the Amazon marketplace.


In contrast, ASINs are assigned by Amazon itself. When a seller creates a new product listing on Amazon, the platform's catalog system automatically generates a unique ASIN for that specific product. This eliminates the need for sellers to obtain and assign ASINs independently. However, it is worth noting that ASINs are not transferable between sellers. Each seller's product listing will have a distinct ASIN associated with it.


Compatibility and Usage

UPC barcodes for Amazon are widely recognized and accepted across various retail platforms, both online and offline. This makes them highly compatible with different inventory management systems and facilitates seamless integration into multiple sales channels. When selling products on Amazon, having a valid UPC barcode is crucial for listing products in the correct categories and preventing duplicate listings.


ASINs, on the other hand, are exclusive to the Amazon platform. They are not recognized or used outside of Amazon's ecosystem. ASINs are essential for ensuring accurate and efficient product search and ordering processes within Amazon. When a customer searches for a specific product on Amazon, they can simply input the ASIN to locate the exact item they are looking for.


Conclusion


While UPC barcodes and ASINs serve the purpose of identifying products, they have distinct differences in terms of function, assignment, compatibility, and usage. UPC barcodes are universal identifiers used across various retail platforms and supply chains, while ASINs are unique to the Amazon platform. 


Obtaining a UPC barcode requires purchasing from authorized sources, while ASINs are automatically generated by Amazon for each product listing. Furthermore, UPC barcodes are compatible with different inventory management systems, whereas ASINs are exclusive to Amazon and facilitate internal operations within the platform.


Understanding the difference between UPC barcodes and ASINs is crucial for sellers on Amazon, as it ensures proper product identification and enhances the overall shopping experience for customers. By leveraging these identifiers effectively, sellers can optimize their product listings, streamline operations, and achieve greater success in the competitive world of e-commerce.

collect
0
avatar
Bettina Cabana
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more