Amazon is the biggest eCommerce platform worldwide, with a mind-boggling 600 million products available. But how do you find what you’re looking for in such a vast store?
That’s where Amazon ASINs come into play. An Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a special 10-character code used by Amazon and its partners to distinguish products.
With over 600 million items in its catalog, Amazon assigns a unique ASIN to each product or variation, aiding in catalog organization.
While shoppers can use ASINs to identify products, they are even more significant for sellers. ASINs serve as unique identifiers within Amazon’s system, which is crucial for sellers to list and manage their products effectively.
This article explains why Amazon ASIN codes are so important and shows you how to get one, helping you become an eCommerce Marketing pro! Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Understanding Amazon ASIN
An Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) serves as an internal catalog number exclusive to each product listed on Amazon. It consists of 10 alphanumeric characters that serve as a distinct identifier, differentiating one item from another within the platform’s vast inventory.
ASINs help organize the vast array of items available for sale, facilitating easy identification and searchability. They are crucial for inventory management, order processing and product listing on Amazon, ensuring accurate tracking throughout the selling process.
ASINs are integrated into Amazon’s backend systems, playing a critical role in fulfilling orders and tracking sales performance.
When a product is a book and has a 10-digit International Standard Book Number (ISBN), Amazon uses this ISBN as the ASIN. However, for other products, Amazon assigns a unique ASIN that differs from other identification numbers like Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), European Article Number (EAN), Universal Product Code (UPC), and Stock Keeping Unit (SKU).
These identification numbers serve distinct purposes and are not interchangeable with ASINs. ASINs are specific to Amazon and are primarily used to track products within the Amazon marketplace.
Shoppers can use ASINs to locate products via Amazon’s search feature. For example, if you’re looking for a specific product like the Nuwave Brio 10-in-1 Air Fryer, you can type its ASIN, ‘B075X3287P’, into the search bar. Amazon will then lead you straight to it.
Now, you might wonder why ASINs matter. Well, they are essential for both buyers and sellers in the following ways:
For Buyers:
- ASINs make it easy to find and purchase the exact product they want.
- ASINs are unique within Amazon’s marketplace, ensuring buyers get the right product from the right seller.
For Sellers:
- ASINs are essential for listing products and conducting business on Amazon.
- ASIN is the foundation of Amazon’s product catalog structure, ensuring efficient item management.
- Violating the Amazon ASIN creation policy can result in the suspension of selling privileges.
- ASINs play a vital role in inventory management, sales tracking, and ensuring product availability.
- They facilitate tracking products through the catalog and locating them in Amazon’s warehouses.
- The ASIN references catalog data, tracks product inventory, and indexes pages for browsing and searching.
- ASINs help present products to relevant consumers, contributing to sales growth.
In summary, Amazon ASINs help identify and organize products on the platform. They facilitate convenient shopping experiences for both buyers and sellers.
How to Find an Amazon ASIN
Finding an Amazon ASIN is simple and can be done in a couple of ways:
1. On the Product Page
- Scroll down to find the ‘Product information’ section.
- Look for the ASIN under ‘Technical Details.’
- It’s usually displayed alongside additional information and other product specifications.
2. In the Product’s URL
- Every product on Amazon has a unique URL.
- Within the URL, you’ll find a sequence of characters between two forward slashes (‘/’). This sequence is the ASIN.
- For example, in the URL https://us.amazon.com/Nuwave-Technology-Dehydrating-Reheating-Dishwasher/dp/B075X3287P/, ‘B075X3287P’ is the ASIN.
Ifyou’re uncertain about the ASIN, you can double-check by typing it into Amazon’s search bar. If the ASIN is correct, Amazon will display the corresponding product.
These methods ensure that you can easily locate the ASIN for any product on Amazon, helping users browse more efficiently.
How to Get an Amazon ASIN
When listing a product on Amazon, sellers have the option to either create a new ASIN or use an existing one. ASINs are distinctive identifiers assigned to individual products, ensuring their differentiation regardless of the seller.
Using ASINs helps maintain order within Amazon’s extensive catalog, ensuring each product has its own distinct identity. Attempting to create a new ASIN when one already exists can result in account suspension.
ASINs are exclusive to Amazon and its partners, serving as internal tracking codes for inventory management. GTINs, such as UPCs and EANs, are universal barcodes used globally to identify products, while SKUs are internal codes used by sellers for inventory control. While GTINs ensure interoperability across platforms, ASINs offer unique benefits within Amazon’s ecosystem.
Amazon consolidates duplicate entries to maintain a single product detail page for each item, simplifying customers’ shopping experience. Now, let’s examine situations where it’s suitable to either acquire a new ASIN or utilize an existing one.
1. For New Products
If a seller can’t find an existing ASIN for their product, they’ll need to create a new one. This involves providing detailed information about the product to Amazon’s catalog, including its name, brand, specifications, and other relevant details. This information is submitted to Amazon Seller Central using product feeds. Once this information is submitted, Amazon assigns a unique ASIN to the product.
Typically, brand owners, private label sellers, and those with exclusive distribution rights follow this process. Creating a new ASIN for a product not yet listed on Amazon can provide a competitive advantage, especially for innovative items that aren’t widely available.
However, new sellers are initially limited in the number of new listings they can create until they establish a track record of sales. This policy is in place to maintain quality and prevent spamming.
GTINs, like UPCs, ISBNs, or EANs, are essential for creating or matching ASINs on Amazon. These codes give each product a unique identity, making them easy to find.
ISBN, managed by the International ISBN Agency, helps identify books and published materials worldwide. It streamlines cataloging and searching in stores, libraries, and online platforms.
UPC, mainly in the US and Canada, tracks trade items in stores. It’s also widely used to scan items during sales transactions.
EAN serves as a barcode for retail products, widely used in Europe and other regions outside North America. It’s vital for managing inventory and smooth point-of-sale transactions in retail stores.
These identifiers – ISBN, UPC, EAN, and ASIN, ensure efficiency and accuracy in the global marketplace. They interact within different systems; for example, on Amazon, an ASIN is automatically assigned when a product is listed for sale.
2. For Existing Products
Before selling a product on Amazon, sellers should check if an ASIN already exists for it. If an ASIN is already assigned to the product, sellers can opt to list their item under that existing ASIN.
This practice allows sellers to share the product page with other vendors offering the same item. It is a common strategy adopted by resellers and retailers.
To determine if an ASIN exists, sellers can utilize their Seller Central account to conduct searches based on various product details.
Selecting the correct ASIN is crucial to avoid mismatches and negative customer feedback. Additionally, sellers can use Amazon’s tools, like Amazon ASIN Lookup, to search for ASINs in bulk.
This makes it easier to find ASINs for multiple products at once. It also helps sellers manage their inventory efficiently and provide a better shopping experience for customers.
Creating a New ASIN
Usually, products already have ASINs, especially if they’re from established brands. But sometimes, new or unique products don’t have ASINs yet.
This is when you need to create a new ASIN. Various unique identifiers, including GTINs, SKUs, EANs, and ISBNs, are utilized in the creation of an ASIN.
GTINs, such as UPCs and EANs, are universal product identifiers that serve as a global standard for identifying trade items. When sellers list products on Amazon, they often provide GTINs, which Amazon then uses to generate ASINs automatically.
These codes help ensure that each product has a unique identifier, facilitating inventory management, categorization, and search functionality on the platform. SKUs are internal codes used by sellers for inventory tracking and can be included when uploading inventory to Amazon.
The ISBN serves as the ASIN for books specifically. This unique identifier is assigned to each edition of a book and is widely recognized in the publishing industry. Simply put, ISBNs are unique identifiers for books. When sellers provide them, Amazon automatically assigns them as ASINs for book listings.
Whether it’s a universal GTIN, a seller-specific SKU, or a book’s ISBN, these identifiers help streamline the process of listing products and enhance the overall customer experience on Amazon.
When a product is missing from Amazon’s list, you must add it to get an ASIN. There are two ways to do this.
1. Utilizing Amazon’s Admin Panel
Adding products to Amazon through your Amazon Seller Central account’s “Add a Product” feature is quite simple. With this method, you add all product details manually using Amazon’s admin panel.
This approach is excellent for understanding how to add products on Amazon and what information is needed. While it’s a good starting point to get familiar with Amazon’s process, businesses with a large inventory may find it time-consuming to add each product manually. Hence, this method is more suitable for adding a few products.
Before you create a new ASIN, research your product thoroughly. Know its category, subcategory, and type. Look into the details of your product, like its features, specifications, and intended use.
Consider how it fits into Amazon’s vast catalog and where it belongs within its categories. This research ensures you categorize your product accurately when creating the ASIN, making it easier for customers to find.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a new ASIN:
Step 1: Log In to Amazon Seller Central
To start creating a new ASIN, log in to your Amazon Seller Central account. Seller Central serves as your command center for Amazon sales.
It allows you to list and price products, handle inventory, and fulfill orders. Additionally, you can create promotions, track payments, manage expenses, and more, all within Seller Central.
Once logged in, navigate to the “Inventory” tab and choose the “Add a Product” option. A new page will open up, providing options for adding a new product to Amazon’s catalog.
If you’re adding a completely new product listing that isn’t already on Amazon, choose the option that says, “I’m adding a product that is not on Amazon yet.”
Step 2: Select the Right Category
When creating your Amazon ASIN, select the suitable product category, type, and subcategory. Amazon’s product classification system is complex, so choosing the correct category is critical. It ensures that your product appears in the right section of the website.
Take your time to explore the available categories thoroughly and select the most fitting one for your product. It’s essential to match your product accurately to the category to improve visibility and ensure it reaches the right audience.
Step 3: Provide Detailed Product Information
Now, it’s time to input all the necessary details about your product. This includes its name, manufacturer, brand, and product description.
Accuracy and comprehensiveness are key here, as these details help customers locate your product on Amazon’s platform.
Additionally, you’ll need to include the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), which uniquely identifies your product. GTINs, like UPCs and EANs, are universal identifiers used globally by retailers and distributors. They ensure consistent labeling and facilitate product management across the supply chain.
ASINs, however, are unique to Amazon. They’re automatically generated for each listing, which is crucial for organizing, searching, and managing inventory on the platform.
Common GTIN formats include the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), which is 10 or 13 digits long; the Universal Product Code (UPC), which is 12 digits long; and the European Article Number (EAN), which is 13 digits long.
You can usually find these numbers on the product’s label, barcode, or packaging. Double-check the accuracy of these details to ensure your product is correctly cataloged and easily discoverable by potential buyers.
Step 4: Provide Specific Product Details
After entering the basic information, proceed to provide specific details about your product. This includes details like color, size, and material, which help customers understand what they’re purchasing.
Additionally, you’ll need to upload clear and high-quality product images of your product, as well as set the pricing information. Take advantage of the tabs provided in the interface to guide you through the required information.
Buyers rely heavily on these details to make informed purchasing decisions. So, it’s important to provide thorough details and correct images to attract potential buyers and maximize sales.
Step 5: Submit Your Product for Approval
Once you’ve filled in all the required details, you can submit your product for approval. After completing the form, click on “Save and Finish.”
Amazon will carefully review the information and images you’ve provided to ensure they meet its guidelines. If everything checks out, Amazon will assign your product a unique ASIN and create a product details page.
Keep in mind that while you use existing ASINs, other sellers may also utilize the same ASIN you’ve created. Amazon enforces strict regulations for adding ASINs, particularly for newcomers.
Initially, new sellers face limitations when creating listings until they build a strong sales history. With increased sales, their ability to generate new ASINs expands.
2. Utilizing Amazon’s Inventory Template
For sellers with many products, using Amazon’s inventory templates can help. These templates let you upload product data in bulk, saving time.
You can download an inventory template from this official link.
Here’s what you do:
- Download Template: Get the right category-specific template from Seller Central.
- Fill Template: Put your product info in the template following Amazon’s rules.
- Upload Template: Send the filled template to Amazon. They’ll assign ASINs.
This method is good for managing lots of products but needs Excel skills and doesn’t automate everything.
Things to Keep in Mind When Creating ASINs
Ensuring compliance with Amazon’s ASIN creation policy and product data requirements is vital to prevent issues. Failing to adhere to these standards can lead to errors and potential product suppression.
- Detection: Errors are immediately visible when using Amazon’s admin panel. However, when employing third-party solutions or inventory file templates, errors may only become apparent after processing.
By diligently following these guidelines, sellers can ensure a smooth ASIN creation process, efficiently manage their Amazon inventory, and enhance their sales prospects.
Leveraging ASIN for Business Growth
ASINs are like tags that help products stand out on Amazon. When sellers list their products using ASINs, it enables Amazon’s search algorithms to categorize and display them to potential customers more effectively.
Using GTINs helps standardize the catalog and boost product visibility and trust. This improved visibility leads to increased sales opportunities as more customers see and buy the products. Sellers who don’t already have GTINs need to get them from GS1 or similar agencies.
Without GTINs, products might not show up in searches, leading to lost sales. So, sellers need to get and use GTINs to improve their presence and sales on Amazon.
Creating unique ASINs for exclusive products helps sellers gain a competitive edge. If a product is only available from one seller, it’s more likely to win the Buy Box. This is important because winning the Buy Box means the product gets more attention and sales.
Furthermore, having unique ASINs allows sellers to track the performance of their products better. Sellers can analyze metrics such as conversion rates, click-through rates, and sales velocity associated with each ASIN.
This empowers them to make data-driven decisions to optimize their sales strategies. It also helps them identify areas for improvement and capitalize on successful sales tactics.
Role of Reverse ASIN Lookups
Reverse ASIN lookups are vital tools for understanding competition. By conducting reverse ASIN lookups, sellers discover keywords competitors target in product listings and advertising campaigns.
Identifying top-performing keywords improves sellers’ own listings and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, boosting visibility in searches. Insights into competitors’ strategies help sellers refine their own approach.
In short, using ASINs smartly boosts sales and helps sellers monitor their competition. Smart ASIN use improves visibility, while analyzing competitors aids business growth on Amazon.
Conclusion
ASINs are the key to success on Amazon, opening doors to greater visibility and sales opportunities. Whether using existing ASINs or making new ones, sellers can boost sales by making their products easier to find.
By using ASINs wisely, sellers can make their products shine brighter, attract more customers, and outsmart the competition.
Now that you know about ASINs and their significance, it’s time to boost your Amazon business. Different methods suit different needs, whether you’re listing a some new products or managing a large inventory, an inventory sync app might be beneficial to you. Keep your ASINs organized and up-to-date to stay competitive.
FAQs
1) Why is the ASIN important?
ASINs are essential for Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) sellers because they simplify product identification on the platform. Unlike GTINs or UPCs, ASINs are exclusively for Amazon, facilitating easy tracking and reverse lookups.
2) Can I use an existing ASIN for my product?
Yes, sellers can use existing ASINs for identical products. However, to ensure consistency and prevent duplication within Amazon’s catalog, ensure your product matches the ASIN’s details accurately.
3) Are there any products without an ASIN?
Yes, new products or those not previously listed on Amazon may lack an ASIN. However, sellers can create new ASINs for such niche items to list them on Amazon.
4) How to convert ASIN to EAN or UPC?
Converting ASIN to EAN or UPC involves using online converter tools like Algopix or Stripetail, respectively. Amazon API services also facilitate this, but technical knowledge is necessary. However, not all ASINs can be converted due to Amazon exclusivity.
5) What does ASIN mean for Amazon?
ASINs are the backbone of Amazon’s product catalog, serving as unique identifiers for every item listed on the platform. They enable efficient organization, searchability, and categorization of products, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for millions of customers worldwide.
6) Can I create my own ASIN?
No, ASINs are automatically generated by Amazon for each product listed on its platform. Sellers cannot create their own ASINs.
7) What is the difference between ASIN and GTIN and other identifiers?
ASINs are exclusive to Amazon and primarily used for internal product identification within its ecosystem. On the other hand, GTINs (such as UPCs and EANs) are universal identifiers utilized across various retail platforms globally. While GTINs focus on standardizing product identification, ASINs are tailored specifically for Amazon’s catalog organization and management.
