Keeping your Amazon catalogue in good shape begins with accurate UPCs. If you are just starting as an Amazon seller, UPC codes can seem intimidating to keep track of. Understanding them might feel like learning a new language, making...
Keeping your Amazon catalogue in good shape begins with accurate UPCs.
If you are just starting as an Amazon seller, UPC codes can seem intimidating to keep track of. Understanding them might feel like learning a new language, making it tempting to avoid updating these essential codes.
You should be aware that Amazon requires that each product in your catalogue have an accurate UPC. If you do not provide the right UPC, your product could be delisted and you could even face an account suspension.
Let’s take a look at how UPCs can ensure your Amazon catalogue is effective.
Table of Contents
How do UPC codes work?
First things first: what exactly are UPCs?
UPC stands for Universal Product Code. These 12-digit codes identify their product through standardized barcodes. The first 6 digits of a UPC are associated with the manufacturer or vendor, while the last 6 digits indicate the specific product.
There are several benefits to UPCs such as the following:
Preventing counterfeiting and duplicate listings.Ensuring that you are listing the correct product.Decreasing confusion among customers.Helping sellers manage their inventory accurately.When UPC codes need to be changed?
There are several reasons you may need to change the UPCs of your Amazon catalogue. You must keep your UPCs up to date to adhere to Amazon’s regulations.
Scenarios in which you should alter your UPCs include:
UPC code duplication: On occasion, you may experience a duplicate UPC. This is an especially important issue to fix to ensure you avoid any trademark infringement.Product information update: When you update one of your product listings, you may also need to update its UPC. This can happen if your packaging has changed, or if new features have been added to the product.Product change: When you replace one of your existing products with a new one, remember to take the time to update its UPC. This prevents any confusion among your customers.Error in original UPC code: Now and then you may make a mistake and accidentally use the wrong UPC. As soon as you discover this error, take the time to amend the UPC as quickly as possible.
How to update your UPC codes
Your Amazon catalogue must meet Amazon’s standards which means your UPC codes need to be up to date. Changing your UPCs might seem intimidating, but as an Amazon seller, you must understand the process.
Work through the following steps and you should be able to change your UPCs without difficulty.
Step 1: Find out if your product qualifies for an ID change.
Only products that are completely identical to the original product are allowed to be updated with a new product ID. Any changes necessitate a new ASIN.
Step 2: Buy a GS1-sourced UPC or EAN.
To offer a product, Amazon requires that you use a GS1-sourced EAN or UPC. This means that these codes are verified through the GS1 Global Database.
Step 3: Let your outdated stock sell out.
If your product is stocked via FBA or Vendor Central, you should let any products with an old product ID sell out. Merchant Fulfillment sellers should check that all of their stock is updated to the new product ID barcode.
Step 4: Get in touch with Amazon Support.
Next, you will need to reach out to Amazon Support to ask for a product ID alteration.
This step will work differently for those who are registered with Amazon Brand Services.
Step 5: Wait for Amazon to get back to you.
Amazon has the final say when it comes to deciding whether a new ASIN should be created or a product ID should be updated. At the end of the day, everything comes down to Amazon’s decision —even if you follow the steps above diligently.
What comes next for your Amazon catalogue?
As you get your Amazon catalogue in order, you might wonder what else you can do to make your business more effective.
You might not be aware that on average Amazon sellers lose 1% to 3% of their annual revenue to discrepancies. This is equivalent to $10,000 to $30,000 for sellers with one million in revenue. Discrepancies happen when Amazon makes an error, such as losing your products or overcharging you for shipping. You might be accepting these losses as part of doing business as an Amazon seller, but you don’t have to.
If you file for an FBA refund, you could be getting back the money that you have lost to discrepancies. The catch is that you must file your claim within Amazon’s designated timeframe of 18 months. For some types of discrepancies, the window to make a claim can be even shorter.
To maximize your FBA refund, you must conduct a thorough audit of your transactions for the last 18 months. This task can be time-consuming, especially when your business has many other demands.
Some sellers solve this problem by hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) to file their FBA refund claims. When going this route you must select a trustworthy candidate as they will have access to your account details. Another concern is that inexperienced VAs can miss potential refund opportunities which means you won’t be getting all of your money back.
Instead, you may wish to seek the help of a company that specializes in FBA refunds such as Getida. As an industry leader, Gedita offers state-of-the-art software and experienced case managers to ensure you get all your cash back.
While you attend to the other needs of your business, Getida will complete the entire FBA refund process. If any communication with Amazon Seller Support is required, Getida’s team will take care of this stage as well.
The best part is that you will not pay any fees to Getida until your FBA refund is secured. You can also sign up for free to see an estimate of your potential FBA refund. This will help you decide if Getida’s services are right for you.
Going forward with your Amazon catalogue
Now that you understand the importance of UPC codes, you can ensure that your Amazon catalogue is kept up to date. Remember to stay vigilant for any necessary updates and follow the steps outlined above if you feel overwhelmed.
Once your Amazon catalogue is in ship shape, consider the best way to approach your FBA refund claims. Keep in mind that Amazon might owe you a sizable amount of money in the form of an FBA refund. Why not sign up with Getida for free today to find out?
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