What is Amazon FNSKU, and how does it tie into the fulfillment process of the fulfillment center?
For those diving into the ocean of Amazon selling, especially via the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, you’ve undoubtedly encountered “FNSKU”.
This product identifier, which stands for Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit, serves as a pivotal component in managing inventory, ensuring each item is discernible amid the sea of products in Amazon’s warehouse.
Think of the FNSKU as a unique 10-character product identifier, a bespoke tag ensuring your actual products are always credited to the correct seller amidst the bustling Amazon marketplace.
As we delve deeper into the realm of FNSKU, understanding its crucial role and how it distinctly differs from other identifiers like ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) and UPC (Universal Product Code) becomes imperative.
Not only does the FNSKU facilitate quick identification and management in the fulfillment facilities, but it also acts as a shield against potential mishaps, such as mixing up identical product units or counterfeit products.
FNSKU, ASIN, and UPC: Clarifying Product Identifiers
When it comes to product identification on Amazon, sellers often find themselves juggling three pivotal codes: FNSKU, ASIN, and UPC. Each plays a strategic role in the successful maneuvering of products to customers.
FNSKU: Your Product’s Special Name Tag
We already learned that FNSKU stands for Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit. It’s like a special name tag that Amazon gives to your product. It is an identifier for products that ensure they are matched with the correct seller, maintaining a flawless fulfillment process.
So when a customer buys your product, Amazon can find it quickly in their big warehouse and send it to the right person.
ASIN: The Product’s Universal Name
Next on our list is ASIN, which stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number. Unlike the FNSKU, which is like a personal name tag, the ASIN functions as Amazon’s universal product identity tool, helping shoppers and sellers identify items within the vast product catalog on the marketplace.
Every product on Amazon has its own unique ASIN. It’s used to identify the product on Amazon’s system, but it doesn’t tell Amazon who the seller is. So while FNSKU is about who owns the product, ASIN is about what the product is.
UPC: The Code that Travels Everywhere
Last but not least, let’s talk about UPC, which stands for Universal Product Code. The UPC is a barcode that is used not just on Amazon, but in stores and online marketplaces all over the world.
As one of the universal product codes, UPC travels across global markets, identifying retail products universally. Unlike the FNSKU, which is unique to Amazon, the UPC is a global identifier.
Understanding these three codes is like learning the language of Amazon selling.
The FNSKU helps Amazon keep track of who owns the product, the ASIN tells Amazon what the product is, and the UPC is a global code that helps identify products everywhere they go.
Each code has its special role and knowing the difference can help you become a smarter and more successful seller on Amazon.
How To Get and Apply Your Amazon FNSKU
When you choose to sell your products using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, it’s like renting a little space in Amazon’s gigantic warehouse, often referred to as a “fulfillment center”.
Amazon takes care of storing your products and even ships them to your customers when they make a purchase.
Let’s break down a seemingly complex process into a series of simple steps to get your product listed, labeled, and ready to sail smoothly through the Amazon FBA process.
Step 1: Seller Central Setup
Before you can get an FNSKU, you need to have an Amazon Seller Central account. If you don’t have one already, it’s time to set one up. It’s like setting up your own little shop within the big mall of Amazon.
Step 2: Product Listing
Now, head over to the “Inventory” tab on your Seller Central dashboard. Here, you’ll find the option to “Add a Product”. Click on it from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Detailing Product
You’ll be prompted to fill in details about your product. This is where you tell Amazon all about what you’re selling. Enrich your product listing with precise product details, ensuring accurate portrayal.
Step 4: Set up Your Product for FBA
Ensure your product is set to FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) while creating your Amazon listing. Think of it as choosing Amazon’s grand castle to store your product treasures.
Step 5: Get Amazon FNSKU
Once your product is twinkling in the Amazon catalog, the platform gives it a unique FNSKU. This 10-character product identifier is like a special code that helps Amazon quickly identify and take good care of your items in their vast fulfillment facilities.
Step 6: Find Your FNSKU
To find your Amazon FNSKU, head to ‘Manage FBA Inventory’ on your Seller Central dashboard. Locate your product and click on the drop-down menu to the right of it. When you select ‘Print Item Labels’, and choose to print them, your Amazon FNSKU (an alpha-numeric code) is revealed!
Step 7: Label Your Product
Before your product embarks on its journey to Amazon’s fulfillment center, make sure you add the Amazon FNSKU product identifier label. This ensures quick identification among the sea of products and protection from potential issues like being mixed up with identical products.
With an apt shipping label, commence your shipping plan and send your products to Amazon’s fulfillment center.
Navigating through these steps, it becomes evident that while FNSKU, ASIN, and UPC play divergent roles, they collectively form a cohesive, effective system for managing, listing, and selling your products on Amazon.
Final Word
Understanding and effectively utilizing FNSKU can transform your Amazon FBA voyage. It’s a meticulous, yet uncomplicated process that ensures your product packaging reaches the customer as intended.
With your products diligently tagged with the FNSKU, they’re granted a VIP pass through Amazon’s fulfillment facilities, ensuring identification of products is swift, label products remain secure, and your single product or multitude doesn’t get lost in the extensive ocean of items.
Harnessing the power of FNSKU, and aligning it with ASIN and UPC, streamlines your journey, safeguarding against potential issues and ensuring your adventure into the realms of Amazon – whether you opt for FBA or explore Amazon FBM – remains as smooth and rewarding as possible.
