On the Amazon platform, in addition to these two codes, there are some other codes that we often use. For example, SKU, ASIN code, ISBN code. Which codes can sellers compile themselves, and which ones need to be purchased?
1. SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
SKU is the basic unit for measuring the inventory in and out of goods. It is composed of numbers or letters, or a mixture of the two. SKU can generally be written by the seller. When a product has different colors, sizes, etc., there are multiple SKUs. For example, a pair of shoes has two colors, red and white, and each color has four sizes, S, M, L, and XL. Then this pair of shoes has 8 SKUs.
2. UPC code
UPC code is a barcode for commodities developed by the Uniform Code Council of the United States, mainly used in the United States and Canada.
The structure of the standard version of the UPC code is: system code (1 digit) + manufacturer code (5 digits) + product code (5 digits) + calibration code (1 digit).
3. EAN code
EAN code is a product identification symbol established on the basis of UPC code. The structure of standard EAN code is: country code (2 or 3 digits) + manufacturer code (5 or 4 digits) + product code (5 digits) + inspection code (1 digit).
Because EAN code is formed on the basis of UPC code, technically, the photoelectric reader of EAN system can read the barcode of UPC system, but the photoelectric reader of UPC system cannot read the barcode of EAN system.
4. GCID code
If Amazon sellers register their brands on Amazon platform, Amazon will automatically assign a unique product code called Global Catalog Code (GCID) to the products.
When uploading products on Amazon platform, sellers must provide UPC code or EAN code, but if the seller’s brand registration is successfully assigned to GCID code, there is no need to purchase UPC code or EAN code.
5.ASIN code
ASIN code is automatically generated by Amazon system, and sellers do not need to add it by themselves. ASIN code is equivalent to a unique product ID, which is unique on the Amazon platform. One ASIN code corresponds to one SKU. ASIN code can be used to query products on the platform front end and the seller’s store backend.
6.ISBN code
International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is an international number designed specifically for identifying books and other documents. Publications using the ISBN coding system include books, brochures, microforms, Braille prints, etc. In other words, sellers need to provide Amazon with ISBN codes when they publish publication products on Amazon.
7.ISSN code
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an international standard code for serial publications (such as serial magazines) formulated according to the international standard ISO 3297. The purpose of establishing this code is to give every serial publication with different titles and different versions in the world an international unique code identifier. The number is composed of “ISSN” as the prefix plus 8 digits. The 8 digits are divided into two sections of 4 digits each, connected by a hyphen “-” in the middle, and the format is ISSN “XXXX-XXXX”. The ISSN code is valid for the first 7 digits, and the last digit is the check code, which is calculated according to the formula based on the first 7 digits. The ISSN code is usually printed on the cover or copyright page of the journal.
8. Other codes
On the Amazon platform, some product titles or long descriptions may also have some other codes, such as “Manufacturer Part Number” and “MODEL NO.”.
In general, the use of codes helps with data classification, proofreading, aggregation and retrieval.