Detailed explanation of Amazon FNSKU: the difference between its function and SKU

When operating the Amazon platform, novice sellers are often confused by various proper nouns, including Amazon FNSKU and SKU. Although these two concepts are both identifiers of goods, their meanings and uses are obviously different.

The definition and importance of FNSKU

When we as consumers purchase goods, we usually see a string of black and white barcodes and a string of codes above the product packaging. Although this does not seem to be directly related to our shopping experience, for merchants, barcodes are an integral part of product management. Amazon FNSKU is the barcode of the product on the platform. It mainly serves the goods transportation process within the Amazon platform. Whenever a seller performs a shipping operation on the Amazon platform, the system will automatically generate a unique FNSKU number. This number contains information such as a scannable barcode, ASIN code, product status, and a brief description of the product’s transportation process.

FNSKU is necessary because there may be multiple sellers selling the same product on the Amazon platform. If the original barcode is used, it may lead to confusion in identification, which will affect the status tracking of cargo transportation. Therefore, Amazon needs to create a new barcode – FNSKU – for each item entering its warehouse, so that the location of each item can be accurately tracked throughout the entire logistics chain.

The functions of SKU and its application scenarios

In contrast, SKU is not limited to the Amazon platform, but is a broader concept that applies to various retail channels. SKU is usually set by merchants themselves and is used to manage internal inventory and product information. It may be a string of characters or a combination of numbers and does not necessarily need to appear in physical form on the product packaging.

SKU is mainly used to track inventory, support marketing activities, and assist in inventory management. Merchants can freely define SKUs according to their own needs, making them suitable for different marketing channels and e-commerce platforms. It is worth noting that although different merchants can use the same SKU on their respective sales channels, on the Amazon platform, each merchant still needs to have its own independent FNSKU to distinguish it.

The main difference between FNSKU and SKU

Meaning

• FNSKU: Specifically refers to the stock keeping unit mark in Amazon warehouse, used for inventory and order management.
• SKU: A universal stock-keeping unit identifier that is not limited to Amazon.

Usage scenarios

• FNSKU: Mainly used in Amazon FBA service to help distinguish the same products from different merchants.
• SKU: Applicable across platforms, supporting multi-channel marketing and internal management.

Uniqueness

• FNSKU: Identical products stored in Amazon warehouses will each be assigned a unique FNSKU.
• SKU: Its uniqueness depends on the merchant’s settings.

Identification method

• FNSKU: Printed on product packaging in the form of barcode or QR code.
• SKU: May be a string of characters or numbers and does not necessarily need to appear on the packaging.

Through the above analysis, it can be seen that although both are codes used for product identification, there are significant differences in specific application areas and functions. Understanding this information can help sellers make better use of the various services provided by the Amazon platform, thereby improving their business efficiency.