The term “ASIN” is likely familiar to anyone who has shopped on Amazon or sold their goods through the platform. But what exactly is this enigmatic ASIN, and why is it so important? Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) and its significance for buyers and sellers.
What is an ASIN?
Before we delve into the details, let’s first understand what an ASIN is. ASIN stands for “Amazon Standard Identification Number“. The ASIN essentially serves as a unique fingerprint for every product in the Amazon universe. It is a unique alphanumeric identification number assigned to every product listed on Amazon. It consists of ten digits and is granted on a national market basis. This means that a product listed on multiple international Amazon marketplaces can have several ASINs.
Why is the ASIN important?
The ASIN is used, as already mentioned, to uniquely identify products on the Amazon platform. Customers can thus quickly and precisely search for a specific product using the ASIN, and Amazon can effectively manage its extensive product catalogue. Therefore, it is crucial that you as a seller or vendor know and correctly use your product’s ASIN.
Is the ASIN a serial number or an EAN?
The ASIN is neither an EAN (European Article Number) nor a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). While a serial number uniquely identifies a single product, and an EAN or GTIN serves as a global product identifier regardless of the sales platform, the ASIN specifically and solely identifies products on Amazon.
What does an ASIN look like?
An ASIN consists of a combination of ten letters and numbers. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and the ASIN are used equivalently for books.
How do I find a product’s ASIN?
On Amazon’s product detail page, at the “Product Information” section, you can find the ASIN and other vital product information like size, weight, and model number of the product. Also, the product’s URL contains the ASIN.
How is an ASIN assigned?
Sellers who want to list a product on Amazon must first check if an identical product is already listed. If that is the case, they must use the same ASIN. If the product is not yet listed on Amazon, a new ASIN is created. It is important to note that Amazon has specific guidelines for creating ASINs and reserves the right to limit the number of new sales listings, depending on the seller’s offer creation and sales history.
Proper Use of ASIN – A Must for Every Amazon Seller
Now that we have clarified the basics, let’s delve deeper into the use of the ASIN.
ASIN and Product Listings
Let’s repeat: If you want to list a new product on Amazon, you may need to create a new ASIN, unless the product is already offered by another seller. If that’s the case, you simply have to add your product to the existing ASIN.
Here is how you can add your product to an already existing ASIN:
Find the ASIN: First, you need to find the existing ASIN for your product. You can do this by searching for your product in the Amazon marketplace. The ASIN can usually be found in the product details section of the listing.
1.Add a product via Seller Central: Once you have the ASIN, go to your Seller Central account. Click on the “Inventory” tab, and then select “Add a Product”.
2. Enter the ASIN: In the “Add a Product” section, enter the ASIN of the product you want to sell in the search field, and then click the “Search” button.
3. Select the Condition: If your product appears in the search results, click the “Sell Yours” button. Then, you’ll be asked to provide details about the condition of your product (new, used, refurbished, etc.).
4. Provide Required Information: After selecting the condition, you will need to provide additional information such as your price, quantity, shipping methods, and SKU (if applicable). Make sure all the information is accurate and complete.
5. Submit the Listing: Finally, after you have filled out all the necessary information, click “Save and Finish”. Amazon will then review your listing, and once approved, your product will be listed under the existing ASIN.
Remember, it’s crucial to ensure that your product matches the existing listing exactly. This includes the brand, model, color, size, etc. Any discrepancy can lead to your listing being removed, or even the suspension of your selling privileges. If your product doesn’t match an existing listing, you should create a new ASIN.
Also, note that the ability to list under an existing ASIN can depend on your seller account health, category restrictions, and whether the brand is gated or not.
ASIN and Product Variations
Product variations like size, colour, or style can all be listed under the same ASIN. Each variant is marked by a unique child ASIN. This makes it easier for customers to find and compare product variations.
| Beware of ASIN Misuse! Amazon does not tolerate the misuse of ASINs. If you attempt to list a product under an incorrect ASIN, this can lead to account suspensions and other penalties. |
Key Tips for Using the ASIN
Here are some handy tips for effectively using the ASIN:
- Understand the role of the ASIN: The ASIN is not just a random set of numbers and letters. It’s at the heart of your product identity on Amazon.
- Use the correct ASIN: Make sure you use the correct ASIN for your product. If you’re selling an existing product, use the already existing ASIN. For new products, you’ll need to create a new ASIN.
- Be careful with product variants: If you’re selling multiple variants of a product, you must ensure that each variant has the correct child ASIN.
- Monitor your ASINs: Keep an eye on your product ASINs to ensure they’re correct and that no unauthorised changes have been made.
Conclusion
The ASIN is an essential element in Amazon’s e-commerce process. It ensures the unique identification of products, simplifies the finding of items, and enables efficient management of Amazon’s product catalogue. The use of the ASIN thus contributes not only to accurate billing but also to a positive shopping experience for Amazon customers. If you’re using Amazon as a sales platform, understanding and correctly using the ASIN is essential.
