Amazon.com is a massive online shopping mall where you can find over 350 million products!
To keep everything organized, Amazon uses something called ASINs, which stand for Amazon Standard Identification Numbers. These are like special codes that help Amazon keep track of each product.
In this article, we’ll explain what ASINs are, why they’re essential if you want to sell products on Amazon, and how you can get your ASINs for your products.
Whether you’re an experienced seller or just started selling on Amazon, let’s explore the Amazon ASINs and see how they can make your Amazon journey more straightforward.
What is an ASIN on Amazon?
Amazon ASIN numbers are 10-digit alphanumeric unique identifiers assigned by Amazon to each product listed on its platform. These alphanumeric codes serve as a digital fingerprint for products, distinguishing one from another in Amazon’s vast catalog.
ASINs are designed to be unique identifiers for products, ensuring that each item in Amazon’s catalog is distinct. However, they are unique only within a specific Amazon marketplace. This means that the same product may have different ASINs in different Amazon marketplaces around the world. It’s a great way to maintain organization and clarity within each marketplace.
For books, the ASIN is equivalent to the ISBN (International Standard Book Number), which is a unique identifier for books used worldwide. This ensures that books have consistent identification regardless of the marketplace.
While ASINs are unique within a given Amazon marketplace, the same product may have different ASINs when listed in multiple Amazon marketplaces to facilitate efficient cataloging and sales tracking.
Why is an ASIN Important?
For sellers, ASINs facilitate the creation of product listings, ensuring that each product is accurately represented in terms of title, description, price, and other essential details. ASINs also enable sellers to manage their inventory effectively, track sales, and monitor product performance. They play a crucial role in optimizing product visibility in search results and recommendations, ultimately impacting sales and revenue.
Customers, on the other hand, can use ASINs to discover, evaluate, and purchase products on Amazon. When customers search for a specific product, they often use the ASIN to locate the exact item they desire. ASINs provide customers with a standardized way to identify products, helping them make informed buying decisions. They also ensure that customers receive the precise product they ordered, reducing confusion and improving overall shopping satisfaction.
How to Create an ASIN on Amazon?
Creating a new ASIN on Amazon is a necessary step when introducing a product that doesn’t match any existing ASIN in Amazon’s catalog. Manufacturers and brand owners typically carry out this process.
Still, it can also be an opportunity for sellers looking to offer unique products with limited competition, potentially boosting their chances of winning the coveted Amazon Buy Box and increasing profits.
To initiate the creation of a new ASIN, you’ll need to access the “Add Product” tool within your Seller Central account. The steps for creating a new ASIN may vary depending on the product category.
Here’s a process:
Step 1: Access the “Add Product” Tool: Log in to your Seller Central account and navigate to the “Add Product” tool.
Step 2: Choose the relevant product category that aligns with your product. Amazon provides a hierarchical category structure, so you may need to click through the main and subcategories until you reach the desired one.
Step 3: Complete the necessary product information fields, including product title, description, brand, manufacturer, and any other relevant details. Ensure accuracy and thoroughness in your product listing.
Step 4: After entering all the required information, click the “Save and Finish” button to submit your new ASIN request.
Amazon will review your submission and, upon approval, assign your product a unique ASIN code. This ASIN will be associated with your product and used for cataloging and searches.
How to Find an ASIN Number on Amazon
1. Amazon Search:
- Begin by visiting Amazon’s homepage. In the search box, enter details related to the product you’re interested in, such as its name, model, UPC, or EAN.
- Once you hit “Search,” a list of relevant results will appear. Click on the link that corresponds to the product’s detail page.
- On this product detail page, scroll down to the middle of the product information section. There, you’ll spot the ASIN clearly displayed.
- Additionally, you can identify the ASIN in the URL of the product page.
2. Utilize Third-Party Tools:
You can also take advantage of third-party ASIN lookup tools. These tools simplify the process by allowing you to input the product’s name, model, UPC, or EAN.
These tools offer both manual data entry and the option to upload a file containing product information.
While single searches are often free, if you need to perform bulk searches, some tools may require a subscription fee.
You can use ASIN lookup tools available in the market like “asintool” and “Algopix.”
How Much Do I Pay for Listing ASIN on Amazon?
Amazon typically offers listing ASINs on Amazon as a free service. They assign each product in your catalog an ASIN code at no cost to you. This is the standard practice for most sellers.
However, there’s an exception for high-volume listing sellers. If you have more than 100,000 products listed, Amazon may charge you a flat monthly fee of $0.005 for each ASIN. This fee is combined with any Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) storage fees you might incur.
In summary, for the majority of sellers, listing ASINs on Amazon is free. Only those with a very high number of listings may encounter a nominal monthly fee per ASIN.
What Is The ASIN Creation Policy of Amazon Marketplace?
Amazon’s ASIN creation policy is straightforward: if you want to sell a product that’s already in Amazon’s catalog, you must match your item to the existing ASIN by creating an offer. Trying to make a new ASIN for a product that’s already listed is against the rules.
If a seller goes ahead and creates a new ASIN for an existing product, there are serious consequences. Your selling privileges on Amazon could be temporarily suspended or even permanently taken away. It’s essential to play by the rules and avoid creating duplicate ASINs.
However, if your product still needs to be added to Amazon’s catalog, you’ll need to create a new ASIN for it. But always make sure you’re using the correct product code, like UPC, EAN, ISBN, ASIN, or JAN, when listing your product. This helps maintain the integrity of Amazon’s catalog and ensures a smooth shopping experience for customers.
Amazon Restrictions On Adding ASIN
Amazon places restrictions on adding ASINs, especially for new sellers. Initially, new sellers have limited listing capabilities. Your ability to create new ASINs is tied to your sales performance and account reliability. As your sales increase and you build a trusted track record, Amazon gradually allows you to create more listings.
To maximize your listing opportunities, focus on products with higher sales potential. Your sales velocity, account health, and customer feedback play significant roles in gaining additional listing privileges. Amazon regularly evaluates seller accounts to determine eligibility for expanded capabilities.
In short, new sellers should prioritize building a strong sales history and maintaining a positive seller account to gain more freedom in creating new ASINs on the platform.
Final Words
ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) are of immense significance in the Amazon ecosystem. They serve as unique identifiers for products, enabling efficient organization and classification of Amazon’s extensive catalog.
For sellers, ASINs are essential for creating accurate product listings, managing inventory, and optimizing visibility. They impact sales by ensuring products are discoverable and trustworthy. ASIN helps customers to find and purchase specific products, enhancing their shopping experience.
ASINs are the backbone of Amazon’s product identification system, fostering transparency, trust, and streamlined operations for both sellers and customers in the Amazon marketplace.
If you’re an Amazon seller or planning to become one, eMarspro is here to simplify your journey. Our Amazon experts specialize in managing seller accounts, making it easy for you to sell on Amazon.
Author
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Luke Collin is a seasoned e-commerce strategist and visionary content leader with over 10 years of experience in the digital marketplace. As the Senior Content Editor in eMarspro, Luke has been instrumental in shaping the online retail landscape, leveraging his expertise to drive success across significant platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, and other leading services.