SKU,FNSKU
Navigating the marketplace Amazon requires understanding its unique identifiers: Seller SKU and FNSKU labels. These tools are not just mere sequences of letters and numbers; they are the backbone of inventory management and product identification on one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms. Let’s dive into the world of Seller SKUs and FNSKU labels,exploring their differences for sellers on Amazon.
Understanding Seller SKU on Amazon
What is a Seller SKU?
The SKUs Amazon,or Stock Keeping Unit,is an alphanumeric code uniquely identifying each product a seller lists on Amazon. Unlike universal identifiers like UPCs (Universal Product Codes),sellers create and assign Seller SKUs. Depending on their inventory management needs,this customization allows sellers to encode valuable information within these SKUs,such as product type,category,size,color,and even pricing or supplier data.
Seller SKUs are not just random strings of characters; they are a powerful tool in the arsenal of Amazon sellers. They serve multiple purposes,from simplifying inventory tracking across different channels to enabling detailed sales data analysis. For instance,by analyzing the performance of products through their SKUs,sellers can identify trends,optimize their stock levels,and adjust their strategies to meet market demands.
Why are Seller SKUs Important?
- Inventory Management: They simplify tracking stock levels,making it easier to know when to replenish.
- Sales Tracking: Seller SKUs allow you to monitor sales performance granularly.
- Optimization: By analyzing data linked to specific SKUs,you can make strategic decisions about pricing,promotions,and stock levels.
Examples of Seller SKU Structuring
| SKU Code | Product | Variant | Color | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZON1234 | T-Shirt | V-Neck | Blue | M |
| RATH5678 | Mug | Ceramic | Red | 12oz |
Best Practices for Creating Seller SKUs
- Consistency: Use a consistent format that includes essential information.
- Simplicity: Keep it simple to avoid confusion.
- Uniqueness: Ensure each SKU is unique to prevent inventory mix-ups.
Decoding FNSKU Labels on Products
What is an FNSKU?
The FNSKU label on product stands for Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit,a unique identifier that Amazon assigns products that are stored,processed,and fulfilled through its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service. Unlike Seller SKUs,which sellers create for their internal use,FNSKUs are specifically designed to streamline the fulfillment process within Amazon’s vast logistics network.
Each FNSKU is unique to a specific product from a specific seller,ensuring that Amazon’s fulfillment centers can accurately pick,pack,and ship the correct item to the customer when an order is placed. Given the millions of products housed in Amazon’s fulfillment centers,this system is crucial for maintaining order accuracy and efficiency.
The Role of FNSKU Labels
- Product Identification: They help Amazon identify your product among millions of others in their fulfillment centers.
- Efficiency in Fulfillment: Streamlines the picking and packing process,reducing the risk of errors.
FNSKU Labeling Requirements
- Visibility: Labels should be scanned using black ink on a white label.
- Placement: Ensure labels are placed on the product packaging in an easily scannable way.
FNSKU Labeling
- FNSKU labels contain essential information for tracking and processing items in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- Sellers must log in to Amazon Seller Central and click on inventory to manage FNSKU labeling.
- Labels for multipacks and individual items must adhere to Amazon’s specific requirements to avoid processing issues.
The Difference Between Seller SKU and FNSKU
While both identifiers play crucial roles in the Amazon selling process,they serve different purposes:
- Seller SKU: Used by sellers for internal inventory management. It’s flexible and can be customized to fit the seller’s tracking needs.
- FNSKU: Used by Amazon to identify and process products within their fulfillment network. It is Amazon-specific and assigned to products when sellers choose to use Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Seller SKU vs. FNSKU
| Feature | Seller SKU | FNSKU |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Inventory management by the seller | Product identification in FBA |
| Customization | Yes,by the seller | No,assigned by Amazon |
| Where Used | Seller’s internal systems | Amazon fulfillment centers |
| Visibility | To the seller and their systems only | Amazon’s fulfillment process |
SKU,FNSKU Verdict
Understanding Seller SKUs and FNSKU labels is fundamental to navigating selling on Amazon. While Seller SKUs offer a customizable way to manage inventory and track sales,FNSKU labels ensure that your products are correctly processed within Amazon’s fulfillment network. By mastering these identifiers,sellers can streamline their operations,reduce errors,and enhance their business’s efficiency and profitability on Amazon.
The key to success in Amazon lies in the quality of your products and how effectively you manage and track them. Embrace the power of Seller SKUs and FNSKU labels,and watch your Amazon business thrive!