Amazon FBA: Navigating Double Barcodes on Your Products

As an Amazon seller utilizing Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), ensuring your products are correctly prepped for inbound shipments is critical. Errors in barcode application can lead to significant issues, including lost inventory, delays, and unexpected fees, impacting sales and customer satisfaction for countless sellers.

A common point of confusion, highlighted in a recent seller community discussion, revolves around products that come with multiple barcodes already affixed. Specifically, sellers are asking which barcode needs to be covered when applying the Amazon-required FNSKU label. Understanding this seemingly small detail is crucial for maintaining a seamless FBA workflow.

The Dilemma of Multiple Barcodes

Many products sold on Amazon are manufactured with at least one barcode, often a UPC or EAN, for general retail purposes. However, when sending inventory to Amazon FBA, sellers are typically required to apply an FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label to each unit. This unique identifier allows Amazon to track specific seller inventory within their vast warehouses. The confusion arises when a product arrives with two distinct barcodes – for instance, a manufacturer’s barcode and another retail barcode. The core question is whether to cover one or both of these existing barcodes with the FNSKU.

Which Barcode to Cover?

The consensus and best practice, as discussed within the seller community, is that the FNSKU label must be placed over any other barcode that the FBA facility might otherwise scan. If your product has two barcodes, and one is the manufacturer’s barcode (like a UPC or EAN), this is the one that Amazon’s scanners will look for if not obstructed. Therefore, the FNSKU label should be applied in a way that completely covers the original barcode. This ensures that when Amazon receives your shipment, their systems scan the FNSKU, correctly associating the item with your specific seller account and listing.

Why Covering is Essential

Failing to cover existing barcodes can lead to significant operational problems. If Amazon’s scanners pick up an unintended barcode, it can result in inventory being misrouted, incorrectly received, or even marked as unsellable. This can cause your products to be unavailable for sale, directly impacting your revenue. In some cases, Amazon may even charge fees for their teams to manually identify and correct the inventory, adding to your operational costs. The goal of the FNSKU is to provide a clear, unambiguous identifier for Amazon’s system to manage your stock accurately. Covering the original barcode(s) is a non-negotiable step to achieve this.

Community Reaction and Key Takeaways

Discussions within seller forums like Reddit reveal that this is a frequent concern for new and even experienced FBA sellers. The primary advice shared is to always err on the side of caution: if a barcode is present that is not your FNSKU, it should be covered. Some sellers recommend using a small, opaque sticker or label over the existing barcode before applying the FNSKU, ensuring complete coverage. Others emphasize the importance of checking Amazon’s Seller Central guidelines for specific product types or situations, as requirements can sometimes vary. The overwhelming sentiment is that clear labeling prevents costly mistakes.

Actionable Takeaways for Sellers:

• Identify all existing barcodes on your product packaging.
• Always cover any manufacturer or retail barcode (like UPC/EAN) with your FNSKU label.
• Ensure complete coverage so only the FNSKU is visible to scanners.
• When in doubt, cover it. It’s better to cover an unnecessary barcode than to risk misidentification.
• Consult Amazon’s official FBA prep guidelines for the most up-to-date and specific instructions.

By diligently following these prep steps, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your products move smoothly through the FBA process, contributing to a healthier and more profitable Amazon business. This advice is based on discussions within the Amazon seller community and aims to help sellers navigate common FBA prep challenges.

Source: Reddit - FBA prep question: my product has 2 barcodes, which one do I cover with the FNSKU?