In this article, we explore what FNSKU barcodes are and the process of creating one. Read on to learn more.
FNSKU stands for Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit. An FNSKU barcode is a unique identifier that Amazon assigns to products that are stored in and fulfilled from its warehouses. This identifier distinguishes a product as a specific item, associated with a specific seller, within Amazon's vast fulfillment network.
Example:
Let's assume the FNSKU assigned by Amazon for this particular product and seller combination is: X123Y456Z789.
Here's a breakdown to illustrate:
By applying this label to the product, when it enters Amazon's fulfillment center, workers can scan the barcode, and the system will recognize it as the MysticBlaze Starry Night Puzzle belonging to the seller GalaxyGames. This ensures accurate tracking, storage, and shipping of the product within Amazon's network.
The importance of FNSKU barcodes can be attributed to several key reasons. Some of these include:
Amazon's fulfillment centers handle millions of products daily. The FNSKU barcode ensures that each product is accurately tracked, stored, and shipped based on the seller it originates from. This distinction is crucial, especially if a seller has unique variations or bundles that aren't represented by a standard UPC.
For brands and sellers with proprietary products, ensuring that customers receive the genuine product they've ordered is paramount. The FNSKU ensures that a customer gets the exact product tied to a specific seller's inventory.
When a customer returns a product, the FNSKU barcode ensures that the returned item goes back into the inventory of the original seller. This process minimizes errors and helps sellers maintain accurate inventory counts.
In instances where a product is found to be defective or doesn't meet Amazon's quality standards, the FNSKU allows Amazon to pinpoint the specific seller and notify them of the issue. This system aids sellers in maintaining high product quality and avoiding potential account suspensions.
Creating an FNSKU barcode is a straightforward process within the Amazon Seller Central platform:
Begin by creating a new product listing in Amazon Seller Central. Make sure all product details, descriptions, and attributes are correctly filled out.
When prompted to choose between “Stickerless, Commingled Inventory” or “Stickered Inventory,” select the latter. This means each item will require an FNSKU barcode sticker.
Once your product listing is complete, Amazon will automatically generate an FNSKU for the product. Navigate to the 'Manage Inventory' page and find your product. Click the 'Edit' dropdown, and select 'Print Item Labels'. You will be provided with the FNSKU barcode that you can print.
Print the FNSKU barcodes and affix them to your products. Ensure that the barcode is easily scannable and is placed in a location on the product where it won't be obscured or damaged.
Once your products are labeled, you can prepare them for shipment to an Amazon fulfilment center.
Let’s say, you have a product “LunarLite Moon-themed Desk Lamp” and you want to generate the FNSKU barcode for it. Here’s how:
You've entered all the necessary attributes and details for your product in Amazon Seller Central.
While setting up the product, you're asked to choose between “Stickerless, Commingled Inventory” or “Stickered Inventory.” Considering you want a unique identifier for each LunarLite Desk Lamp, you opt for “Stickered Inventory.”
Upon completion of the product listing, Amazon automatically generates an FNSKU for LunarLite Moon-themed Desk Lamp. To find it, you go to the 'Manage Inventory' page, locate the LunarLite lamp listing, click on the 'Edit' dropdown, and choose 'Print Item Labels'. A barcode, let's say FNSKU-LL1234MNLAMP, is displayed for you to print.
You print out a sheet of FNSKU-LL1234MNLAMP barcodes. Using a clear adhesive, you carefully stick one barcode on the bottom of each LunarLite Desk Lamp's box, ensuring that it's smooth, easily scannable, and won't get damaged during shipping or handling.
With all your LunarLite Moon-themed Desk Lamps labeled and packed securely, you then proceed to create a shipping plan in Seller Central to send your inventory to one of Amazon's fulfillment centers.
We hope our article has now left you with a better understanding of FNSKU barcodes and how to create one.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on UPC-A barcodes or our article on barcode tagging.
