Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN): Guide for Sellers

Amazon follows a systematic approach to keep its product listings organised. Its catalogue includes more than 350 million products and each of these is given a distinct identification by assigning a special number. Termed as Amazon Standard Identification Number, these numbers help sellers list and sell their products systematically on Amazon. The unique numbers can be used to find products easily through the search bar on Amazon. Owing to such methodical approaches followed by the eCommerce giant, customers reportedly complete 28% of their purchases on Amazon in less than 3 minutes. 50% of purchases are known to be completed in less than 15 minutes on the platform.

If you are planning to sell your products on Amazon, then it is imperative to understand what ASINs are all about and how to use and manage them. In this article, we have shared why you require an ASIN, how to opt for it, its significance, and more. Read on to find out!

A Brief on Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)

An Amazon Standard Identification Number is an internal catalogue number used by Amazon. It is a unique 10-character number that contains a mix of alphabets and digits. An example of an ASIN can be B07PI60BTW. Each ASIN is associated with a specific product or product variation. An ASIN helps in tracking products across various marketplaces as well as indexing them. For all kinds of products, except books, a new ASIN is assigned at the time of distributing the product through Amazon. When it comes to books with a 10-digit ISBN, the ASIN remains the same. 

Significance of ASIN For Amazon Associates

An Amazon Standard Identification Number holds a special significance because of its uniqueness. It proves to be a unique identifier for each product listed on Amazon.  

If you have your website and create affiliate links for specific products, then you may be aware of the workings of ASIN. When you work with special affiliate plug-ins, ASINs are usually used for the integration of products.

Where to Look for a Particular Product’s ASIN?

Amazon Standard Identification Number is mentioned on the Amazon product page. You can see it in the “Additional Product Information” box under the “Product Information” section. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools to find ASIN. ASIN can also be seen in the URL of the product.

Situations When You Can Generate a New ASIN or Use an Existing One

Here is a look at the scenario where you can use an existing ASIN:

If an ASIN already exists for the product you want to sell on Amazon, then you can use the same. You can create an offer under that ASIN itself and begin selling your product on the platform. There is no need to create a new one.

Here is when you are required to create a new ASIN:

A new ASIN needs to be created if it does not already exist in the Amazon catalogue. For this, you need to create a new product after which Amazon shall assign an ASIN for the same. Thereafter, you can start selling your product on the platform.

Methods to Create a New ASIN For Your Product

You can create a new ASIN using either of the methods mentioned below:

Amazon’s Admin Panel

Go to your Amazon Seller Central Account and use the “Add a Product” feature to add products. You are required to add the product information manually under this method. While the method is easy, it is not suitable for adding a huge number of products.

Amazon Inventory Templates

Start by downloading a category-specific file template from Amazon. These are available in the Add Products via Upload section in your Amazon Seller Central Account. Next, upload the file template to Amazon for processing. After, processing, Amazon will create new products and give them a unique ASIN. You can add a huge number of products using this method.

Error Message When Creating an ASIN

If you do not comply with Amazon’s ASIN creation policy and its data requirement while creating new products, then you will encounter errors that will bar you from creating the product. When using an inventory file template or a third-party solution, errors are shown only after file processing or feed upload. On the other hand, Amazon’s admin panel shows the errors straight away.

It is important to understand and debug these errors to create new products successfully.

Reverse ASIN Lookup: Definition and Use

Reverse ASIN lookup enables sellers to learn about the keywords that drive traffic to their competitors’ products on Amazon. The method involves using the ASIN of a particular product to check the keywords that drive its success. This analysis is done with the use of tools such as JungleScout and SellerApp among others. Here is a look at the benefits of using ASIN reverse lookup:

• By learning about the keywords that drive traffic to your competitors’ products, you can optimise your product listing to compete with them.
• It helps identify high-performing keywords that can be used in your product titles, descriptions, and at other places to improve your ranking in search results.
• You can create targeted marketing campaigns by including high-performing keywords. Such campaigns stand a better chance of reaching your target audience and driving traffic.

ASIN, ISBN, EAN, and UPC: Distinction Between the Terms

ASIN, ISBN, EAN, and UPC are all product identifiers. Their purpose is to ensure efficiency in the global market. However, they differ from each other in certain ways. Let us understand each of these in brief:

• Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)

It is a 10-digit number used by Amazon as an internal catalogue number. A unique identifier for the products listed on the platform, it is used to track products across marketplaces.

• International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

It forms a part of the International ISBN agency and is used to identify different types of published materials including books and eBooks. By using this unique code, you can easily look for reading materials on the internet, in libraries, and online stores.

• European Article Number (EAN)

This is a barcode symbol mostly found on grocery items and other consumer goods in Europe. It helps in managing the retail product inventory in an efficient manner.

• Universal Product Code (UPC)

This barcode is mainly used in Canada and the United States to track trade items with ease. It is scanned at the point of sale.

Steps to Convert ASIN to EAN

While you cannot convert all Amazon Standard Identification Numbers into European Article Numbers (particularly for products exclusive to Amazon), conversion for others is rather simple. In order to convert an ASIN into EAN, you can use converter tools such as Algopix. You just have to enter the ASIN in this tool to get its corresponding EAN.

You can also give way to this conversion by using API services provided by Amazon. However, you must possess relevant technical knowledge to use this conversion method.

Methods to Convert ASIN to UPC

You can convert ASIN to UPC with the use of tools such as Lab916 and ASIN to UPC. Conversion is easy with these tools as you can do so by simply entering the product’s ASIN. However, you cannot convert every ASIN to UPC. This is particularly applicable for Amazon-specific products.

Another way to convert ASIN to UPC is with the use of professional software such as SellerApp. It enables large-scale conversions. 

Conclusion

Amazon Standard Identification Number is a unique internal code assigned to each product listed on Amazon. If you want to become a seller on Amazon then it is important to understand ASIN and use it effectively. The importance, use and method of creating ASINs have been explained above in detail. Each of your products listed on Amazon should have a unique ASIN. This will help identify and track the products easily. It will prevent the chances of creating duplicate listings and thus enhance your customers’ shopping experience. By optimising this number, you enable your customers to find your products with ease. Besides, the unique product identifier enhances your product’s visibility in search results thereby increasing your chances of cracking sales.