Hey FBA sellers, I've noticed an increase in threads regarding FBA packaging and prep over the past few months. In an effort to educate newer sellers, I've decided to start a series outlining best practices and provide additional resources. Today's article is the first introduction, and it's on barcodes: what types are out there, and what do you need to know?

What are barcodes?

As a base definition, barcodes are product identifiers that help streamline Amazon’s ability to identify and track your product during the fulfillment process. Barcodes also help identify you as the seller of a unit of your inventory, which allows Amazon to give you credit for the sale of that unit. All units a seller sends to Amazon require a barcode. You can print Amazon barcodes and apply them to your products yourself, or you can have Amazon print and apply them for a per-item fee.

Amazon uses three types of barcodes:

1. Manufacturer barcodes
2. Amazon barcodes
3. Transparency barcodes

Manufacturer barcodes are the type of barcode Amazon uses by default, and these will track inventory through the fulfillment process unless you change your barcode setting. When more than one seller has inventory with the same manufacturer and with the same manufacturer barcode, Amazon may fulfill orders with the inventory stored closest to the customer for faster delivery.

Amazon barcodes must be applied to products that meet the following conditions:

• They aren’t tracked via the manufacturer barcode.
• They’re in used condition.
• They don’t have a scannable UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN.
• They’re media products.
• They're a restricted or dangerous goods.
• They’re a consumable or topical product (such as a baby or infant product).

Transparency barcodes are created by Transparency: Amazon’s item-level authentication service. These codes appear on sticker labels that help protect brand owners and customers from counterfeiting. Transparency codes are accompanied by the service’s “T” logo and must not cover or be covered by any other label. For more information on Transparency, check out this seller University Video introduction.

******

Now let’s review the proper way to label your products.

If you want to print and apply Amazon barcode labels yourself, you’ll need correctly sized blank mailing labels and a laser printer. Make sure labels are at least 1-2 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide. Use black ink on non-reflective printing paper with adhesive backing. For best results, use a laser printer and print at 300 DPI. For large shipments, select "All Pages" and generate a label file for each page.

Label quick tips:

1. Labels should include a scannable barcode, a number corresponding to the barcode( such as a FNSKU), a product title, and a product condition stating new or used.
2. Make sure to use the product’s title and condition to match labels with the correct units. If you have issue finding a match, generate a packing list to match FNSKUs with corresponding products.
3. Clear crisp labels that are properly placed on the right units are the key to efficient shipments and more satisfied customers
4. Amazon doesn’t accept damaged or photocopied labels.
5. You’ll need to clearly place labels on a smooth service of your product, avoiding corners, edges, and curves.
6. If your product doesn’t need extra packaging, cover any original barcodes (like UPCs, EANs, or ISBNS).
7. If your product requires extra packaging (such as bubble wrap or other protection), add labels on the outside so they’re easily scannable at fulfillment centers.

Additional resources:

Use an Amazon barcode to track inventory (Seller Central)

FBA Label Service (Seller Central)

If any experienced sellers out there have additional advice around labeling, sound off in the comments!