The Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a code made up of 10 digits, comprising numbers and letters, that identifies a specific product on Amazon.com. Each code is unique to the product and is the means of identifying it.
When a product is put on Amazon, it needs to be identified, so that the platform knows what it is dealing with and so does any potential customer. The seller must also know which product is which.
When you enter the product, Amazon will generate the ASIN. A new code will be created automatically only if there isn’t the same product already on Amazon.
The ASIN is the means by which a product can be tracked and sales measured and recorded. A product cannot be listed on Amazon unless it has a code.
The Amazon Standard Identification Number is listed on the detail page of each product in the Amazon catalog. To find the code, you need to go to the pace and look for it under the ‘product details’ section.
The ASIN (or ISBN for books) may also be found in the product detail when you search for it in your browser and locate the URL.
Similar products may be given the same ASIN. Before putting something on Amazon, make sure there isn’t a similar product with an ASIN.
If your product is identical to another on Amazon already, then you must use the existing ASIN.
Every product has an ASIN, except for books that have an ISBN. This is a code made up of numbers that is unique to each title. Amazon recognizes this and the ASIN is identical to the ISBN if a book is listed on Amazon.
If a product is available on the different Amazon marketplaces, it may be assigned a different Amazon Standard Identification Number.
A barcode is a code of numbers and letters that is unique to each product. It is represented by bars and spaces. It is placed on the product so that it is accessible. Most retailers read the barcode to find the price of the item, as this is the reference that is used on the system.
An important difference between a Barcode and ASIN is that the barcode is an internationally recognized code, while the ASIN is specific only to the Amazon catalog.
The ASIN relates to a product but is not necessarily unique. In fact, similar products in the Amazon catalog can be merged and given the same ASIN.
