Andrew is doing RA Retail Arbitrage and selling Amazon FBA and is wondering about GS1 UPC
“I am thinking of selling products on Amazon FBA, but I am not the brand owner.
I read somewhere that it is mandatory to buy GS1 UPC to sell on Amazon
I looked up the GS1 UPCs and they cost a fortune, is there a “legal” way around it?”
But before I tell you about the fantastic news I have, let me clear up the meaning of this.
First, what is a UPC and what is GS1 UPC?
UPC stands for the universal product code, it is, in simpler terms the barcode.
GS1 stands for Global Standards 1, this is a not for profit agency that supplies manufacturers with a company prefix, this prefix is used in GTINs and this stands for (Global Trade Item Numbers).
If you are planning on selling your products on Amazon, the products will need to have a GS1 GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
Now let’s get to the good news I have for you.
You don’t need anything, my friend.
According to your message, you are selling products of which you are not the manufacturer.
This means you are doing RA (RA stands for retail arbitrage) it when you buy products from a retailer at a discount and then sell online at full price.
In this situation, you don’t need to buy anything, because the manufacturer already has a UPC printed on the item.
BTW here is a Curious fact:
The very first barcode ever scanned was in 1974 June 26th it was a 5 pack of Juicy Fruit gum.
But let’s get back on track.
The only thing you need is an FNSKU, now here is a big word! But don’t worry about it, I’ll make it simple for you.
An FNSKU is the Amazon barcode. and they require their barcode to be placed over the existing UPC on the product.
This FNSKU is provided by Amazon for free, and all you need to do is print them and stick them on each product.
When creating your shipment to send to Amazon FBA (this means Fulfilled By Amazon), they will give you these barcodes.
That’s all my friend
Good luck, and when you are ready to go the Private Label route, then you will have to look at this GS1 situation again.
Until then, keep profiting
Video from GS1 attached
Quin Amorim, Host of Amazon FBA Selling Online Podcast