View Full Version : Amazon and barcodes
Hi, we've been accepted onto amazon (well i say that, via email we've got accepted but on the phone they've never heard of us!) so we're back to square one, so assuming we get accepted again we're going to need to provide barcodes. They've told us about GS1 but i'm horribly daunted as it's a lot of money. Are their any other expensive/complex details they might require - like deciding they only like Ltd's or want a VAT number? It seems rather unfair and like a big gamble for a little company.
Mister B
6th May 2009, 17:31
Have a read (http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=864722#post864722) of this thread on barcodes and Amazon.
As for the other issues, I have not come across them as being stumbling blocks. Don't understand why you think that it's such a big gamble as for a relatively small sum, (okay a lot to some,) you can really test your market.
Mister B
More4mums
6th May 2009, 18:53
Not sure what you sell TB1 but you will need a barcode to list anything on Amazon. It is the only way they can ensure that there is one listing for each indiviual item. If you have variations such as colour or sizes they need there own code too.
Your only upfront costs will be the barcodes and your monthly fee.
The hard part with Amazon is getting started and your listings set up but can be a great channel to market once you get going. I use it in conjunction with my site.
Thanks for the replies, we sell t-shirts, i wasnt aware each size needs its own code either, so i'll keep that in mind.
edmondscommerce
8th May 2009, 09:02
for people selling products that are already on amazon, you can sidestep the whole barcode issue by using the ASIN numbers instead.
consultant
8th May 2009, 10:23
Joseph,
ASINs are only applicable if the product is already set up.
if the item is new or bespoke, barcodes are required.
unfortunatley they are :( we're buying some now! Exciting stuff, barcodes *yawn*
edmondscommerce
8th May 2009, 18:25
yes sorry - not useful for the OP but for everyone else it was worth mentioning
lesliedocherty
8th May 2009, 18:47
Having read the post about Asins, i went to Amazon and listed 120 products in about 30 minutes, my competitor had already got the items loaded, so i shared his Asins.
Thats what is putting me of setting up my own, all that work, for someone else to borrow, hmm
its annoying that Amazon take the 15% from shipping aswell.