Every seller aiming to launch a product on Amazon undergoes the process of listing products on Amazon. This listing provides comprehensive details, including product information in the form of a title, bullet points, descriptions, and A+ content.
Customers then browse through the listing to purchase your product. This article outlines the entire process of how to create listings on Amazon.
What is ASIN on Amazon?
The Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a unique code assigned to each product on the marketplace. It serves as a key identifier for product identification and catalog management, utilized by both Amazon and its sellers.
Each product listed on Amazon is given a unique ASIN. This ensures that every item can be easily found and distinguished from others.
When Do You Need to List a New Product?
1. For Listing Old Products
If you’re planning to sell a product already listed on Amazon, creating a new product is unnecessary.
This is particularly relevant if you’re engaging in the Amazon wholesale or online arbitrage model, where you associate your offer with an existing brand’s product.
In such cases, you can simply copy the existing ASIN or UPC, paste it into Amazon’s listing interface, and you’re set to start selling.
2. For Listing New Products
On the other hand, if you’re listing a product that’s not currently listed on Amazon, you will need to create a new listing. This is primarily required for the sellers who are launching private label products that have never been sold on Amazon before.
2.1 Amazon UPC Codes
UPC codes, or Universal Product Codes, are 12-digit barcodes widely used in the retail industry for tracking trade items in stores. These unique codes are required for products sold on various platforms, including Amazon.
When creating a new ASIN on Amazon, sellers have to buy UPC codes to list their products. It’s important to note that these codes should be obtained from GS1 (Global Standards 1), the official provider of UPC barcodes.
GS1 barcodes ensure that your product’s UPC is globally unique, preventing potential conflicts with other products.
2.2. Prerequisites of Creating New Amazon Product Listing
Before you create new product listing for Amazon products, there are a few prerequisites you need to have in place to start crafting your listing. Below is a list along with brief details of these prerequisites:
- Listing Content: This includes your product title, bullet points, description, and A+ content copy. These elements are crucial for presenting your product effectively to potential buyers.
- Product Images: You’ll need one image with a white background and six additional product images. High-quality images are essential for showcasing your product’s features.
- UPC Codes: Before you create ASIN for Amazon products, you must have GS1 barcodes. These codes are necessary for uniquely identifying your products on the platform.
- Product Details: It’s important to gather all necessary product details, such as product weight, packaging details, and any other relevant information that could help customers understand your product better.
- Category Information: Knowing the category in which you will create ASIN number for amazon products is important. You can look at the categories used by competitors and consider them for your product.
- Additional Information: While additional data like the Amazon brand story, A+ content, or product videos are not required at the ASIN creation stage, they can significantly enhance your product listing and may be utilized later on.
How to List Product on Amazon – Manually
To list products on Amazon, follow this step-by-step guide:
Step – 1 – Access the Catalog Section
Go to the “Catalog” section of your seller central and select “Add Products.”
Step – 2 – New Product Option
Choose “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon” for a new listing.
Step – 3 – Choose Product Category
Select the appropriate product category. With AI now you can search categories by just putting in your product’s main keyword and Amazon will suggest a category for your product. Otherwise you can manually search your category by selecting “Select other”.
Step – 4 – Product Identity Information
In the “Product Identity” section, fill in product details, including title, brand name, UPC and description. If you have a product with multiple variations then select “This product has variations”.
Step – 5 – Product Description Information
In the “Description” section add product description, bullet points and images.
Step – 6 – Product Details Information
In the “Product Details” section include all of the relevant product details and put as much relevant information as you can.
Step – 7 – Offer Tab
In the “Offer” tab put all the price, quantity if you are going with self fulfillment, and package details.
Step – 8 – Safety & Compliance Information
And finally in the “Safety & Compliance” tab put the compliance related info and product manufacturing country.
Step – 9 – Submit for Review
Submit the listing for review. Amazon will assign a new ASIN as soon as the listing is approved. It make take few hours to appear listing in your seller central catalog section
How to Add Products on Amazon Via Spreadsheet
Using spreadsheets to list products on Amazon is a powerful tool for efficiently managing your inventory, especially for sellers with numerous products.
1. When to Use Spreadsheet Uploads
Opt for spreadsheet uploads (also known as inventory files or flat files) when:
- You have many SKUs or a large inventory: Ideal for bulk creation or updates of multiple products or variations (sizes, colors,flavours etc).
Performing initial product launches: Quickly list many new items at once.
Making bulk updates: Efficiently change prices, quantities, or descriptions across numerous listings.
Managing complex product data: Ensures consistency and accuracy for products with many attributes.
2. Step-by-Step Process for Adding Products via Spreadsheet
Here’s how to efficiently upload your products to Amazon using a spreadsheet:
Access your Amazon Professional Seller Central account.
Go to “Catalogue” > “Add Products via Upload“.
On the “Add Products via Upload” page, select “Download blank template”.
- Now in “List products that are not currently in Amazon’s catalogue” section, select “Download product spreadsheet“.
Search for your product category with your product category and generate the appropriate category-specific template (TXT or Excel).
Prepare Your Product Data:
Open the downloaded template. Review the “Instructions” and “Data Definitions” tabs.
Fill in all required product information for each SKU, including: SKU, Product ID (UPC, EAN), Product Name, Brand, Description, Price, Quantity, Image URLs, and Condition.
For product variations, correctly set up parent-child relationships.
If using your own template, ensure your data is well-organized for Amazon’s AI mapping.
Save Your File: Save the completed template as a CSV or tab-delimited text (.txt) file
Upload Your Inventory File:
Return to the “Add Products via Upload” page in Seller Central.
Go to the “Upload your spreadsheet” tab.
Drag and drop or browse to select your saved file.
Confirm the file type and click “Upload file”
Product Variations and ASINs on Amazon
Product variations allow sellers to group similar items under a single parent ASIN. Variations can include different sizes, colors, materials, or any other distinguishing feature.
Each variation, known as a child ASIN, is linked to this parent ASIN but has its own unique identifier.
Best Practices to List Products on Amazon
Creating new ASINs on Amazon is the initial step for sellers introducing new products. It’s essential to adhere to best practices that can safeguard your listings from future issues. Here are some key strategies to consider.
1. Add SEO Optimized Content
Importance of SEO-optimized content in your product listings cannot be ignored. Conduct a detailed keyword research with tools like Helium10 and JungleScout.
This includes using relevant keywords in your product title, bullet points, description, A+ content copy, search terms and image alt text.
Incorporate keywords naturally into your listing content along with the product features and unique selling point for higher conversion rates.
2. Select Relevant Product Category
Choosing the right product category is important on Amazon. Products categorized incorrectly may not reach their relevant audience, affecting potential sales.
Take the time to identify the relevant Amazon’s category structure to find the most relevant category and subcategory for your product. You can also use the competitor’s product category for your product.
3. Avoid Duplicate UPC
If you’ve already utilized a UPC, please refrain from using it again to create ASIN for Amazon products.
For each new product you introduce, ensure you use a unique Universal Product Code (UPC).
This not only helps in creating a new ASIN but also prevents listing errors and potential conflicts with existing products.
Remember, each unique product variation requires its own UPC and subsequently has its own ASIN.
4. Fill Every Relevant Attribute
Providing comprehensive information about your product is beneficial for both SEO on Amazon and customer decision-making.
Fill out every relevant attribute field in your product listing, including size, color, material, and technical specifications.
The more detailed and accurate the information, the easier it is for customers to find, evaluate, and purchase your product.
Detailed attributes also contribute to better matching in Amazon’s search algorithm, improving your product SEO.
5. Use GS1 UPC Only
Amazon requires that all products have a Global Standard 1 (GS1) barcode. Using GS1 barcodes ensures that your product’s UPC is globally unique and compliant with Amazon’s standards.
Refrain from using barcodes sourced from websites other than GS1, as Amazon will not accept them.
When you enter the UPC into Amazon’s listing database, it conducts an immediate scan and either accepts or rejects it. To avoid any future listing issues, it’s advisable to use only GS1 barcodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to create a listing on Amazon?
There are two main ways to list products on Amazon:
1. Manual method:
- Go to Seller Central → Inventory → Add a Product.
- Choose Add a new product.
- Fill in title, brand, bullet points, images, and price.
- Select FBA or FBM, then click Save and Finish.
2. Using Inventory Loader (bulk upload):
- Download the Inventory Loader or category-specific flat file from Seller Central.
- Fill in product details in Excel.
- Upload the completed file under Add Products via Upload.
The manual option works best for a few products, while the loader file is ideal when you list products on Amazon in bulk.
How many images can I have on an apparel Amazon listing?
When you list products on Amazon in the apparel category, you can upload up to 9 images in total, this includes 1 main image and 8 additional images.
- The main image must have a white background and show the product clearly.
- The additional images can show close-ups, lifestyle shots, size charts, material details, and different angles.
- Amazon recommends using at least 5–7 high-quality images for apparel listings to improve conversion and help customers visualize the fit and style.
Uploading more visual details not only helps customers make confident buying decisions but also improves your listing performance when you list products on Amazon.
What is a UPC code?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode used to identify retail products. Amazon requires a UPC to match your product with its catalog and prevent duplicate listings. UPC codes are required when you list products on Amazon, especially for new items not yet in the catalog.
How to get a UPC code for Amazon?
To list products on Amazon, you can get valid UPC codes directly from GS1, the only globally recognized source. Avoid cheap or reused barcodes from third-party sellers, as Amazon verifies UPC ownership through GS1. Once purchased, you can assign each code to your product in the listing process.
How many UPC codes do I need?
You need one unique UPC code per product variation. For example, if you sell a T-shirt in 2 sizes and 6 colors, you’ll need 12 UPC codes. Each size-color combination counts as a separate item when you list products on Amazon.
How to list an item on Amazon without UPC Code?
If you want to list products on Amazon without a UPC, you can apply for a GTIN exemption through Seller Central. Here’s how:
- Go to Catalog → Add Products → Apply for GTIN Exemption.
- Choose the product category and brand name (or select “Generic” if unbranded).
- Click Check for Eligibility to confirm your product qualifies.
- If eligible, upload product images showing your item and packaging without barcodes.
- Submit the request and wait for Amazon’s approval, usually within 24 hours.
Once approved, you can list products on Amazon without needing UPCs by selecting “I have a GTIN exemption” during the listing process.
