Understanding FNSKU and Its Importance for Every Amazon Seller

As an Amazon seller using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you might have heard about FNSKU. But what is it really, and why does it matter to your business? In this guide, we will explore the FNSKU — or Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit — to emphasize its value for every Amazon seller.

What is an FNSKU?

The FNSKU is a unique code assigned to products stored in Amazon's fulfillment centers. This code helps Amazon track your inventory and link your products to your seller account. It plays a crucial role in managing sales and ensuring that inventory is accurately accounted for.

With an FNSKU, Amazon can determine which seller a product belongs to, streamlining fulfillment and customer orders. For instance, if you sell a specific type of phone case, the FNSKU ensures that buyers receive the right item from your inventory.

Why Do You Need an FNSKU?

Each unit you send to Amazon's FBA warehouse must have its corresponding FNSKU. This is distinct from other identifiers like UPCs (Universal Product Codes) or ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers). While UPCs are used in various retail settings, ASINs are specific to Amazon's catalog.

Using the proper FNSKU is vital to avoiding disruptions in your business. For example, if you mistakenly send items labeled with the wrong FNSKU, it can lead to delays in shipping, additional fees, or even the rejection of your inventory. Research shows that sellers who adhere to proper FNSKU labeling reduce their inventory processing time by up to 30%.

The Compliance Challenge

Every unit shipped to an Amazon fulfillment center needs to be accurately labeled with its FNSKU to meet Amazon's strict guidelines. Many sellers opt to use a prep center to handle labeling. This not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of errors, ensuring consistent application of labels.

Amazon charges a fee of $0.55 per unit for labeling products. Many sellers find that outsourcing this task can be more cost-effective than managing it alone. For instance, if you’re sending 500 units, the cost for labeling would be $275, which can be less than the labor costs of doing it in-house.

How to Label Your Products

To label your products with an FNSKU, start by creating a shipping plan via your Amazon Seller Central account. This plan details how many units you’ll be sending, the types of products, and the shipping address. After creating the shipping plan, Amazon generates the FNSKU labels that you can print and attach to your products.

If you use a prep center, they will manage this labeling process for you, ensuring everything meets Amazon's requirements accurately. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the FNSKU is essential for successfully selling on Amazon through the FBA program. It links your products to your seller account and aids in efficient inventory management. Whether you label products on your own or collaborate with a prep center, grasping the importance of FNSKUs is vital for every Amazon seller.

By following these guidelines and ensuring correct labeling, you can enhance your sales process and steer clear of compliance issues.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and watch your Amazon business flourish!