Getting started selling on Amazon can seem daunting, but creating a new ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) for your product is a key step in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create ASINs like a pro and get your products up on Amazon.
What is an ASIN and Why Do You Need One?
An ASIN is a unique 10 or 12 digit identification number that Amazon assigns to each product in their catalog. It helps Amazon track and identify your product in their system so it can be listed and sold on the site.
Without an ASIN, Amazon has no way to connect your product to your listings. Think of it like a product’s social security number. Just as every person has an SSN to identify them, every product needs an ASIN to exist in Amazon’s ecosystem.
Some key facts about ASINs:
- ASINs are unique to each product variation. Different sizes, colors etc. need their own ASIN.
- They are permanent. Once assigned an ASIN, your product will have that forever.
- ASINs are global. The same ASIN works across all Amazon marketplaces worldwide.
So in summary, ASINs are required for selling on Amazon. They tie your physical product to your listings and allow customers to find and purchase them. Getting ASINs created is a mandatory step before selling.
How to Get a Brand New ASIN
If you’re ready to get started selling a new product on Amazon, here are the steps to create a brand new ASIN from scratch:
Step 1: Create an Amazon Seller Account
If you don’t already have one, the first thing you’ll need is an Amazon seller account. You can register for an Individual account to get started for $0.99 per sale. There are also Professional accounts with monthly fees.
Once your account is registered, make sure all your information and settings are filled out properly in Seller Central. Have your bank account, tax info, return addresses etc. ready to go.
Step 2: Submit a Request for a New ASIN
Amazon doesn’t allow sellers to create ASINs directly. You’ll need to submit a request for Amazon to create a new ASIN for you.
In Seller Central, go to Catalog > Add Products via upload. Select “Add products not sold on Amazon” and choose the category your product belongs in.
Fill out the following info:
- Product name and description
- Main product image
- Key product details like brand, MSRP, dimensions etc
- Your product ID (if you have branded products)
- Manufacturer name
Submit the request. Amazon will review your submission and get back to you with a new ASIN once approved. This usually takes 1-2 business days.
Step 3: Receive Your New ASIN from Amazon
After reviewing your request, Amazon will send you an email with your new ASIN number when ready. Each product variation, like different colors or sizes, will get its own ASIN.
You can also find ASINs assigned to you under Inventory > Manage Inventory. Check here if you don’t get an email.
Make sure to record each of your product’s ASINs and keep them organized. You’ll need them for listing and managing your products.
Step 4: Create Listings with Your ASIN
Now the fun part – creating your product listings! You’ll want to make listings for each sales channel – Amazon Seller Central, Vendor Central, or Seller App.
In your listing drafts, input your ASIN in the product ID field. This connects your listings to your product in Amazon’s system.
Fill out all the listing details from your title and description to product images and pricing. Optimize everything for maximum findability and conversion.
Once your listings are polished and perfect, publish them to the appropriate sales channel. The ASIN links your product to the live listing so customers can buy it.
Step 5: Manage Your ASIN Inventory
The final step is managing your ASIN inventory. As products sell, be sure to adjust the quantities for each ASIN in your Manage Inventory page.
Keep your quantities, pricing, details etc. in sync across variations. Having unified ASIN data makes for smooth product management.
And that’s it – those are the steps to create new ASINs and get your products listed on Amazon! ASINs are the foundation of your catalog, so take the time to get them right.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASIN Creation
Creating ASINs for the first time can raise plenty of questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs about ASINs:
How much does it cost to create an ASIN?
The good news is Amazon does not charge to create or assign ASINs. ASIN creation is free as part of your seller account. The only cost is if you choose a paid pro seller account over the basic individual plan.
Can I create my own ASIN codes?
No, sellers cannot create their own ASINs. Only Amazon has the ability to generate and assign ASINs. This helps ensure each code stays unique in their catalog. As a seller, you can only request new ASINs, not make them yourself.
Does each product variation need its own ASIN?
Yes, any product variations like different sizes, colors etc. require their own unique ASIN. Even minor differences call for a distinct ASIN. This helps Amazon track and manage inventory for each variation.
How long does it take to get an ASIN after requesting one?
Amazon typically assigns new ASINs within 1-2 business days. If your product already exists in their catalog, the ASIN is issued instantly. For brand new products, allow up to 48 business hours for ASIN creation.
Can I change an existing ASIN for my product?
No, you cannot change or modify existing ASINs in any way. ASINs are permanent and remain static for that product. If you need to update product details, that is done at the listing level, not the ASIN.
Does deleting a listing also delete the ASIN?
No, deleting a product listing does not affect or delete the ASIN. The ASIN remains in Amazon’s system. You can reuse the same ASIN again if you relist the product later.
Conclusion
Getting those first ASINs created is an exciting milestone in your Amazon selling journey. With your unique product IDs ready, you can now focus on optimizing conversions and wowing customers.
As you expand your catalog, the ASIN request process will become second nature. Keep innovating new offerings and bringing great products to market.
Now that you’re an ASIN pro, it’s time to leverage these identification numbers to grow your Amazon business to new heights!
Here are some additional common FAQs about creating ASINs on Amazon:
Can I sell a product without an ASIN?
No, having an ASIN is mandatory for selling any product on Amazon. Their system relies on ASINs to connect listings with inventory. Without an ASIN, there is no way to list or sell a product.
What if my product is already listed by other sellers?
If other sellers already have your product listed, do not create a new ASIN. Instead, contact the existing sellers to learn the ASIN already assigned to that product. All sellers share the same ASIN for a given product.
What if I requested the wrong product category?
Contact Seller Support immediately if you requested an ASIN in the wrong product category. They can reassign the ASIN to the proper category for you to ensure your product is discoverable.
Can I sell products lacking UPC or EAN codes?
Yes, you can still sell products without UPCs or EANs on Amazon. Use the “add products not sold on Amazon” ASIN request option. Amazon will assign an ASIN based on your product details.
What materials are needed for creating ASINs?
The main materials are quality product images, your product ID (if branded), manufacturer name, and complete product details like title, description, dimensions, etc. The more detail provided, the faster Amazon can assign ASINs.
How do I find existing ASINs for my product variations?
Use the Amazon barcode scanner in your Seller Central app. Scan your product UPCs to automatically lookup the existing ASINs for those product variations.
Does Amazon reject any ASIN requests?
Yes, Amazon may reject ASIN requests if incomplete information is provided or if they find the product violates their policies. Carefully entering product details can help avoid rejections.
Can I merge multiple ASINs into one?
No, Amazon does not allow merging ASINs together. Each ASIN must remain distinct. However, you can request old ASINs be disassociated from your account if no longer needed.
How often do ASINs change for products?
ASINs are designed to be permanent and do not change for a given product over time. Only if a product is fundamentally changed would Amazon issue a brand new ASIN.
I hope these additional ASIN creation tips help you master product IDs on Amazon! Let me know if you need any other questions answered about working with ASINs.
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