GTIN numbers are a crucial part of the product identification process. They help businesses in identifying their products and tracking their movement throughout the supply chain.
What are GTIN codes?
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) codes are unique identifiers that are assigned to products to facilitate their identification and tracking throughout the supply chain. These codes include 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits and can be found on product barcodes. They are used to identify a product’s brand, model, size, and color, making it easier for businesses to manage their inventory and customers to find and purchase products.
Types of GTIN Numbers
GTIN-8
GTIN-8 is an 8-digit number used for small-sized products such as chewing gum or cigarettes. The GTIN-8 number consists of a GS1 prefix, an item reference, and a check digit.
GTIN-12
GTIN-12 is a 12-digit number used for packaged consumer goods. The GTIN-12 number consists of a GS1 prefix, an item reference, and a check digit.
GTIN-13
GTIN-13 is a 13-digit number used for consumer goods sold in retail stores. The GTIN-13 number consists of a GS1 prefix, an item reference, and a check digit.
GTIN-14
GTIN-14 is a 14-digit number used for trade items shipped in logistics. The GTIN-14 number consists of a GS1 prefix, an item reference, and a check digit.
The Importance of Using GTIN Codes
Using GTIN codes on your eCommerce site can have several benefits, including:
1. Improved Product Visibility
By using GTIN codes, your products will be more visible to potential customers. When customers search for products on search engines or marketplaces, the search algorithm will use the GTIN code to identify the product, making it more likely to appear in relevant search results.
2. Better Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Using GTIN codes can improve your site’s SEO by providing search engines with structured data that they can use to understand your products better. This can help improve the accuracy of search results and increase the visibility of your products.
3. Enhanced Product Information
GTIN codes contain valuable product information, including the product’s brand, model, size, and color. By including this information on your product pages, you can provide customers with a more detailed and accurate product description, which can help increase sales.
4. Improved Inventory Management
By using GTIN codes to track your inventory, you can better manage your stock levels and ensure that you never run out of products. This can help prevent backorders, reduce the risk of overselling, and improve your overall customer satisfaction.
How to Use GTIN Codes on Your eCommerce Site
To use GTIN codes on your eCommerce site, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps:
1. Obtain GTIN Codes for Your Products
You can obtain GTIN codes for your products from a variety of sources, including GS1, the organization responsible for managing and distributing GTIN codes. You can also purchase GTIN codes from resellers, but it’s important to ensure that the codes are legitimate and have not been previously used.
2. Include GTIN Codes on Your Product Pages
Once you have obtained GTIN codes for your products, you’ll need to include them on your product pages. This can be done by adding a barcode to your product images or including the code in the product description.
3. Submit GTIN Codes to Search Engines and Marketplaces
To ensure that your products are accurately indexed and displayed on search engines and marketplaces, you’ll need to submit your GTIN codes to these platforms. This can be done using the Google Merchant Center or the marketplace’s product listing process.
The Importance of GTIN Lookup
GTIN lookup is a crucial tool for businesses that sell products online. By using GTIN lookup, businesses can access vital information about their products, including their brand, manufacturer, and product specifications.
GTIN Lookup helps businesses to identify their products accurately and efficiently. By searching for a GTIN number, businesses can retrieve detailed information about the product, such as its name, description, and attributes. This information is crucial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date product records, which is essential for supply chain and inventory management.
Using GTIN lookup can benefit businesses in several ways. First, it can help them ensure that the products they sell are authentic and legitimate. Second, it can help them improve their product listings and increase their sales. Finally, it can help them comply with regulations and avoid legal issues.
The importance of GTIN Lookup can be understood from the following points:
1. Product Identification
GTIN Lookup helps businesses to identify their products accurately and efficiently. By searching for a GTIN number, businesses can retrieve detailed information about the product, such as its name, description, and attributes. This information is crucial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date product records, which is essential for supply chain and inventory management.
2. Supply Chain Management
GTIN Lookup is also useful for supply chain management. By using GTIN Lookup, businesses can track the movement of their products throughout the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the end consumer. This helps businesses to monitor the flow of products, detect any delays or errors, and take corrective actions if necessary.
3. Customer Experience
GTIN Lookup can also improve the customer experience. By providing accurate and detailed product information to customers, businesses can enhance their brand reputation, increase customer loyalty, and drive sales. Customers can use GTIN Lookup to verify the authenticity of products, check their features and specifications, and make informed purchasing decisions.
4. Regulatory Compliance
GTIN Lookup can help businesses to comply with regulatory requirements. Many countries and industries have specific regulations and standards for product identification and labeling. By using GTIN Lookup, businesses can ensure that their products meet the required standards and avoid penalties or fines for non-compliance.
How to Use GTIN Lookup
To use GTIN lookup, businesses need to have access to a database of GTINs. There are several ways to access this database, including using a third-party service like Cluster GTIN Lookup Tool or using a barcode scanner app. A GTIN number lookup can be accomplished quickly, and without wasted resources.
Once you have access to the GTIN database, you can simply enter the GTIN of the product you want to look up. The database will provide you with information about the product, including its brand, manufacturer, and product specifications.
Best Practices for Using GTIN Codes
When using GTIN codes on your eCommerce site, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure maximum effectiveness. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Legitimate GTIN Codes
When obtaining GTIN codes, it’s important to ensure that they are legitimate and have not been previously used. Using invalid or duplicate GTIN codes can result in penalties and damage your site’s credibility.
2. Include GTIN Codes on All Products
To ensure maximum visibility and accuracy, include GTIN codes on all your products, even if they are not required. This can improve the accuracy of search results and make it easier for customers to find and purchase your products.
3. Ensure Consistency Across Platforms
Ensure that your GTIN codes are consistent across all platforms, including your eCommerce site, marketplaces, and search engines. This can help improve the accuracy of search results and prevent confusion among customers.
4. Update GTIN Codes Regularly
Update your GTIN codes regularly to ensure that they remain accurate and up to date. This can help prevent errors and inaccuracies that can negatively impact your site’s credibility and customer satisfaction.
How Cluster Can Help
In eCommerce, if you cannot identify a product, then nothing else works, and no one will buy it. Not having accurate GTINs for all products impacts the likelihood of Google returning your product as a natural search term. Cluster offers two service models (full-service and self-service) that address this fundamental issue for marketplaces. Book a demo now!
