What is the Importance of GTIN Codes for E-commerce Stores? 

For several years, they were considered optional in the product catalogues of retailers. However, GTIN codes have now become crucial for selling products -both on the online store and across marketing channels. Let us start by understanding what is GTIN code and its importance.

What is a GTIN Code? 

GTIN implies Global Trade Item Number. It is an international code used for the management of multiple product references across the world. Available in the product’s barcode, it usually comprises 13 digits. Still, depending on the product type and the nation in which the product is sold, the size of GTIN codes can differ:

• UPC or Universal Product Code -a code of 12 digits for North America
• JAN or Japanese Article Number -a code of 8 digits or 13 digits for Japan
• EAN or European Article Number -a code of 13 digits for Europe
• ITF -a code of 14 digits for multipacks
• ISBN or International Standard Book Number – a code of 10 digits or 13 digits for books

Importance of GTIN Codes for E-commerce Businesses 

As per a study, it is reported that around 10 per cent of GTINs out there tend to be invalid. Mostly overlooked by retailers, GTIN codes have a major impact on the overall business. To address common problems, several marketing channels -including Google and Amazon, have made it mandatory for retailers to include GTIN codes in their respective product catalogue.

Some reasons to use the codes while selling your products online are:

#Improved Visibility 

Search engines are vital tools used not just by shoppers online but also by marketplaces to look for and compare different products. When you include GTIN codes in your product catalogue, you will get better references on the marketplace. In turn, it will improve the SEO of your website.

#Better Product Catalogue 

While uploading the product catalogue, when you provide GTIN codes, you can effectively retrieve pre-existing information about the product on the given platform -including product photos, catalogue, and so more. You can also obtain relevant customer reviews on the particular product.

As you ponder on these points, you can work towards improving your overall reputation as an online seller. GTIN codes help sellers save ample time by providing access to technical information about the product available on leading marketplaces.

#Increased Sales 

When you provide GTIN codes with your product range, it offers you the chance to get more upselling offered by different marketplaces. Moreover, if you wish to internationalize your business, the GTIN codes will help you to export the product catalogue across the globe easily. As GTIN codes are recognized across the world, it is easier to identify products anywhere in the world.

Conclusion 

With GTIN codes, you can improve business productivity and sales online on leading marketplaces.

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