What is the difference between Amazon ASIN and SKU? How to distinguish them?

For new Amazon sellers, if you want to run an Amazon store well, you must understand some data on the platform. There are two terms that many merchants are confused about and cannot distinguish. Let's learn about the difference between Amazon asin and sku.

What is the difference between Amazon ASIN and SKU?

On the Amazon platform, SKU and ASIN have always been complementary. The differences between them are:

1. Their definitions are different: SKU (Stock Keeping Unit):

It is the unit of measurement for inventory in and out on the Amazon platform. It can be pieces, boxes, etc. Its components can be letters, numbers, or a mixture of these two. Every product on Amazon has a SKU.

Moreover, ASIN is a unique product code on the Amazon platform. Sellers do not need to add it themselves. The system will automatically generate it based on the product. It is a product-specific ID and is unique. The Amazon ASIN code is an identification code composed of 10 digits and letters. Amazon sellers need to note that the ASIN code on the Amazon platform cannot be generated repeatedly, and one ASIN code can correspond to many SKUs.

2. For the Amazon platform, their importance is different:

Amazon considers ASIN to be a keyword optimization, which is very important to both Amazon and sellers. It is mainly used to reference catalog data, track corresponding product lists, and index catalog pages for buyers to search and browse. Its purpose is to provide buyers with accurate and relevant product query results and improve the buyer's experience;

SKU also provides convenience for the Amazon platform. It can better manage products in the future and more effectively, and avoid confusion caused by excessive inventory. Through SKU, large sellers can recognize the product's source, seasonal characteristics, warehouse location, and color attributes at a glance to better select their own products.

In a word, the same product listed on Amazon can have different ASIN codes, but may have the same SKU. They are both important components of the basic information of the product and neither is indispensable.

After reading the above content, you should know the difference between Amazon ASIN and SKU. All Amazon merchants must make the distinction. Of course, in addition to these terms, there are many other terms that need to be understood.

Recommended reading:

Can Amazon SKU be modified? What are the methods to modify it?

What is the difference between Amazon SKU and ASIN? Is SKU better?

What does Amazon sku mean? What are the Amazon sku coding rules?