Does the term “eBay product identifiers” sound familiar to you?
eBay product identifiers are unique codes or numbers assigned to specific products to help categorize and identify them accurately within eBay’s marketplace. These identifiers include:
- MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)
- UPC (Universal Product Code)
- EAN (European Article Number)
- GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
- ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
Since you’ll use these codes quite a lot while you list on eBay, it’s recommended that you get to know them well. And that’s why I’ve written this piece. In the following points, I’ll be explaining how these eBay product identifiers are different from each other and product specifiers, how to find them, and what benefits they get you.
Let’s wait no more and jump right into it!
eBay product identifiers are a crucial part of listing on this marketplace. Speaking of which, have you got every step on how to create a listing on eBay? If no, check them out right here!
How Do eBay Product Identifiers Differentiate from Each Other?
As mentioned, there are up to 5 types of eBay product identifiers: MPN, UPC, EAN, GTIN, and ISBN. But you just need to take these highlights:
- MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): A unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to a specific product to distinguish it from others in the catalog.
- UPC (Universal Product Code): A standardized barcode used to identify products, primarily in North America.
- EAN (European Article Number): Similar to UPC, but used predominantly in Europe and other regions outside North America.
- GTIN (Global Trade Item Number): An umbrella term covering UPC, EAN, and other barcode formats used to uniquely identify trade items globally
- ISBN (International Standard Book Number): A unique numeric commercial book identifier used for books and related products.
Let’s dive into the details of each product code available on eBay!
What is MPN on eBay?
On this one of the best-selling platforms, MPN, meaning Manufacturer Part Number, is a series of numbers, letters, or both that manufacturers added to each product as a unique identifier. The part number (PN) is an identifier often assigned to a specific part of a product (i.e., hardware within a laptop) for later reference.
MPNs are more common and important in specific industries that make interchangeable product parts, such as automobiles, machinery, hardware, and computer equipment. MPNs help buyers find the exact item and its model by encrypting information about companies, models, and item specifications in the MPN itself. If buyers need to buy replacement parts, all they have to do is enter the MPN in the search bar.
For example, when you need to find a hard drive that works with your Dell computer, and you have the MPN of the drive, you can easily search for it using the MPN.
Let’s say you search it on eBay, you can type the MPN in the search bar.
You will then get a variety of search results displaying only items that exactly match the MPN you provide.
However, the MPN is unlike other eBay product identifiers. So MPN vs UPC? This is not a standard identifier across regions and countries like a UPC and other universal product identifiers. It depends on the manufacturers to decide how their MPNs will be.
What is UPC on eBay?
UPC stands for Universal Product Code, which is mainly adopted in the United States for retail product packaging. It’s a product identifier in a symbol form – the commonly seen barcode.
People use UPCs to scan trade items at the point of sale and to track in-store items in terms of stocks and their features (i.e., brand name, size, or color).
It is a common misconception for many people to consider UPC and GTIN interchangeable or the same thing. However, the UPC is a series of black bars, while the GTIN is a line of identification numbers (we’ll discuss what GTIN is in detail in the later part).
A UPC barcode and a GTIN make a universal product identifier for businesses to keep track of their products. It includes two elements:
- Black barcodes;
- 12 numbers (GTIN).
What is UPC on eBay then? The eBay UPC code is ePID or eBay Product Identification, and it works as a searchable term for products listed on the marketplace.
It’s a strict requirement that you include ePID in your product listings. If you are also an Amazon seller, product identifiers like UPCs are also a must.
What is EAN on eBay?
An EAN or European Article Number is a 13-digit barcode that is common in Europe for product specification. The term describes a universal barcode system that is used worldwide.
EAN is a compatible term with the UPC in the US market and JAN in the Japanese market. These are parts of the family of the GTIN data structure. The only difference among these representatives is the number of digits appearing under the barcode. For an EAN, it has a 13-digit number instead of a 12-digit number that lies underneath the barcode of a UPC.
What is GTIN on eBay?
A GTIN or Global Trade Item Number is a line of numbers and characters appearing underneath the black and white lines of a barcode. They represent unique global data structures issued by Uniform Code Council (GS1) – a nonprofit organization that provides a business standard for companies around the world.
It’s a common thing to get confused about EAN vs GTIN. So GTIN data structures include PC (in the US), EAN (in Europe), JAN (in Japan), and ISBN. A GTIN has 12 digits in North America, 13 digits for the rest of the world, and occasionally 8 digits (for very small products).
Here is a breakdown of the family of data structures (not symbologies) within a GTIN:
- GTIN-8 (EAN/UCC-8): GTINs that are used outside of North America (for very small products);
- GTIN-12 (UPC-A): GTINs that are used mainly in North America;
- GTIN-13 (EAN/UCC-13): GTINs that are used outside of North America (for the rest of the world);
- GTIN-14 (EAN/UCC-14 or ITF-14): GTINs that are used to identify trade items at different packaging levels.
The special thing about eBay GTIN is its universal popularity. A GTIN can help you sync products and match products in one database with another across regions and countries. GS1 created such numbers to establish a global standard for product identification and issue these numbers to manufacturers and retailers for a fee.
On eBay, sellers must provide GTINs for all new, relisted, revised, and Good ‘Til Canceled products, whether they upload them one by one or list multiple items on eBay. However, there are still some exceptions for the clothing, footwear, and accessories category.
What is ISBN on eBay?
ISBN is short for International Standard Book Number, and it is an eBay product identifier appearing specifically on books.
ISBNs usually have a 13-digit product number, and they are commonly used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, or online retailers on platforms like eBay or Amazon.
You must use ISBNs for your book listings on eBay, regardless of their origin, publishers, languages, etc. However, you should pay attention to the book format (i.e., paperback, epub, pdf, etc.), as different book formats have different ISBNs.
More about Product identifiers, don’t forget to check out how they vary with different listing styles, which are known as eBay Auction vs Buy It Now!
Are Item Specifics and Product Identifiers on eBay The Same?
It’s easy to mess up between the two terms “Item Specifics” and “Product Identifiers” when listing products on eBay. So what’s the difference?
- Item Specifics. These are pre-defined product attributes like brand, color, and size that sellers add to each item listing. eBay uses such information to filter its product search when users look for certain features of a specific product.
- Product Identifiers. On the other hand, product identifiers are codes, barcodes, or both that specify an exact item. It covers all information related to the product, including brand, color, and size. For example, you can search for an exact product (i.e., Hard drive) using a line of numbers and letters (i.e., W6DV1).
How to Find Product Identifiers?
Most manufacturers print out product identifiers like MPN and GTIN directly on a product, product packaging, or a product batch. You can search for these eBay product identifiers by either inspecting the product or asking your manufacturers and wholesalers about it.
If that doesn’t apply, you can also buy online barcodes for your product from a trusted barcode-selling service. However, it’s risky when you have no idea if the service providers sell legitimate barcodes.
When you can’t find compatible eBay product identifiers, you can leave N/A for the section as the safest choice.
Benefits of Product Identifiers on eBay
Adding eBay product identifiers to your listings has been a requirement from eBay for quite a while. If filling in compatible product identifiers to your trade items, your listings can benefit from a great number of eBay perks, such as:
- Increased visibility on search result pages: Sellers adding correct product identifiers in their listings have better product visibility on search result pages. This is because you have the most informational and matching listing with what users are looking for. It’s incredibly helpful when buyers use certain eBay product identifiers to directly search for an item.
- Higher trust from your potential buyers: Including eBay product identifiers in listings can enhance buyer trust and confidence in the seller. Buyers are more likely to trust listings that include detailed product information, including identifiers such as UPC or ISBN, as it demonstrates that the seller is knowledgeable about the product and is providing accurate information.
- Access to eBay’s Product catalog: Sellers who include product identifiers in their listings can leverage eBay’s product catalog, which contains pre-filled product information for a wide range of items. By linking your listings to eBay’s catalog entries, you can save time on creating listings and provide buyers with more detailed and accurate product information.
- Promoted listings. Including UPC, EAN, GTIN, or MPN in your listings can get your products promoted on external websites like Google Shopping Search. eBay product identifiers also make your listings eligible for the marketplace’s exclusive promotions.
eBay Product Identifiers – FAQs
Product identifiers are unique codes and barcodes provided by the product manufacturer to identify a specific product. They may include Universal Product Codes (UPCs), Manufacturer Part Number (MPN), International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), and Stock Keeping Units (SKUs). To find your eBay product id or eBay UPC Code: First, check out the requirements on product identifiers in the listings. Then you should look for ISBNs, UPCs, EANs, or JANs above or below the barcode on the cover of your product. You can also ask your manufacturers and wholesalers about this information. Common eBay product identifiers include Universal Product Codes (UPCs), Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPNs), and ISBN (International Standard Book Numbers). You can find the listing field for the product ID on the eBay product listing. It’s a dropdown where you select the type of eBay product ID you have and then fill in the numbers. For trade items that you don’t have information about their product ID, you can also leave N/A for that listing field. On eBay, MPN stands for Manufacturer Part Number. It is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to a specific product to distinguish it from others in their catalog. The MPN helps buyers and sellers on eBay accurately identify and describe products, facilitating smoother transactions. The eBay UPC code is ePID or eBay Product Identification, and it works as a searchable term for products listed on the marketplace. Normally, the UPC is a 12-digit numeric code that is represented by a barcode that can be scanned at checkout. More about UPC on eBay, it’s a strict requirement that you include ePID in your product listings. If you are also an Amazon seller, product identifiers like UPCs are also a must. EAN on eBay stands for European Article Number. It is a barcode symbology used globally to uniquely identify products, primarily in Europe and other regions outside North America. The EAN is a 13-digit numeric code represented by a barcode that can be scanned at checkout. GTIN on eBay stands for Global Trade Item Number. It is a broader term that encompasses various types of product identifiers, including UPC (Universal Product Code) and EAN (European Article Number). GTINs are unique codes assigned to products to facilitate their identification and tracking throughout the global supply chain. Sellers on eBay often include GTINs, such as UPCs or EANs, in their listings to improve search visibility, enhance product categorization, and provide buyers with accurate product information On eBay, ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique numeric commercial book identifier used primarily for books and related products like e-books. The ISBN is typically a 13-digit numeric code (since 2007) assigned to each edition of a book published by a specific publisher.
Final Word
eBay product identifiers have been a critical requirement for any product listing on eBay. You have to not only include it in your listing but also make sure it’s the correct type of product identifier.
We hope this guide has helped you understand different eBay product identifiers, their applicability, and their difference from one another for a better product listing.
Last but not least, LitCommerce can help you streamline the process of listing multiple products across different marketplaces. You won’t have to search for scattered product information, as our app will help you manage them all within one dashboard.
Leave us a message if you need any further information. Last but not least, follow our Retailers Blog for more exciting eCommerce hacks and news. Happy selling!
