When you use Merchant Center as a seller to advertise your products on platforms like Google Shopping, it's possible that some of your products may be disapproved. One of the reasons for disapproval can be "Provide a valid GTIN." In this article, we will delve deeper into what GTIN is, why it's important, and how you can ensure valid GTINs for your products.
What is a GTIN?
A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a unique identification number used worldwide to identify and track products in the supply chain. It is an essential component of product information and is often displayed as a barcode on the packaging of a product. GTINs can have different formats such as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14, depending on the type of product and the region in which it is sold.
Why is a valid GTIN important?
A valid GTIN is important because it helps ensure the accurate identification and classification of products. It provides a consistent and standardized way of product identification, both within and outside of online sales channels. Having valid GTINs for your products is particularly crucial when advertising on platforms like Google Shopping, as these platforms use GTINs to correctly categorize and display products to potential buyers.
Why can products be disapproved with the reason "Provide a valid GTIN"?
There are several reasons why your products may be disapproved with the reason "Provide a valid GTIN":
Missing GTIN: If you haven't provided GTINs for your products or if the GTINs are not entered correctly in the Merchant Center, the products will be disapproved. It's important to ensure that you have the correct GTINs and that they are accurately entered.
Invalid GTIN: If the provided GTINs are invalid or do not match the products you are advertising, the products will be disapproved. It is essential to obtain GTINs from reliable sources such as the manufacturer or official distribution channels to ensure they are valid and match your products.
Duplicate GTIN's: If the same GTIN is used for multiple products, the products will be disapproved. Each GTIN must be unique and assigned to a specific product.
How do you ensure valid GTINs for your products?
To ensure you have valid GTINs for your products and prevent disapprovals with the reason "Provide a valid GTIN," follow these steps:
Verify the manufacturer's GTIN's: Contact the manufacturer of your products and request the correct GTINs. The manufacturer is the most reliable source to obtain valid GTINs specific to each product. Verify that the provided GTINs match your products and ensure they are accurately entered in the Merchant Center.
Purchase GTIN's from an official authority: If you sell products that do not have GTINs from the manufacturer, you can purchase GTINs from official authorities such as GS1. GS1 is a global organization responsible for managing GTINs and other barcode systems. By becoming a member of GS1, you can obtain official GTINs recognized worldwide. Make sure to assign the correct GTINs to the corresponding products.
Validate the GTIN's validity: Before assigning GTINs to your products, validate their validity. You can use online tools or validation programs offered by GS1 for this purpose. These tools help you verify if the GTINs are valid and match the correct product information.
Avoid duplicate GTIN's: Ensure that each GTIN is unique and assigned to only one specific product. Using the same GTIN for multiple products will result in disapprovals. Maintain an organized and accurate system
Regularly check and update GTIN's: Ensure that you regularly check and update GTINs. If there are any changes in your product assortment, such as new products, variants, or discontinued products, make sure to update the GTINs accordingly in the Merchant Center. This helps ensure that your products always have the correct and valid GTINs.
By being proactive in obtaining and maintaining valid GTINs for your products and ensuring their correct entry in the Merchant Center, you establish a solid foundation for your online sales activities. Additionally, adhering to GTIN requirements can help you comply with regulations and guidelines set by platforms like Google Shopping, keeping your account and advertisements in good standing.
In conclusion, obtaining valid GTINs for your products and ensuring their correct entry in the Merchant Center is crucial to prevent disapprovals with the reason "Provide a valid GTIN." It enables you to effectively advertise and present your products accurately and reliably to potential customers, ultimately contributing to the success of your online sales activities.