Fixing Invalid GTINs: A Simple Guide to Updating Your Product Identifiers

If you’re managing an online store, you might have run into a frustrating issue: invalid GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) for your listed products. This is a common problem, and it can affect your inventory’s visibility and sales potential. Let’s break down why this happens and how you can fix it.

Why Invalid GTINs Matter

GTINs are unique identifiers for products, essential for tracking inventory, listing products accurately, and ensuring that customers find what they’re looking for. If a GTIN is marked as “invalid,” it can lead to several issues:

Product Listing Problems

Invalid GTINs can cause your products to be rejected by certain platforms. This means they won’t appear in search results, leading to potential loss of sales.

Inventory Management

Tracking inventory becomes challenging when GTINs are incorrect. It can result in overstocking or stockouts, as your system may not accurately reflect what you have on hand.

Customer Confusion

Customers expect accurate product information. Invalid identifiers can lead to misunderstandings about product features or availability.

Identifying Invalid GTINs

Invalid GTINs can occur for various reasons:

Incorrect Data Entry: Sometimes, mistakes happen during data entry.
Expired or Outdated Codes: If you’re using older product codes that have been replaced by new ones, they may no longer be valid.
Missing Information: If a product has been recently modified, the associated GTIN might not have been updated accordingly.

If you’ve received a list of products with marked invalid GTINs, it’s time to take action.

How to Update Your GTINs

Updating GTINs may seem like a daunting task, but it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Review the List of Invalid GTINs

Start by checking the document that lists your products with invalid GTINs. Make sure you understand which products are affected.

Determine the Correct Action

In many cases, you may need to update these GTINs to “false” or remove them altogether. This tells the system that these identifiers should not be used for these products.

Make the Update

Depending on your platform or inventory management system, you’ll typically have a way to update these GTINs in bulk. Here’s how to do it:

Access Your Product Listings: Log into your e-commerce platform and navigate to your product listings.
Batch Edit: Look for an option to edit multiple products at once. Many platforms allow bulk editing for efficiency.
Update the GTIN Field: Enter “false” for the GTIN of the products listed in your document.

Double-Check Your Changes

After making the updates, it’s a good idea to confirm that the changes have been applied correctly. Check a few products to ensure everything looks good.

Test and Monitor

Finally, keep an eye on your listings over the following days. Verify that your products are displaying properly and that sales are happening as expected.

Conclusion

Dealing with invalid GTINs is a necessary part of maintaining an efficient online store. While it may seem like a hassle, taking the time to update these identifiers can significantly enhance your product visibility and customer satisfaction. Remember, a smooth shopping experience for your customers often leads to more sales for you. So, tackle those invalid GTINs head-on, and watch your store thrive!