How to Use 2D Barcodes for Amazon FBA Shipments

2D barcodes are a powerful tool for Amazon FBA sellers to improve their shipping efficiency, make quicker sales on FBA items,  and reduce errors during check-in. Here's a detailed guide on how they work, their benefits, and how to start using them with Boxem.

How to Use 2D Barcodes for Amazon FBA Shipments

2D barcodes are a powerful tool for Amazon FBA sellers to improve their shipping efficiency, make quicker sales on FBA items,  and reduce errors during check-in. Here's a detailed guide on how they work, their benefits, and how to start using them with Boxem.

What are 2D Barcodes?

A 2D barcode differs from traditional FBA labels by storing much more information. While a normal FBA box label typically holds product data like SKU, a 2D barcode can contain a wealth of details such as:

• Item count in each box
• SKUs
• Expiration dates (if applicable)
• Logistical details like shipping and destination information

These extra details allow Amazon warehouse workers to quickly and accurately verify the contents of each box, which means you typical see faster check in times and items become available for sale faster.

Benefits of 2D Barcodes:

1. Faster Check-In at Fulfillment Centers: By providing all the essential data upfront, Amazon’s warehouse staff can process your shipments faster. The embedded information within the 2D barcode helps the worker know exactly what’s inside the box at the point of scan, speeding up the check-in process.
2. Reduced Inventory Loss: Since 2D barcodes provide clear and detailed information about the box’s contents, the chances of items being lost or misplaced during Amazon's intake process are minimized. The transparency helps prevent errors.
3. Streamlined Logistics and Tracking: 2D barcodes simplify Amazon’s tracking system. The additional information embedded in the barcode improves the visibility of the shipment within Amazon's systems, helping you track inventory and resolve issues like lost or delayed items more efficiently.
4. Cost Efficiency: Although creating 2D barcodes used to be expensive and complicated, Boxem makes it affordable and easy. It generates the necessary labels at a fraction of the cost of other solutions and it does so on the FBA box labels you already need to print and sticker onto your boxes.

How to Start Using 2D Barcodes in Boxem:

1. Enable 2D Barcodes in Seller Central: Before using 2D barcodes, you need to enable them in your Amazon Seller Central account. Go to your settings and activate the "2D barcode" option under your FBA shipment preferences. That setting can be found here: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/fba/settings/index.html/ref=xx_fbasettings_dnav_xx#/inbound-settings
2. Prepare Shipments Using Boxem: Once the 2D barcode setting is enabled:some text
   • Log into Boxem and start preparing your shipment.
   • Select "2D barcodes" as your Box contents option
   • Input product details such as quantity, supplier, purchase date, and other relevant information.
   • Boxem will automatically generate the barcodes that embed your box’s contents into one label, included on your FBA box labels generated on Step 3 of the workflow.

1. Print and Attach the Labels: Print the FBA/2D barcode unified label and attach them to each box you’re shipping to Amazon. These labels will be scanned upon arrival at the fulfillment center.
2. Monitor Shipment and Check-In: Boxem allows you to monitor your shipment’s progress. Thanks to the 2D barcode, you’ll notice quicker check-in times, often leading to faster availability of your products for sale on Amazon.

Common Misconceptions:

• "2D barcodes are only for large sellers": This is false. Whether you’re sending one box or several pallets, the benefits of 2D barcodes apply to any size shipment. Small and medium sellers can greatly benefit from reduced check-in times and fewer lost items.
• "2D barcodes are hard to use": With Boxem, creating 2D barcodes is straightforward and user-friendly. You don’t need to take any additional steps to use them after activating the setting when you create the shipment.

Now you know how to use these simple, but game-changing labels!

You can watch our full free guide on how these work if you want to see Boxem 2D barcodes in action: https://youtu.be/68NKWlnp2WE?si=EfBV4tlCucoNG5Wn

Want to start using 2D barcodes today? Get a free trial of the Boxem professional plan here & go create a shipment!

https://boxem.com/join