Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Does changing a product's ABV percentage require issuing a new GTIN code?
The answer depends on your customer base and their stock-tracking requirements. **Theoretical vs. practical approach:** - Technically, any change in product specification (including ABV) should trigger a new GTIN to allow proper tracking and differentiation in systems - In practice, some customers—particularly wholesalers and retailers—find processing new barcodes administratively burdensome and may resist the change - Several members take the cautious approach of issuing a new code for any spec change to avoid future compliance or tracking issues **Key consideration:** Check with your primary customers (especially major retailers or wholesalers) before deciding. If they use the GTIN to distinguish between different stock batches or have integrated systems, they'll likely require a new code. If they're less formal about it, you may get pushback on the administrative overhead.
What is the difference between a GTIN and an MPN number, and which do you need for Google Shopping listings?
A **GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)** is your product barcode, typically obtained from GS1. It usually appears as a GTIN-13, which is also known as an EAN. This is the primary identifier needed for Google Shopping listings. An **MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)** is a separate identifier assigned by the manufacturer, but it is not typically required for Google Shopping in the same way a GTIN is. Members recommend: - Source your GTIN through **GS1** — the standard route for obtaining official barcodes that work with Google Shopping - If you're struggling with the process, reach out to experienced members in the community who have offered to walk others through the steps For grouped product listings (e.g. multiple flavours from a single SKU), ensure each variant has its own GTIN.