Walmart Error: Invalid GTIN Length

The "Invalid GTIN Length" error occurs when the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) provided for a product listing on Walmart Marketplace does not match the required length, preventing the product from being listed or updated.
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Invalid GTIN Length

Error Description

The "Invalid GTIN Length" error on Walmart Marketplace indicates that the GTIN entered for a product does not conform to the standard length required by the platform. GTINs are unique identifiers used to track products globally and can be in the form of UPC (12 digits), EAN (13 digits), JAN (13 digits), or ISBN (10 or 13 digits). The correct length of a GTIN is essential for ensuring the accuracy and validity of the product listing. This error often arises due to typographical mistakes, incorrect GTIN formats, or invalid GTINs.

Common Causes of Invalid GTIN Length Errors:

  1. Typographical Errors: Mistakes made during manual entry of the GTIN.
  2. Incorrect Formats: Using GTINs that do not adhere to the standard lengths.
  3. Incomplete GTINs: Providing GTINs with missing digits.
  4. Bulk Upload Issues: Errors in bulk upload files where GTINs are improperly formatted or incomplete.
  5. Incorrectly Assigned GTINs: Using GTINs that do not match the product type or are not assigned correctly by the manufacturer.

Error Solution

To resolve the "Invalid GTIN Length" error on Walmart Marketplace, follow these steps:

  1. Review GTIN Requirements:
    • Understand Walmart’s requirements for GTINs, including the acceptable lengths for UPC, EAN, JAN, and ISBN.
    • Familiarize yourself with the different types of GTINs and their respective lengths.
  2. Verify GTIN Length:
    • Check the GTIN entered for each product listing to ensure it meets the required length.
    • Common GTIN lengths include:
      • UPC: 12 digits
      • EAN: 13 digits
      • JAN: 13 digits
      • ISBN: 10 or 13 digits
  3. Correct GTIN Formats:
    • Ensure that GTINs are formatted correctly without any extra spaces, hyphens, or special characters.
    • Use a GTIN validation tool or calculator to verify the accuracy and validity of the GTINs.
  4. Update Bulk Upload Files:
    • If using bulk upload tools, review and correct your CSV or Excel files to ensure all GTINs are properly formatted and meet the required lengths.
    • Use Walmart’s bulk upload templates and validation tools to ensure compliance before submission.
  5. Manual Entry Checks:
    • For individual product listings, manually enter the GTINs accurately. Ensure that the GTINs are complete and correctly formatted.
    • Double-check for any typographical errors or incorrect entries.
  6. Ensure Accurate GTIN Assignment:
    • Verify that the GTINs used are correctly assigned by the manufacturer and match the product type.
    • Contact the manufacturer or a GS1-authorized source if you need to obtain or verify GTINs.
  7. Refresh and Resubmit:
    • After making the necessary corrections, refresh the product listing page and attempt to save or resubmit the listing.
    • Verify that the error has been resolved and that the listing is successfully updated.
  8. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:
    • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to ensure that you are viewing the most recent version of your listing.
    • Try using an incognito or private browsing mode to see if the issue persists.
  9. Contact Walmart Support:
    • If you’ve tried all the above steps and still encounter issues, contact Walmart Marketplace support for assistance. Provide detailed information about the error and the steps you’ve taken to resolve it.
    • Engage with Walmart seller forums and communities to seek advice from other sellers who might have faced similar issues.

Pro Tip

Advanced Strategies for Managing GTINs:

  1. Implement GTIN Validation Tools:
    • Use GTIN validation tools to automate the process of checking GTINs for correct length and format before submission. These tools can help identify errors and prevent invalid GTINs from being used.
    • Integrate these tools with your inventory management system to ensure ongoing validation and compliance.
  2. Standardize GTIN Entry Procedures:
    • Develop standardized procedures for entering and verifying GTINs to ensure consistency across all listings. Use predefined templates and workflows for GTIN management.
    • Regularly update these procedures to reflect any changes in Walmart’s requirements or your own data management practices.
  3. Use Product Information Management (PIM) Systems:
    • Implement a PIM system to centralize and manage all product data, including GTINs. PIM systems help ensure that data is accurate, complete, and consistently formatted across all platforms.
    • Integrate your PIM system with Walmart Marketplace to synchronize data automatically and prevent errors.
  4. Conduct Regular Data Audits:
    • Perform regular audits of your product data to ensure GTINs are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with Walmart’s guidelines. Use audit reports to track compliance and address any recurring issues.
    • Schedule periodic audits to identify and correct any issues with GTIN data.
  5. Educate Your Team:
    • Train your team on best practices for managing GTINs. Ensure they understand the importance of accurate GTIN entry and compliance with Walmart’s guidelines.
    • Provide guidelines and checklists to help your team review and update GTINs effectively.
  6. Monitor Competitor Listings:
    • Analyze competitor listings to understand how they manage GTINs within the platform’s limits. Use this insight to refine your own strategy and ensure compliance.
    • Identify successful patterns and adapt them to your products.
  7. Optimize Bulk Editing Tools:
    • Use Walmart’s bulk editing tools to update GTINs for multiple listings simultaneously. Ensure that bulk updates are accurately configured and comply with platform guidelines.
    • Validate bulk editing files before uploading to minimize the risk of errors.
  8. Stay Updated with Platform Changes:
    • Regularly review Walmart’s guidelines and updates regarding GTIN management. Stay informed about any changes that might affect your listings.
    • Participate in Walmart seller forums and communities to learn from other sellers and share best practices.
  9. Use Automation for Data Entry:
    • Implement automation tools to manage data entry processes related to GTINs. Automation reduces the risk of manual errors and ensures that GTINs are consistently accurate.
    • Tools like Zapier or Integromat can integrate with your e-commerce systems to automate GTIN updates.
  10. Utilize Competitor Analysis:
    • Analyze competitor listings to understand how they manage GTINs within the platform’s limits. Use this insight to refine your own strategy.
    • Identify successful patterns and adapt them to your products.

By following these strategies and maintaining a proactive approach to managing GTINs, sellers can minimize the risk of "Invalid GTIN Length" errors on Walmart Marketplace, ensuring accurate and compliant product listings. Proper GTIN management not only helps in preventing errors but also enhances overall visibility, searchability, and sales performance on the platform.

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