How to Add MPN on Shopify: A Step-By-Step Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPN)
  3. How to Implement MPNs in Shopify
  4. Conclusive Thoughts and FAQs

Introduction

Are you struggling with setting up MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) on your Shopify store for products with variants? MPN is crucial not just for inventory management, but also for accurately running Google Shopping campaigns. Maybe Google Merchant is flagging your products due to absent MPN details or, you might want to refine your product feed for better performance. Whatever the reason may be, accurately setting up the MPN is critical to your store's operational efficiency and marketing performance. In this post, we'll walk through the importance of MPNs and provide an actionable guide on adding MPNs to your Shopify products, particularly to those with variants. Whether you're a seasoned ecommerce veteran or new to the platform, this guide will empower you to handle MPNs like a pro.

Understanding Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPN)

MPNs uniquely identify a product among all others by its manufacturer and are crucial when barcodes aren’t available. They come into play specifically for products that don’t have a universal identifier like a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Google Shopping, for instance, strictly requires either a brand and MPN combination or a GTIN to list your products properly.

However, what if your products - for instance, your own coffee or custom goods - don’t have a GTIN? This is common for store owners who sell niche or own-branded products.

The Role of MPNs in a Shopify Store

In Shopify, adding MPNs isn't straightforward as there isn't a designated MPN field. Merchants frequently opt to use the fields offered for SKU and barcodes to input MPN data. Incorrectly assigning these critical identifiers can harm your standing in Google Shopping, as error-free product identifiers are instrumental for adequate product performance and ranking. In other words, the integrity of your store's MPN data is vital to remain competitive in Google's vast marketplace.

How to Implement MPNs in Shopify

To ensure your MPNs are correctly structured within Shopify, especially for products with multiple variations like size or color, follow these steps:

For Products Without GTINs:

  1. Use the Barcode Field Appropriately: For your own products that lack barcodes, consider including the MPN in the barcode field for each variant.

  2. No Misuse of Data: Never input random or incorrect GTIN or MPN data. Each identifier must be precise and rightfully assigned by the manufacturer.

  3. Custom Labeling: In instances where Shopify prevents adding unique variant MPNs directly, labeling variants is essential. Entrust the first variant with the MPN data, leveraging Shopify’s field for ‘Google Shopping’.

For Products With GTINs:

  1. Accurately Assign GTINs: If your products boast barcodes, then submit GTIN, MPN, and Brand details comprehensively. This will optimize your presence on Google Shopping.

  2. Adapt to Shopify’s Flexibility: Shopify’s architecture permits the addition of different MPNs for various product variants, ensuring each variant has its unique identity in the database.

Leverage Feed Rules in Google Merchant Center

For more intricate control of your product data feed, utilizing Google Merchant Center's feed rules could help you circumvent platform constraints. This tool enables you to specify that certain product identifiers don't exist, especially for custom products, paying way for a tidy setup in the Google Shopping app.

When venturing into this approach:

  • FeedArmy Tool: Consider using third-party tools like FeedArmy, which affords precise command over your Feed data on Shopify, beneficial for custom products.

  • Troubleshoot with Tools: If you experience hiccups in product syncing, third-party troubleshooting tools are invaluable assets for diagnosing and remedying syncing issues between Shopify and Google Merchant Center.

Conclusive Thoughts and FAQs

Adding MPN to your Shopify store adds precision to your inventory management and refines your Google Shopping ad campaigns, directly benefiting your ecommerce performance. Understanding and dissecting the practicalities of MPNs for customized Shopify products gears you towards systematic and more controlled product data management.

FAQ Section

Q: What should I do if my products don’t have a GTIN? A: For products without a GTIN, input MPN and brand information. Omitting the GTIN may downgrade performance, so reaching out to your manufacturer for these identifiers is suggested.

Q: How often should I update my product feed in Shopify for MPN changes? A: Your product feed, particularly when an MPN change occurs, should be promptly updated. This maintains precise and current data in Shopify and Google Shopping.

Q: Are third-party apps necessary for managing MPNs in Shopify? A: Third-party apps are not mandatory but can be vastly helpful, especially when needing more flexibility and accuracy when managing product feeds and adhering to Google Shopping standards.

By faithfully abiding by these guidelines, Shopify merchants can seamlessly integrate MPN on their platforms, optimizing both structural organization and ensuring marketing prowess in the competitive arena of Google Shopping.

App Stack