Parameters on Allegro

What parameters are

Parameters describe the product's unique features. The more parameters you complete in an offer, the more information you provide to buyers about the product you are selling. This way, buyers will find exactly what they are looking for.

The most important parameters are:

• EAN (GTIN) code
• brand or manufacturer
• serial numbers and manufacturer's codes
• model.

Keep reading to learn more about each parameter and learn where to get information about them.

You can complete parameters when you list an offer: in the listing form , via the API, or from a file. Buyer will then see them on the Offer page, in the Parameters section:

Each parameter defines:

• the name of the feature that describes the product ― for example, color, depth, manufacturer's code
• the value assigned to that parameter ― for example, black or 60 cm.

Parameters should reflect the product features as well as possible. That is why they differ depending on the category where you list your offers. That means, if you list an offer in the Chairs subcategory, you will see different parameters than in the Electronics subcategory.

Why you should complete parameters

If you complete the parameters in your offer:

• buyers can filter the search results and find the desired product more easily
• it is displayed higher in Google search results ― providing the manufacturer's code parameter is essential
• they appear in Google search results — the link to your offer is more visible and it has more chances to attract a customer

• if the product you sell is featured in our Catalog, we will complete other parameters for you automatically. It will allow you to list the offer and start selling faster.
• we display the name of the product you sell correctly — in most categories, we automatically create the product name based on parameters
• you can link your offer to the Allegro Product Catalog.

Where you can find parameters

The manufacturer or distributor of the goods you sell will provide you with the details of the product, including its parameters. They are often listed on the packaging or in the manual. That will allow you to easily list offers and add new products to the Allegro Product Catalog.

You can find more tips in sections regarding specific parameters.

What an EAN (GTIN) is

EAN (GTIN) is a standardized and unique product ID that consists of digits. It consists of 8 to 14 digits — usually 13 digits in Europe. You can usually find it on the product's packaging — it can also be in the form of a barcode.

Before, the name of this parameter was EAN. You can find it under the name EAN (GTIN) (Global Trade Item Number) — a more up-to-date name used by the GS1 organization.

When you list an offer, you can enter the following formats of numbers:

• 8 digits (GTIN-8, ISSN-8)
• 10 digits (ISBN-10)
• 12 digits (UPC-A, GTIN-12)
• 13 digits (GTIN-13, ISBN-13, ISSN-13)
• 14 digits (GTIN-14).

How to get an EAN (GTIN)

The entity responsible for assigning EANs (GTINs) may be:

• manufacturer or supplier: a company that produces the product or commissions its production to another company and sells the product under its trade name (brand)
• importer or wholesaler: a company that produces the product or commissions its production to another company and sells the product under its trade name (brand) or a company that introduces changes to the product (for example, by changing its packaging)
• retailer: a company that commissions the product production and sells it under its trade name (brand).

If you need the EAN (GTIN) — start with contacting the manufacturer or supplier.

If you produce and sell products under your own brand — you can obtain EANs (GTINs) directly on the Polish website of the GS1 organization.

Information about the registration process, costs of particular packets, and EAN (GTIN) activation is available on the GS1 Polska organization website.

How we verify whether a given EAN (GTIN) is correct

To verify whether a given EAN (GTIN) is correct, we check its prefix.

Depending on the number of digits in the EAN (GTIN), the prefix consists of:

• GTIN-8 — the first 3 digits
• GTIN-12 — the first 2 digits
• GTIN-13 — the first 3 digits
• GTIN-14 — the first 4 digits.

We identify three groups of incorrect prefixes:

• Restricted Circulation Numbers ― the EAN (GTIN) is not unique and may be used internally by an organization or a company
• the prefix does not exist or has been booked
• the prefix is intended for the automatic handling of empty containers, for example, bottles or pallets.

A detailed list of incorrect prefixes is available on the GS1 website.

What the Brand/Manufacturer and Model parameters are

The Brand/Manufacturer parameter identifies the brand owner or the manufacturer of the product you sell.

Model is the full trade name of the product, given by the manufacturer. Buyers can use it to find the exact product variant they are interested in.

How to report missing values in specific parameters

When you list an offer and complete the parameters, you can select the name of the brand, manufacturer, or model from a drop-down list. If the name you are looking for is not on the list, go to the Report a missing parameter value tab and complete a special form. In the form, provide:

• category — you can add up to 10 in one request
• parameter
• missing value — for example, the name of the brand
• link confirming that the value exists — for example, to the manufacturer's website
• attachments — for example, photos of the product with the brand or model visible.

We will review your request and let you know about our decision by email.

What the Manufacturer's code or Serial number is

The manufacturer's code is a unique number given by a manufacturer to their products to distinguish them. It is a sequence of letters, numbers, and characters of various lengths. It can also be named MPN (Manufacturer Part Number), which means the manufacturer's catalog number. Manufacturer's code can also be referred to as:

• Product ID
• Product number
• Manufacturer's catalog number
• Catalog Number for Part
• Catalog number
• Serial number.

Where to find the manufacturer's code

• on the manufacturer's website and the packaging — note that it is not the same as the EAN (GTIN)
• if you manufacture and sell your own products — you can assign the code to your products on your own.

The difference between an EAN (GTIN), a manufacturer code, and a serial number

• EAN (GTIN) is a standardized, unique number assigned by the GS1 organization. It only consists of digits — with no letters or special characters. The manufacturer uses it in trade.
• The manufacturer's code is assigned directly by the manufacturer. There is no standard to regulate it, so it can have any length or characters. It can contain digits as well as letters. The manufacturer usually uses it to identify the product within their assortment. Sometimes products from different categories have the same manufacturer's code.
• The serial number is assigned by the manufacturer to identify which batch the product comes from and where it was manufactured or serviced.

How to complete product parameters correctly

The parameters you enter are meant to help the customer check whether your product is the one they are looking for. If you provide incorrect data, you may confuse or discourage the buyer.

Thanks to the parameters, we know what product you sell in your offer. They also allow you to link offers with the Product Catalog and add new products. That is why you should avoid entering:

• incorrect values such as random strings of characters and numbers, for example: xyz, zzzz, 111
• ambiguous values that say nothing about the product, for example, none, other, remaining, own
• keywords, which are the phrases that you include in your offer description or words that you think will help people find your offers, for example, Cheap, Hit, Discount
• your login
• phrases that are non-compliant with the Terms & Conditions.

There are two ways of completing parameters, depending on their type:

• You can select an appropriate parameter from the value list (for example, Color).
• In the case of parameters for which you choose a value from a list, we also provide the value other. In that case, you can enter the value you think is missing in the list.

What if you do not know how to complete parameters

If the product you are selling is available in the Allegro Product Catalog, we will complete most of the necessary information automatically. If this does not solve your problem, you can try to:

• find the information on your own — visit the website of a given brand, manufacturer, or distributor, and check whether you can see the missing data You can also check online catalogs. For example, if you sell books, you can check the ISBN in the virtual catalog of the Polish National Library.
• reach out for support — the manufacturer or distributor should have detailed information about each product they offer. Try reaching them by phone or email and inquire about the data you need.

Examples of parameter markings on the packaging

1. Allegro shoes

2. Size label