SKU

What is an SKU?

An SKU is a unique code you assign to each product (and often each variant of a product) in your online store. Whereas a GTIN/EAN number is a global, standardized barcode number, an SKU is your own internal system for identifying products. You decide the format and structure yourself.

SKU vs. GTIN/EAN

• SKU: Your own internal item number. Built according to your own logic. Used for inventory management, reporting and internal identification.
• GTIN/EAN: A globally standardized barcode number (typically 13 digits). Used for product feeds, price comparison sites and trading with retailers.

Most online stores use both: SKU for internal use and GTIN for external communication.

Building good SKUs

A good SKU is systematically structured so you can read information directly from the code:

• Category: The first letters indicate the product category (e.g. "SHOES" for shoes, "TSK" for bags).
• Attributes: Color, size or material (e.g. "BLK" for black, "42" for size 42).
• Sequence number: A unique number within the category.

Example: SKO-BLK-42-001 = Shoes, black, size 42, product #1.

Best practices for SKUs

• Keep them short: 8-12 characters is ideal. Long SKUs are difficult to read and enter.
• Avoid confusion: Don't use 0 (zero) and O (letter) or 1 and l next to each other.
• Use hyphens: Separate sections with hyphens for readability.
• Start with letters: SKUs that start with letters are easier to distinguish from pure numbers (order numbers, EAN codes).
• One SKU per variant: Each combination of size, color, etc. should have its own SKU.
• Never reuse an SKU: Once an SKU is discontinued, it should not be reused for a new product.

SKUs in practice for online stores

SKUs are essential for:

• Inventory management: Keep track of inventory per variant (size/color).
• Order management: Picking and packing based on SKUs.
• Reporting: Analyze sales per SKU to find bestsellers and dead stock.
• Supplier communication: Order new items with reference to SKU.
• Integration with WMS: Warehouse Management Systems use SKUs for automated inventory management.

SKU in Shoporama

In Shoporama, you can specify SKUs for each product and product variants. The SKU is displayed in admin for order management and picking, and can be included in product feeds for Google Shopping, price comparison sites and marketplaces. You can also search for products by SKU in admin.