SKU

What is an SKU?

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

SKU vs. GTIN/EAN

• SKU: Your own internal product number. Structured 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 transactions with retailers.

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

Structuring Good SKUs

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

• Category: The first letters indicate the product category (e.g., “SKO” for shoes, “TSK” for bags).
• Attributes: Color, size, or material (e.g., “BLK” for black, “42” for size 42).
• Serial 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: Do not use 0 (zero) and O (the 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 numbers alone (order numbers, EAN codes).
• One SKU per variant: Each combination of size, color, etc., should have its own SKU.
• Never reuse a SKU: Once a 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 stock levels per variant (size/color).
• Order fulfillment: Picking and packing are based on SKUs.
• Reporting: Analyze sales by SKU to identify bestsellers and slow-moving items.
• Supplier communication: Order new items using SKU references.
• Integration with WMS: Warehouse Management Systems use SKUs for automated inventory management.

SKUs in Shoporama

In Shoporama, you can assign a stock keeping unit (SKU) to each product and to product variants. The SKU is displayed in the admin panel during order processing 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 the admin panel.