Sumtracker syncs only products with SKUs from your online listings. Listings with the same SKU are linked to one product in Sumtracker. If you list the same product on multiple platforms or have multiple listings for it, make sure to use the same SKU. This helps Sumtracker manage inventory across all your listings using a single product entry.
SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) play an important role in inventory management, facilitating seamless tracking and organisation of products across various platforms. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to ensure your product listings have SKUs and optimise their structure for efficient inventory control.
Understanding SKUs
An SKU serves as a unique identifier for products, enabling sellers to categorise and manage inventory effectively. It typically comprises alphanumeric characters and conveys essential product information such as classification, category, style, brand, and size.
Assigning SKUs
Unique Identification: Assign unique SKUs to each product to avoid confusion and streamline inventory management.
Deriving SKUs: If pre-defined SKUs are unavailable, consider copying the product name or generating your own SKUs based on product characteristics.
Anatomy of an SKU: SKUs are often structured into sections representing classification, product features, and sequence identifiers.
Anatomy of an official SKU
First Part: Defines the broadest classification, such as supplier or department, with alphanumeric characters.
Middle Part: Indicates salient product features like style, brand, size, and color.
Last Part: A sequence identifier providing information on stock volume or order processing.
Example SKUs
Brand | First Identifier | Style | Size (US) | Gender | SKU |
Adidas | AD | Continentals (CO) | 07 | FF | AD-CO-07-FF |
Nike | NI | Jordans (JO) | 11 | MM | NI-JO-11-MM |
Superga | SU | Cotu (COT) | 06 | FF | SU-CO-06-FF |
Vans | VA | Old Skool (OS) | 11 | MM | VA-OS-11-MM |
Converse | CO | Chuck Taylors (CT) | 08 | FF | CO-CT-08-FF |
Puma | PU | Smash (SM) | 07 | FF | PU-SM-07-FF |
Best Practices for SKUs
Ensure each SKU is unique to prevent inventory discrepancies.
Aim for an optimal length (8-12 characters) for ease of management.
Steer clear of symbols like !, @, $, or % to maintain compatibility across platforms.
Utilise the first two letters for forming initials, simplifying SKU creation.
Refrain from starting SKUs with 0 to prevent issues in data handling, especially in spreadsheet applications.