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“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison
SKU numbers are essential for Amazon sellers, offering numerous advantages. They help organize inventory, offer greater insights into stock levels and sales performance, and enhance the overall customer experience.
However, managing SKUs effectively can become challenging without a structured approach.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key aspects of SKUs: how to locate them, how to create product-specific SKUs, why they matter, and whether you need them to sell on Amazon.
Locating Your SKU on Amazon
Locating your SKU on Amazon is possible both behind the scenes and on customer-facing tags.
SKU numbers usually contain eight to 12 characters and are often found on a product's price tag. If you check the price tag, you’ll likely spot the stock keeping unit number, or SKU, which helps identify the item.
You can also find your SKU by going to the Shipping Queue. Select "Track Shipment" next to your shipment, click on the "View Shipments" tab, and then download the SKU list to see the information for each shipment.
Where to Find the SKU Number on a Receipt
The SKU number is often located on the outside of the product carton and can sometimes appear on your receipt. Typically, this SKU is a 7-digit number, like 8000148, but it may also be shortened to a 4-digit form, such as 0148.
Do You Need an SKU to Sell on Amazon?
Yes, an SKU is essential when selling on Amazon. It’s a unique product identifier for each merchant, required in every inventory file you send to Amazon. The SKU enables Amazon to match your product with the correct listing in their catalog, making it a non-negotiable requirement for selling on the platform.
Why SKUs Simplify Sales Tracking on Amazon
Amazon’s SKU system helps streamline inventory management by ensuring accurate warehouse transfers and facilitating efficient picking, packing, and shipping at Amazon fulfillment centers. In combination with UPCs, SKUs provide Amazon with a reliable method for managing inventory across channels, allowing sellers to track sales trends, stock levels, transfers, profitability, and consumer buying patterns.
How to Create an Amazon-Friendly Product SKU
When designing a SKU for Amazon, aim to include details that make it easy to access product information quickly, track sales volume, and monitor how long an item has been in stock. Follow these steps to create a structured, informative SKU:
Use the First Two Letters for Supplier or Manufacturer
Begin the SKU with the initials of your supplier or manufacturer to easily identify the source.
Represent Product Type with the Next Two Letters
Include a short code for the product type, like "BK" for books or "CL" for clothing.
Add the Shipping Date
Insert the date your products were sent to Amazon’s warehouse. For example, for February 7, 2022, use "02072022."
Include Product Condition
Specify the condition, such as "NP" for new products or "UP" for used items.
Enter the Purchase Price
Include a code or shorthand to indicate the product’s purchase price.
Finish with Unique Identifiers
The last few digits can be any unique identifier of your choice to further personalize the SKU.
This structure will help streamline inventory management, provide insights into product sales, and make your SKUs more useful in your business operations.
SKU Best Practices
Creating SKU numbers effectively involves following a few tried-and-true methods. Here are key practices to ensure your SKUs are organized and functional:
Maintain Consistency: Use the same SKU for identical items across different Amazon marketplaces. Stick with your established system—if the supplier is listed first and the product type second, continue in that order for all SKUs.
Unique SKU for Each Product: Assign a unique SKU to each product or category, such as sunglasses, books, or clothing, so there's no overlap between different items.
Set Clear Guidelines: Develop specific rules for SKU creation, and ensure every team member or partner follows them consistently to avoid confusion.
Pros and Cons of Creating Your Own SKU vs. Letting Amazon Generate One
Allowing Amazon to create SKUs for you can lead to codes that don’t provide any specific information about the product, such as the supplier or purchase date, making them less informative for you and your team.
Additionally, if you operate multiple Amazon stores, Amazon will assign a different SKU to the same product type in each store, which could complicate inventory management over time.
By designing your own SKU, you gain control over identifying product details, such as performance across different product types and quick identification of warehouse locations.
FAQs
Is SKU the same as an item number?
Yes, SKUs can also be referred to as item part numbers. They are unique to each store and are essential for inventory tracking.
Is an SKU the same as a serial number?
No, serial numbers differ from SKUs. Serial numbers track ownership and warranty information, while SKUs are used by retailers to track inventory items.
Final Thoughts
Locating your product SKU on Amazon doesn't have to be a daunting task. By utilizing the tools and strategies discussed in this guide, you can quickly and efficiently find your SKUs, ensuring you have the information you need to manage your inventory and listings effectively.
Whether you're navigating the Seller Central dashboard or using external resources, having a clear understanding of your SKUs is crucial for maintaining organization and optimizing your business operations.
If you need personalized assistance with SKU management or any other aspect of your Amazon FBA business, schedule a call with us. We're here to help you streamline your processes and enhance your overall selling experience!
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