SKU Coding Guide Understanding the Difference Between SKU and Product Codes

SKU codes are an important identifier in product sales, used to recognize different attributes of products such as specifications, models, colors, etc. When filling out SKU codes, it is necessary to combine the characteristics of the product and sales needs to better manage inventory, sales data, and customer information.

Although SKU codes and product codes are both related to products, there are some obvious differences between them. Product codes are usually serial numbers formulated according to product classification rules, used to identify specific products, while SKU codes are more flexible and can be customized based on the characteristics of the product, sales needs, and merchant strategies.

In recent news, we have seen many cases related to SKU codes. For example, an e-commerce platform reorganized and standardized SKU codes to better manage products. In this adjustment, SKU codes not only need to comply with platform regulations but also consider the attributes and features of the products to better match inventory, sales, and customer information.

In practical operations, when filling out SKU codes, the following aspects should be considered

1. Product Features SKU codes should reflect the characteristics of the product, such as specifications, models, colors, sizes, etc. If a product has multiple attributes, these attributes need to be taken into account to better identify and manage the product.

2. Sales Needs SKU codes should be set according to sales needs to better match inventory and sales data. For example, for best-selling products, shorter SKU codes can be set to facilitate faster queries and matches.

3. Merchant Strategies Different merchants may have different SKU coding rules, which need to be set according to the merchant's strategy. For instance, some merchants might set different SKU codes based on the product's origin, production batch, or sales channel.

When filling out SKU codes, the following points also need attention

1. Accuracy SKU codes should accurately reflect the characteristics of the product to avoid errors or confusion.

2. Consistency Within the same merchant or sales channel, SKU codes should remain consistent to better manage sales data and customer information.

3. Flexibility SKU codes should have a certain degree of flexibility to allow adjustments and modifications as needed.

In conclusion, SKU codes are an important identifier in product sales and need to be filled out by combining the characteristics of the product and sales needs. Through accurate, consistent, and flexible management of SKU codes, inventory management efficiency can be improved, sales data optimized, and customer satisfaction enhanced. At the same time, merchants also need to pay attention to relevant policies, regulations, and industry standards to ensure the compliance of SKU codes.