What is a SKU?

Your code for a specific variant — the string every other system uses to recognise it.

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A SKU (stock keeping unit) is an internal identifier you assign to a variant. Shopify does not generate or validate it; it exists so your systems and staff can identify the exact item.

Where SKUs are used

  • Picking and packing in a warehouse.
  • Stock takes and inventory reconciliation.
  • Accounting and reporting exports.
  • Marketplace and advertising feeds.
  • Matching products between Shopify and an ERP or POS.

What makes a workable scheme

  • Stable — a SKU should not change because marketing renamed the product.
  • Structured — vendor, style, colour, size in a predictable order.
  • Unique — two variants sharing a SKU will eventually cost you an order.
  • Consistent formatting, because half your integrations match on exact strings.

SKU is not barcode

A SKU is yours; a barcode is a global identifier such as a GTIN or EAN that identifies the product to everyone. Feeds and marketplaces usually want the barcode.

Bulk Product Edit by MITS edits this field in bulk across a filtered part of your catalog, with a log and a one-click revert.

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Related reading

Bulk edit SKU and barcode on Shopify

Correct SKU and barcode values across variants with replace, prefix and suffix rules.

Read more

What is a barcode (GTIN)?

Global product identifiers, and the spreadsheet habit that destroys them.

Read more

What is a product variant?

Which fields sit on the variant, and why that decides how a bulk edit is counted.

Read more

Ready to edit your Shopify catalog in bulk?

Install Bulk Product Edit by MITS and run your first bulk edit in minutes. Free plan available.

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