How to Add SKU Numbers to Your Product Variants in Shopify

Stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers play a crucial role in inventory management for eCommerce businesses. These alphanumeric codes help track stock levels, logistical details, and sales performance.

In this post, we'll discuss the importance of SKU numbers and provide a step-by-step guide on how to add them to your product variants in Shopify.

» Find out more about what SKUs are and how they can benefit your business

The Role of SKUs in Managing Product Variants

SKUs are particularly useful when managing product variants in Shopify. By assigning a unique SKU to each variant, such as different sizes or colors of a product, you can easily track each specific item's inventory levels and sales performance.

Effective SKU management can lead to various benefits, including:

• Accurate inventory tracking: By precisely tracking stock levels, you can minimize overstocking or stock shortages, potentially reducing inventory costs.
• Streamlined operations: Implementing SKU-based inventory systems enhances operational efficiency by automating the tracking process, reducing manual errors, and ensuring quicker updates to inventory data.
• Improved forecasting: Analyzing SKU data helps in accurate demand forecasting, allowing you to optimize your inventory levels and better prepare for future demand shifts.

» Learn how to use Shopify SKUs for better inventory management

How to Add SKUs in Shopify

1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel and click on the Products tab.


2. Select the product whose variants you want to edit.


3. Scroll down to the Variants section and add the SKU number for each variant.


4. Click Save to apply the changes.



» Want to add products more quickly? Import your products using CSV files

Best Practices for Creating Effective SKUs

To create an effective SKU system, you need to develop a systematic approach. You want to use a clear and consistent SKU format that includes relevant product information. Begin your SKU numbers with a category or department code, followed by details like product type, material, color, and size.

» Implement these best practices to organize your Shopify products in a way that will increase sales

» Understand the difference: Shopify ID vs. SKU

Advanced SKU Management Techniques

Bulk Editing SKUs

Shopify allows you to bulk add or modify SKU numbers for products with multiple variants. Here's how:

1. Choose all the variants you want to add or modify SKU numbers for.


2. Click the three dots (Actions tab) at the top right of the Variants section.


3. Click Edit SKUs.


4. Add new SKUs or modify existing ones for each variant.



» Weigh the pros and cons: Is bulk inventory management worth it?

Troubleshooting Common SKU Issues

If you encounter any issues while adding or editing SKUs, double-check that you've entered the SKUs correctly and that they're unique for each variant. Also, ensure that the SKU format is consistent across your inventory to avoid confusion.

3 Benefits of Using SKUs

Implementing an SKU system in your Shopify store offers several advantages:

• Efficient inventory management: Easily track stock levels and avoid overselling or stockouts.
• Streamlined order fulfillment: Quickly locate and ship the correct items to customers.
• Enhanced sales analysis: Identify top-performing products and make data-driven decisions.

» Discover how to manage your products and sort them in a way that’s irresistible to your target audience

Optimize Your Inventory Management With Egnition

Once you've carefully added SKU numbers to your product variants, you can further optimize your inventory management process using third-party tools:

• Out-of-Stock Police is an intelligent system that proactively monitors your stock levels based on the SKU data you've provided. This tool can prevent lost sales and maintain customer satisfaction by ensuring that your products are always available when customers need them.
• To maximize your sales potential, consider combining the power of accurate SKU data with Bestsellers reSort. This tool automatically organizes your top-selling products, enabling better inventory planning and allocation based on real-time sales data.

» Check out these three ways to manage your bestsellers with the Shopify app reSort

Maintain Long-Term Success With Your Shopify SKU Strategy

Regularly audit your SKUs to ensure they're accurate and relevant. Make adjustments as your product lines change or market trends evolve. This proactive approach is key to maintaining an efficient and up-to-date inventory system.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can optimize your inventory management and streamline your Shopify store's operations.

» Find out how you can manage your Shopify inventory better