What is a SKU Number and Why Do Resellers Actually Need One?
A SKU number (Stock Keeping Unit) is basically a secret code you make up to track your inventory. Unlike a regular barcode you'd scan at the grocery store, you get to decide exactly what a SKU means for your own business.
If you are selling on multiple platforms like Depop, eBay, and Poshmark, using a SKU number generator saves you from completely losing your mind. It tells you exactly what an item is, what condition it's in, and exactly which bin it is sitting in when a buyer finally checks out.
How to Make Perfect SKU Numbers for Your Reselling Inventory
Building a good SKU system just takes a little common sense. The best strategy is breaking your code into small, easy-to-read chunks:
- Brand (2-3 Letters): Keep it simple. Use
LEVfor Levi's orPATfor Patagonia. - Category (2-3 Letters): What is the item?
JACfor Jacket,DENfor Denim. - Specifics: Tag the size or condition (like
NWTfor New With Tags orEUCfor Excellent Used Condition). - Source or Location: Where did you find it, and where is it now? (e.g.,
GWfor Goodwill, orBIN3for your storage box). - Sequence: End with a basic number (e.g.,
001to999) so every single item has its own unique, trackable code.
Using Your SKU Numbers With a Reseller Inventory App
Generating your codes is just step one. To really scale your reselling business, you should drop these SKUs into a reseller inventory app or cross-listing software.
When you list an item using a tool like Voolist, tying it to a specific SKU ensures your inventory stays synced. When that vintage sweater sells on Poshmark, the software sees the SKU and instantly delists it from eBay, so you never have to deal with an angry buyer over an accidental double-sale.