SKU on Etsy stands for Stock Keeping Unit, a custom code that sellers use to track and organize their products internally.
It is not something buyers typically see or use. SKUs are created by the seller to manage inventory, product variations, and order fulfillment more efficiently.
Think of it as a labeling system for your own organization.
What Is an SKU?
An SKU is:
- A unique alphanumeric code
- Created by the seller
- Used for inventory tracking
- Designed for internal management
For example, a seller might label a black leather wallet as:
BLK-WLT-01
This code helps the seller identify the exact item quickly.
Is SKU Required on Etsy?
No, Etsy does not require SKUs.
However, they are highly recommended, especially if:
- You have many listings
- You sell product variations
- You manage inventory manually
- You use external fulfillment systems
Without SKUs, managing large inventories becomes confusing.
Where Do You Add SKU on Etsy?
You can add SKUs inside your listing dashboard.
To do this:
- Go to Shop Manager
- Click Listings
- Edit a listing
- Scroll to the Inventory and Pricing section
- Add your SKU in the designated field
You can also assign different SKUs to each variation, such as size or color.
Why SKUs Matter for Sellers
SKUs help with:
- Inventory organization
- Faster order processing
- Reduced shipping mistakes
- Tracking product performance
- Connecting with external inventory software
For example, if you sell:
- Small, Medium, Large shirts
- Multiple colors
- Custom variations
SKUs prevent mix-ups.
Do Buyers See SKU Numbers?
Generally, buyers do not pay attention to SKUs.
They are mainly used internally.
However, sometimes SKUs may appear in order confirmations or packing slips depending on how the seller sets up their store.
For most customers, SKU is invisible and irrelevant.
How to Create a Good SKU System
A strong SKU system should be:
- Simple
- Logical
- Consistent
- Easy to read
You can structure SKUs by:
- Product category
- Material
- Color
- Size
- Year or batch
For example:
LTHR-JKT-BLK-M
This quickly tells you it is a leather jacket, black, medium size.
Avoid random numbers that mean nothing.
When SKU Becomes Critical
If you sell:
- 50+ listings
- Multiple product variations
- Custom-made products
- Seasonal collections
SKUs become essential for maintaining control and preventing order errors.
Growth increases complexity. SKUs maintain clarity.
The Practical Takeaway
SKU on Etsy stands for Stock Keeping Unit.
It is a seller-created code used to track and manage products internally.
While not mandatory, it becomes extremely useful as your shop grows and product variations increase.
Organization supports scalability.
