The Stock Keeping Unit, or SKU, is an internal alphanumeric code used in modern retail and inventory management. This identifier allows a business to track and organize its products efficiently. For a consumer, finding this code is often necessary when attempting to process a return, request a specific product variant, or communicate with customer support.
What Exactly Is an SKU?
A Stock Keeping Unit is a unique code assigned by a retailer to every distinct item or product variant in its inventory. This code is internal and proprietary, meaning an item from one store will have a completely different SKU than the same item sold by a competitor. SKUs are typically alphanumeric, combining letters and numbers, and are designed to be human-readable, unlike purely numeric codes used for scanning.
The structure of an SKU is deliberate, with the characters representing specific product attributes. The sequence of letters and numbers often indicates details such as the item’s category, brand, style, size, and color. This allows employees to quickly identify a product without needing a full description, such as using codes for the department, supplier, color, and size.
How SKUs Differ from Other Product Codes
The SKU is distinct from other common product identifiers like the Universal Product Code (UPC) and the serial number. A UPC is a standardized, 12-digit numeric code registered globally that remains consistent for a specific product regardless of where it is sold. The UPC is primarily intended for external use, facilitating standardized pricing and quick scanning at the point of sale.
SKUs, by contrast, are created and controlled by the individual retailer for internal purposes, making them unique to that company’s system. Serial numbers are different, as they are assigned to a single, individual unit of a product, such as an electronic device, for tracking warranty and ownership history. The serial number identifies that specific unit, while the SKU identifies the type of product.
Finding the SKU on Physical Products
When searching for the SKU on a physical item, the code is most frequently found on the product packaging. It is often printed directly on a label near or just below the scannable barcode. While the barcode typically encodes the universal UPC, the retailer’s proprietary SKU is often printed alongside it in a clear, readable text format.
For clothing and apparel, the SKU is usually located on the price tag or the hanging tag attached to the garment. For electronics, tools, or small parts, the SKU may be found stamped or molded directly onto the product housing or printed on a small sticker affixed to the item itself. Checking the bottom or back panel of the packaging will often reveal the alphanumeric code.
Locating the SKU on Receipts and Online
Beyond the physical product, the SKU is prominently displayed on various forms of documentation, both paper and digital. On a printed sales receipt, the SKU is typically listed on the same line as the product description and the price. Since the code is used by the point-of-sale system to identify the exact item sold, it is a standard component of the transaction record.
When shopping online, the SKU is usually found on the product page, though its location can vary between e-commerce sites. Retailers often place the SKU near the product title, the price, or within a dedicated “Product Details” or “Specifications” tab. The SKU also appears on digital documentation, such as order confirmation emails, packing slips, and within a customer’s online purchase history.
Why Knowing the SKU Matters for Consumers
Knowing the SKU provides consumers with an advantage when interacting with a retailer’s systems. The code is a precise identifier that immediately distinguishes the exact product variant purchased from all similar items. This is useful when making a return or exchange, as providing the SKU allows customer service representatives to quickly locate the item in their inventory system and verify purchase details.
The code also simplifies the process of reordering a product, especially for items that come in many sizes, colors, or configurations. Instead of describing a product generally, a customer can provide the specific SKU, ensuring they receive the identical item without confusion. The SKU functions as a streamlined communication tool that improves the speed and accuracy of post-purchase interaction.