Does a SKU need a barcode?

Many people think you need to have a registered UPC code in order to scan items, but thankfully that’s not true! Depending on your format, any alphanumeric SKU can be used as a barcode (What is a SKU number?).

Does a SKU have to be a number?

SKU numbers can be anything you want to be but are most often about 8 alpha-numeric digits.

What is a valid SKU?

A stock-keeping unit (SKU) is a scannable bar code, most often seen printed on product labels in a retail store. The label allows vendors to automatically track the movement of inventory. The SKU is composed of an alphanumeric combination of eight-or-so characters.

Do all items have a barcode?

This ID number is internal and unique for each company selling a product. While a product may have different SKUs, its UPC barcode remains the same no matter where it is stocked or sold.

Are SKUs and barcodes the same thing?

SKUs vs. Another difference between SKU numbers and UPC barcodes is that SKU codes are alphanumeric, while UPC barcodes are numeric. UPC barcodes must be 12 digits, while SKU numbers are whatever length the company assigning them decides.

Is barcode a must?

Why do you need a barcode? Technically, there is no requirement that products must have barcodes unless you’re selling at the wholesale level or you sell to large retailers.

Can you create your own SKU?

You can create SKU numbers manually or using inventory management or point-of-sale (POS) software. SKU numbers print on your product label along with the product’s universal product code (UPC) and other product information.

What is the difference between SKU numbers and UPC barcodes?

SKU numbers are created by the companies that use them internally, while UPC barcodes are administered by GS1. Companies can freely create their own SKU numbers, whereas UPC barcode numbers must be purchased and licensed.

What are the best practices for developing your own SKU codes?

As a recap, let’s look at the best practices for developing your own SKU codes: UPC barcodes were introduced in 1974 to help retailers track trade items. UPCs are numeric codes with 12 digits. When you go through a grocery checkout line, the barcode you see the clerk scan is a UPC code.

What are SKU numbers and how do I use them?

SKU numbers make it easier to find, identify and manage the products a business is selling. Unlike the UPC registration where there is a standard code when creating it, the coding of a SKU is completely up to the business owner since the purpose of the SKU is to manage inventory internally.

What is a barcode and what does it mean?

The barcode is used by scanners to read the black, vertical lines of various widths and the width of the bars represents a number. When a product is sold through another channel (such as a retailer or online marketplace like eBay or Amazon), they are often required to have a unique number which is the UPC.

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