Do I need SKUs?
The short answer is yes!
So, when I was getting started with my three designs on washi tape, I didn't have SKUs. When my washi tape line grew to be about 50 designs, I still didn't have SKUs. (uh oh!)
When I added in tea towels? Still no SKUs… outlook not sot good.
It was when I added wrapping paper to my product line that I added SKUs, 6 years after those first three washi designs.
Am I proud of this? No. I didn't know any better. I had never thought about it and that is why I am writing this post for you. If your are starting or run a product based business, giving each item a SKU will create ease and organization in your line upon completion. It is a new language that you will be fluent in to communicate with buyers. Win, win! SKUs can also be super handy with artwork organization! (More on that below!)
So, what is a SKU? A sku is a stock keeping unit. Each individual design on an individual product will have it's own SKU. For example, Swaying Palms washi tape is WT004. Whereas, Wild Side Washi Tape is WT015. The WT is an indicator that it is washi tape- this can be anything you decide- just decide and run with it. Tea Towels are TT. Stickers are S. The numbers that follow are for each design/art print/pattern.
Another example would be Hit the Road Wrapping Paper, WP007. WP is indicating that it is wrapping paper and 007 is indicating design 7.
These become super helpful when you start to wholesale your products. If you get on FAIRE (the wholesale platform) you will need a SKU. If you create a wholesale catalog, you will want a SKU. If you decide you need an inventory management tool, you will need SKUs to be able to manage across multiple platforms. Ha ha, so it wasn't until I got to the spot of needing an inventory management tool, that I realized I was missing a huge piece of organization.
I had to go back and give each item a SKU… not fun! But, now it's done and it's so much easier. My suggestion is to start with SKUs when you start with product. Build them as you go and it will be so much easier!
I mentioned SKUs for artwork above. If you license your artwork, you can also use SKUs to create a system to communicate with people who license your artwork. This becomes a much easier system so you don't have to remember each pattern or art piece name it could be something like 2024AP01, 2024 being the year created, AP being art print and 01 being the print design. This is also a great way to see how much art you create in a year!