Both Custom SKU Templates and SKU Prefixes help organize inventory, but they serve different purposes.
🏷️ Use a SKU Prefix When You Only Need a Simple Identifier
A SKU prefix adds a short code to the beginning of every SKU.
Examples:
BOOK-
DVD-
MEDIA-
AZ-
Result:
BOOK-123456
BOOK-123457
BOOK-123458
Best for:
Identifying inventory sources
Separating warehouses or locations
Simple SKU organization
Sellers who want Amazon-generated SKU numbering with a custom identifier
👉 If you only need all SKUs to start with a specific code, a SKU prefix is usually enough.
⚙️ Use a Custom SKU Template When You Need More Detailed SKU Formatting
A custom SKU template allows you to build SKUs using multiple pieces of information.
Examples:
{ASIN}-{CONDITION}-{DATE}Result:
B000123456-VG-05262026
Or:
BOOK-{CONDITION}-{SEQUENCE}Result:
BOOK-LN-0001
BOOK-G-0002
Best for:
Advanced inventory tracking
Including condition codes
Including dates, locations, or shelf information
Sellers managing large inventories with specific workflows
👉 Custom templates provide much more flexibility than a simple prefix.
📊 Quick Comparison
SKU Prefix | Custom SKU Template |
Adds text to the beginning of the SKU | Builds the entire SKU format |
Simple setup | More customizable |
Good for basic organization | Good for advanced tracking |
One identifier | Multiple data points in one SKU |
💡 Which One Should You Use?
Use a SKU Prefix if:
You want a simple identifier
You don't need special formatting
You want quick setup
Use a Custom SKU Template if:
You want condition codes in SKUs
You want dates, locations, or custom fields included
You need a structured SKU format for inventory management