Free SKU generator for resellers
Create a clean, consistent SKU for every item you flip. Pick a format like PF-0001, then copy the batch or download an import-ready CSV — no signup, no limits.
The CSV uses sku, name, cost columns so it imports straight into a spreadsheet — or into PalmFlow in one click.
How to use the SKU generator
- Pick a format. Sequential numbers, dated codes, category groups, or short random codes.
- Set your prefix. Your initials or store name keep every code recognizably yours.
- Choose how many you need, then copy the batch or download the CSV.
What is a SKU, and why do resellers need one?
A SKU — stock keeping unit — is a short code you assign to each item so you can find it, label it, and match it back to what you paid. A barcode or UPC comes from the manufacturer; a SKU is yours to design. For resellers sourcing from thrift stores, estate sales, and pallets, a clean SKU system is the difference between knowing your real profit per item and guessing at it.
How to build a SKU system that lasts
The best SKU format is boring and consistent. Start with a short prefix, add a running number or the intake date, and keep the total length readable on a label. A few rules keep you out of trouble as your inventory grows:
- Keep it short. Six to ten characters reads fast and prints small.
- Skip ambiguous characters. 0/O and 1/I/L get mis-keyed and mis-scanned — this tool leaves them out of random codes.
- Don’t encode volatile data. Price, condition, and location change; your SKU shouldn’t.
- Pad your numbers. 0001 sorts correctly next to 0042; 1 and 42 don’t.
- Be consistent. One format across your whole catalog beats a clever format you abandon.
Frequently asked questions
What is a SKU?
A SKU (stock keeping unit) is a short code you assign to an item so you can track it across your inventory, listings, and sales. Unlike a UPC or barcode set by the manufacturer, a SKU is yours — you choose the format. Resellers use SKUs to find an item on a shelf, match a sale back to its cost, and print scannable labels.
How do I create SKUs for reselling?
Pick a consistent format and stick to it. Most resellers use a short prefix (their initials or store name), then either a running number, the intake date, or a category code. This free generator builds that batch for you — set a prefix, choose a style, and copy or download as many as you need.
What makes a good SKU format?
Keep it short, consistent, and human-readable. Avoid characters that are easy to confuse on a printed label (0 vs O, 1 vs I vs L). Don't encode information that changes, like price or condition. A good SKU is unique, sortable, and quick to read out loud.
Should SKUs be sequential or random?
Sequential SKUs (PF-0001, PF-0002) are simple and sort in intake order, which is great for solo resellers. Random short codes (PF-4X7Q2) avoid collisions if multiple people add items at once and don't reveal how many items you've listed. Both work — pick one and be consistent.
How many digits should a SKU have?
Pad your number to as many digits as the largest inventory you expect. Four digits (0001–9999) covers most reseller catalogs and keeps codes sorting correctly. If you flip tens of thousands of items a year, use five or six.
Can I use these SKUs on eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari?
Yes. A SKU is your internal code, so it works on any marketplace. On eBay you can add it as the custom label; on other platforms you keep it in your own records and on the item's label. It's the thread that ties a listing back to your cost and profit.
Is this SKU generator really free?
Yes — no signup, no limits, and nothing to install. Generate as many SKUs as you need and copy or download them. PalmFlow makes the free tools resellers actually use; the paid product assigns SKUs automatically and prints the barcode labels.
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