Alternative SKUs allow multiple product listings to share inventory with one primary SKU. This is useful when the same physical product is sold under different SKUs across sales channels, marketplaces, bundles, or product listings.
How Alternative SKUs Work
One SKU is designated as the primary SKU. This is the SKU under which the physical inventory is received, stored, and tracked.
Each alternative SKU is configured as a kit containing:
One unit of the master SKU
No independent inventory of its own
When an order is placed for an alternative SKU, the primary SKU is added to the order and inventory is deducted from the primary SKU.
Example
SKU | Configuration | Inventory |
| Primary SKU | Inventory is stored here |
| Kit containing 1 × | No separate inventory |
| Kit containing 1 × | No separate inventory |
All three listings represent the same physical product and draw from the inventory recorded under SHIRT-BLACK-M.
Before You Begin
Confirm the following:
The primary SKU and alternative SKUs already exist in the inventory page.
All SKUs represent the exact same physical product.
The master SKU is the SKU under which inventory will be received and stored.
The alternative SKUs do not have inventory assigned to them.
If an alternative SKU already has inventory, open orders, or a different kit configuration, please contact ShipTop Support before making changes.
Creating an Alternative SKU
Navigate to Inventory > Products and locate the SKU you want to use as an alternative SKU.
Open the alternative SKU’s product page.
Search for the primary SKU under Kit Components.
Once configured, orders containing an alternative SKU will deduct inventory from the master SKU automatically.
Scroll back to the top-left of the page.
Click the pencil icon to edit the product details.
Scroll Down In the pop-up window
Check the box for (Build Kit) Break the components of this kit into separate line items on an order.
Important Considerations
Only the primary SKU will have physical inventory
The alternative SKU (ie. Build Kit SKU) will only display the inventory levels from the primary SKU.
If you need help setting up or reviewing alternative SKUs, contact [email protected].