Changing product SKUs is not something we advise. SKUs serve as identifiers for products across various database tables. Altering them could potentially lead to the loss of records linked to the SKU, especially in accounting integrations. The process of changing a SKU is akin to deleting SKUs.
When you try to change a SKU on a product, a specific message will appear. (Refer to the image below)
Potential Issues with Changing SKUs
- POS syncing might break depending on the timing of the SKU change and POS syncing before new orders are placed.
- Historical data reporting could be affected. Sales reports will be based off the previous SKU.
- Stock discrepancies might occur due to any committed orders being unlinked from the previous SKU.
- The SKU gets unlinked from past sales orders. This could cause issues for customers attempting to repurchase the same item.
- Syncing issues might arise with Amazon/Catch/eBay as well as any additional API integration.
- Accounting integration syncs can break due to disrupted data.
- Search ranking (SEO) can be affected.
Recommended Approach
Instead of changing SKUs, we recommend cloning the existing product and creating a new product for the updated SKU. You can refer to the guide on how to Clone a Product: Add and Manage Products > Clone Products.
You can also use a custom product field to enter the previous and new SKUs as a reference.
If you still decide to change SKUs, it must be done individually through the Control Panel, as there is no bulk option available.
Deleting Products
If you are using Maropost Commerce Cloud Inventory, you will NOT be able to delete products. Deleting products is permanent and can lead to issues with orders, reporting as well as accounting and eBay integrations. It is advised that products are made Inactive where possible.
We recommend against using the import function for deletion. Accidental deletion can occur, and recovering data through a database job may be necessary. This additional step can incur a cost and is billable.
You can delete the product via an import. Use the Import Product Wizard > Field “Delete Product If Yes”. Please note if ‘Yes’ is imported, this product will be scheduled to be deleted. The process to delete the flagged products runs by default at 4am.
