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Stock organisation

How to organise product photos with SKUs and stock locations

3 min read

Two similar items can look almost the same in photos. A short stock code helps you tell them apart from the first picture to the final sale.

That code is often called a SKU. You do not need a complex system: you need a unique code you can read, search and put on the item.

Choose a code you can keep using

Try a short category and a number, such as CAM-001 or GAME-014. Give separate physical items separate codes, even if they have the same model number.

A model number describes a product type. Your SKU identifies your particular item. Two cameras of the same model may have different marks, accessories and prices.

  • Keep the code short and easy to type.
  • Use the same style each time.
  • Do not reuse a code while old listings or records could cause confusion.
  • Put the code on a removable label, bag or storage box.

Keep the location in its own field

A stock location tells you where the item is, such as Shelf B2 or Box 7. The SKU tells you which item it is. Keep these separate so moving an item does not mean renaming it.

For example, GAME-014 can move from Shelf A1 to Shelf C3. Its photos and listing still use GAME-014. You only change the location record.

Attach the code to the photo group

  1. Create a group for one product in PicToPC.
  2. Add its title and SKU.
  3. Keep all its angles, labels and fault photos in that group.
  4. Record the stock location and any useful internal notes.
  5. Save and check the details before you photograph the next item.

Use a title that a person can understand as well as a code. “Black desk lamp” is easier to check at a glance than a number alone.

Know which details buyers can see

A private field on one marketplace may be public text on another. For Craigslist and Gumtree, PicToPC can place the SKU at the bottom of the description. Buyers can see it there.

Use a neutral code without personal information. Keep private notes and shelf locations away from public sales text. Read the final draft to check what has been copied.

Use the same code when working with a VA

Ask your VA to include the SKU in their work list and the eBay draft where appropriate. Then a message like “Please check GAME-014” points to one item.

Agree on a few clear work states, such as Ready, Draft made and Checked. The owner should confirm the listing and update the stock record. This avoids relying on memory or long message threads.

Check the item again before sending it

When it sells, match the listing SKU to the label on the physical item. Check the photos and included parts before packing.

A good stock system stays simple enough to use every day. Add more fields only when they solve a real problem in your workflow.

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