How do you feel about product codes?

[Former_Member]

Hey ya'll! I use product codes to keep track of which product is which and what materials were used. When I sell something I have to do a bunch of cross referencing to find the code so I can locate the item in my inventory. I'd love o be able to see the code on the sales receipt I print out, but the only way to do that is to write it in the title.

While this would make thigs easier for me, it would look weird to buyers. My codes look like this: SV.MC.45.R7.2. What would you think if you saw this in a title? Additionally, would it effect SEO?

[Former_Member]

Personally, I don't think I would respond well, it would almost make me feel like I was purchasing from a larger company or corporation, which conflicts with my reasoning for shopping here. So even though it wouldn't be true, that's what impression it would leave me with as a buyer.

[rusticcraftdesign]

That Code is kinda long for the title....

I use a simple number for my code in the title.

How about the first line in the description? Or a shortened version in the title?

[WickedWalls]

A very good idea IMO, in that you can keep track of stock, and each item is immediately identifiable to you

I do the same on the other e -site and put the product code (#D26 or whatever) at the end of the title
Dosen't look odd nor would it be searched- so no effect on SEO

Here I have assigned a Product Name and Colour to each listing
By doing this it also serves another purpose:

I have 5 different floral designs of fabric which all have say Red White and Blue

To me this is great when buyers ask me questions about a specific listing (and there is no photo attatched) I ask them to give me the Code or Product Name

[Former_Member]

Thank you, everyone! I think I'm going to add it, but probably at the bottom of the description. My sales aren't high enough where I absolutely need it to print on the invoice, so I'll copy and paste for now. It'll be so nice to have listings and inventory on the same system!

[Former_Member]

I wouldn't put it in your title.

I put a little code for myself at the bottom of my listing. It doesn't effect anything. I don't really know if it changes anything that your code is so long, mine is just a letter and number.

[Former_Member]

As for me, I don't keep track of anything. If I want to know what I sold, I just look it up in my sold section. If you have to keep track for a reason, then thats different. I do whatever it takes to make less paperwork for me. I simply list my item, no codes, sell it, send it, and thats it. On to the next item. :=]

[Former_Member]

Thank you for discussing this. I am getting ready to inventory all my supplies because I am finding that I need to purchase certain supplies over & over & I dont always remember the brand, colorway, or distributor.

[Former_Member]

Im surprise etsy doesnt have a place FOR stuff like this. my smaller stuff is stored in ziplock bags in "lots" then i write in the listing description...what lot its in.
That info is totally for me, buyer doesnt need to be seeing it.


And dont put that in your title...bottom of the listing.

[Former_Member]

Although it is probably practical, I do agree with others that it makes things seem less personal, makes me think of those big catalogue companies, not for me I am afraid. Sorry

[TheAmethystDragonfly]

I put my code down at the bottom of my description. Mine aren't so long though :P

and agreed that Etsy should give us a place for this. I mean, come on, we are running businesses here

[Former_Member]

I do agree, the bottom of the listing description would be the best place. I started using the crazy long codes because they hold all of the info for both inventory and product development. My code tells me what the product is, material used, the graphic, the color, the quantity, and where it's located in all of my inventory. I can use it to 1) find the product physically and 2) recognize which materials/colors/images I use or sell most often.

And I totally agree; Etsy should create a space for this! If the 'golden number' of listings is a minimum of 100, how do you keep track of so many unique products without a proper inventory system?!

[WickedWalls]

Its called a SKU (stock keeping unit) but any code that identifies a particular item is better than none- yep probably better on the bottom of each listing

[Former_Member]

I use Simple Start Quick books