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Creating SKUs

There are multiple ways to create SKUs in Tether, from adding individual products to generating hundreds of variants at once. This guide covers all creation methods.
Creating SKUs requires Admin access. Sales Rep users can only view existing SKUs.

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Creating a Single SKU

The most straightforward way to add a product:
1

Open the Create SKU Dialog

  1. Navigate to SKUs in the sidebar
  2. Click the Create SKU button in the top-right
2

Enter Basic Information

Fill in the required fields:
FieldRequiredDescription
NameYesDisplay name for the SKU
SKU CodeYesUnique identifier (must be unique)
TypeYesSelect the appropriate SKU type
CollectionYesParent collection for the SKU
Unit of MeasurementYesDefault unit for tracking this SKU (e.g., “Each”, “Yard”, “Kg”)
UPCNoUniversal Product Code
Amazon IDNoAmazon ASIN identifier
3

Add Dimension Values (if applicable)

If you selected a collection with dimensions:
  • Select the appropriate value for each dimension
  • Example: Size = “Medium”, Color = “Blue”
4

Save the SKU

Click Save to create the SKU. It will appear in your SKU list immediately.

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Using the SKU Generator

For products with multiple variants (size/color combinations, etc.), the SKU Generator can create all combinations automatically.

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Prerequisites

Before using the SKU Generator:
  1. Create a collection for your products
  2. Set up dimensions with values (Size: S, M, L, XL; Color: Red, Blue, Black)

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Generating SKUs

1

Open the Collection

Navigate to your collection and go to the SKUs tab
2

Launch the SKU Generator

Click the SKU Generator button
3

Configure the Generator

Naming Template Define how SKU names will be generated:
  • Use placeholders: {collection} - {Size} - {Color}
  • Example result: “T-Shirts - Medium - Blue”
SKU Code Template Define the code format:
  • Example: {collection_code}-{Size}-{Color}
  • Result: “TSH-M-BLU”
4

Select Dimension Values

Check which dimension values to include:
Size:
☑ Small
☑ Medium
☑ Large
☐ XL (excluded)

Color:
☑ Red
☑ Blue
☑ Black
This would generate 9 SKUs (3 sizes × 3 colors)
5

Preview and Generate

  • Review the preview of SKUs to be created
  • Click Generate to create all SKUs
  • SKUs are created immediately
The SKU Generator is ideal when launching new product lines with many variants. It ensures consistent naming and coding across all variants.

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Batch Creation from Import

For large-scale SKU creation, you can import from a spreadsheet:
1

Prepare Your Data

Create a CSV or Excel file with columns:
  • name (required)
  • sku_code (required)
  • type (required)
  • collection_id or collection_name
  • upc
  • Dimension columns as needed
2

Navigate to Import

Go to Integrations → Create Integration → SKU Import
3

Upload and Map Fields

  • Upload your file
  • Map columns to Tether fields
  • Review the preview
4

Execute Import

Click Import to create all SKUs

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SKU Type Selection Guide

Choosing the right SKU type is important for accurate inventory and forecasting:
Use when: The product is sold directly to customersExamples:
  • Apparel items
  • Consumer electronics
  • Any retail product
Characteristics:
  • Has demand forecasts
  • Tracked in sellable inventory
  • Available on channels
Use when: The product is a variation of a base product based on dimensionsExamples:
  • “T-Shirt - Blue - Medium” (variant of base T-Shirt)
  • “Running Shoe - Size 10 - Black”
Characteristics:
  • Generated from dimension combinations (Size, Color, etc.)
  • Inherits properties from parent collection
  • Each variant is a distinct sellable product
Use when: The item is purchased and used in other productsExamples:
  • Raw materials (fabric, ingredients)
  • Packaging materials (boxes, bags, labels)
  • Parts (buttons, screws, straps)
Characteristics:
  • Always purchased, never produced
  • Used in Bills of Materials (BOM)
  • Ordered from suppliers
  • Consumed during production or assembly
Use when: Multiple products are physically packaged togetherExamples:
  • Gift sets
  • Starter kits
  • Multi-packs
Characteristics:
  • Contains other SKUs
  • Inventory is assembled
  • Component inventory is consumed
Use when: Products are assembled on-demand at fulfillment timeExamples:
  • Build-your-own kits
  • Made-to-order bundles
Characteristics:
  • Components are picked at order time
  • No pre-assembled inventory
Use when: Products are sold together but not physically assembledExamples:
  • “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” promotions
  • Logical product groupings
Characteristics:
  • No physical inventory
  • Components shipped separately

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Required vs. Optional Fields

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Required Fields

FieldDescription
NameDisplay name shown throughout Tether
SKU CodeMust be unique across your organization
TypeDetermines how the SKU behaves
CollectionParent collection that defines available dimensions and shared settings
Unit of MeasurementDefault unit used for tracking inventory and transactions
FieldWhy It’s Useful
UPCRequired for retail channels and barcode scanning
DimensionsPowers filtering and reporting

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Optional Fields

FieldUse Case
Amazon IDRequired for Amazon integration
DescriptionInternal notes and details
Custom FieldsOrganization-specific data

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Validation Rules

When creating SKUs, Tether validates:
  • SKU Code uniqueness: No duplicates allowed
  • Required fields: Name, code, type, collection, and unit of measurement must be provided
  • Dimension consistency: Values must exist in the collection’s dimensions
  • Format requirements: Codes cannot contain certain special characters
If a SKU code already exists, you’ll see an error. Each SKU code must be unique across your entire organization.

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After Creating SKUs

Once SKUs are created, you’ll typically want to:
  1. Set up inventory - Configure initial inventory levels
  2. Add suppliers - Link suppliers who provide the product
  3. Configure pricing - Set up channel-specific pricing
  4. Enable on channels - Make SKUs available for sale

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Next Steps

Editing SKUs

Learn how to modify SKU information

Collections

Organize SKUs into collections

Dimensions

Configure product dimensions

Suppliers

Add supplier information for SKUs