Did you create Amazon listings with SKUs that no longer fit your system? Or maybe Amazon auto-assigned SKUs because you didn’t specify one? You might assume you can simply edit the SKU—only to be met with a frustrating little lock icon 🤕
Amazon does not allow SKU edits after listing creation. However, there’s a workaround: creating a new offer under the same ASIN and deleting the old one.
What is an ASIN?
An Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a unique identifier assigned to each product on Amazon. It helps Amazon track and manage listings, reviews, and product details. While ASIN is Amazon’s way of identifying a product, your SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is your own unique identifier for managing inventory within your system. When you change a SKU, you’re updating how you track your stock, but the ASIN remains the same since it identifies the product on Amazon’s platform.
Why can’t you change an Amazon SKU?
On Amazon, each Seller SKU uniquely identifies a specific offer and submission. Because of this, Amazon does not allow modifications. Instead, you must create a new offer with the new SKU assigned to it and remove the old one.
Managing FBA Inventory
If you have FBA stock under the old SKU, sell through it first or create a removal order before deleting the listing.
Step-by-step guide to “change” a SKU on Amazon
1️⃣ Go to Amazon Seller Central → Inventory → Manage Inventory
- Find the listing with the SKU you want to change.
2️⃣ Click on the Three Dots Menu
- This opens a list of options.
3️⃣ Click on 'Add another condition'
- This allows you to create a new offer linked to the same ASIN
ALTERNATIVELY, if accessing from the Amazon front end:
1️⃣ Find the existing product listing on Amazon
2️⃣ Click on 'Sell on Amazon'
- This allows you to create a new offer linked to the same ASIN.
4️⃣ Enter a New SKU & Complete Offer Details
- Ensure the price, condition type, and fulfilment method are accurate.
5️⃣ Click ‘Save and Finish’
6️⃣ Verify the New Listing
- Before deleting the old listing with incorrect SKU, check that all description details, bullet points, and attributes are intact.
Re-label your inventory: If applicable, remember to print new SKU labels for Amazon inventory.
7️⃣ Delete the Old Listing with the incorrect SKU
- Once everything is verified, select the checkbox next to the listing with the incorrect SKU that you want to delete.
- Click Delete Product and Listing.
Wait at least 24-48 hours to allow Amazon’s system to fully process the deletion.
FAQs
Will Product Attributes transfer to the new SKU?
Yes, product attributes are linked to the ASIN, not the SKU. As long as you list under the same ASIN, attributes should remain intact.
Will Customer Reviews transfer to the new SKU?
Yes, reviews are also linked to the ASIN, not the SKU. As long as you list under the same ASIN, reviews will remain intact.
Can you merge SKUs?
No, Amazon does not allow merging SKUs. However, you can create a new SKU under the same ASIN and delete the old one.
What if I encounter issues?
- If you encounter the error "SKU is already in use in your catalog" : Ensure the old listing with the old SKU is fully deleted. Request a Category Listing Report from Seller Support if needed.
- If you encounter the error "Merchant SKU already exists. Merchant SKUs cannot be reused": SKUs cannot be reused across FBA and FBM for the same ASIN. Each listing for different fulfilment methods require a unique SKU.
So how should you manage SKUs for dual fulfilment on Amazon?
Read more about Amazon SKUs for FBA vs FBM in our blog here.
- If you have FBA inventory stored at an Amazon fulfilment center, it should be noted that you cannot have two active FBA offers for the same ASIN. Before switching to a new SKU, you must either sell through all existing inventory (i.e., keep the old listing active until all stock is sold) or create a removal order to retrieve of the remaining stock. Once the old inventory is cleared, you can proceed with creating a new listing for the product under the new SKU.
Final Thoughts
Since Amazon does not allow SKUs to be edited, the only way to “change” a SKU is to create a new offer under the same ASIN and delete the old one. While this may seem tedious, following this method ensures minimal disruption while aligning your SKUs with your inventory management system 🚀
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