If you’re running an eCommerce store on Shopify, you already know how important it is to keep track of your products. But as your inventory grows, manually managing SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) and barcodes can become a nightmare. That’s where Shopify apps come in.
So, what are the best apps for managing SKUs and barcodes in Shopify? This post will break down 11 of the top options that can help you streamline your inventory, speed up your operations, and eliminate errors. Whether you’re a store owner, an eCommerce agency, or a Shopify developer, we’ve got something here for you.
Keep reading to explore which app fits your needs, from small stores to those managing thousands of products, and how they can simplify your workflow. We’ll cover each app’s key features, pricing, and the type of store or operation it’s best suited for.
Shopify POS (Point of Sale) powers over 100,000 merchants worldwide.( Source )
Why Shopify Store Owners Need SKU and Barcode Apps
Managing inventory can quickly become overwhelming for Shopify store owners, especially when products come in various sizes, colors, or models. SKUs and barcodes make it easier to organize and track your inventory, but handling them manually can lead to mistakes, wasted time, and frustration.
That’s where Shopify SKU and barcode apps come into play. These apps are designed to automate the creation and management of SKUs and barcodes, saving you from the headache of doing everything manually. They also ensure consistency across your product catalog, which helps reduce human error, and they can streamline your entire workflow.
Here’s why using an SKU and barcode app is essential:
- Improved accuracy: Eliminate manual errors when creating and managing product SKUs and barcodes.
- Faster operations: Automate the generation and assignment of SKUs and barcodes, saving time on inventory management.
- Better organization: Keep your product catalog organized and easy to navigate for you and your team.
- Scalability: As your store grows, these apps allow you to scale without needing to manually update or generate thousands of SKUs or barcodes.
- Integration with Shopify: These apps integrate seamlessly with your Shopify store, syncing with your inventory and ensuring that everything is up to date in real-time.
For eCommerce agencies and Shopify developers, these apps also offer added value. They simplify managing multiple clients or stores, giving you more control and reducing repetitive tasks. This means more efficient workflows and happier clients.
7 Best Shopify SKU and Barcode Apps for 2024
When it comes to managing SKUs and barcodes, not all apps are created equal. Some are better suited for smaller stores, while others are packed with features for large-scale eCommerce operations or agencies managing multiple clients. Below are the 7 best apps to help you organize your inventory and streamline your operations.
1. SKU Print
Introduction: SKU Print is a fantastic app for Shopify store owners looking for an easy way to generate and print barcodes directly from their Shopify dashboard. It focuses on providing simple, customizable barcode solutions without the unnecessary complexity, making it ideal for small to medium-sized stores.
- Key Features:
- Customizable barcode templates
- Integration with Shopify’s inventory system
- Print barcode labels directly from the app
- Bulk label printing options
- Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Great for small stores that want simple barcode generation
- Customization options for labels
- Cons:
- Limited advanced features for larger stores or complex needs
- Pricing: Starts at $9.99 per month
- Best For: Small to medium-sized stores that need basic barcode printing and customization.
2. EasyScan: SKU and Barcode Scanner
Introduction: EasyScan is a powerful app for store owners who need more than just barcode generation. It helps with both SKU lookup and inventory management, making it easier to track products and fulfill orders. If you’re looking to streamline the scanning and tracking process for your inventory, this app is a great option.
- Key Features:
- Scan SKUs to search for products quickly
- Supports bulk inventory updates via barcode scanning
- Works with both barcode and QR code formats
- Compatible with multiple devices (e.g., iPads, smartphones)
- Pros:
- Simple SKU lookup by scanning
- Bulk scanning for inventory updates
- Versatile scanning options (barcode or QR code)
- Cons:
- Advanced inventory features might require a learning curve
- Pricing: Starts at $5 per month
- Best For: Stores looking for an app that combines barcode generation with inventory management and SKU lookups.
3. Multi-Label Barcodes by BurstCommerce
Introduction: Multi-Label Barcodes is an app designed for businesses that need to manage multiple product variants or categories with ease. It supports printing various barcode label formats, and its multi-label feature makes it an excellent choice for stores with diverse inventories.
- Key Features:
- Supports multiple label types and formats
- Automated SKU and barcode generation for new products
- Integration with Shopify’s inventory and order management system
- Pros:
- Automated generation of SKUs and barcodes
- Great for stores with multiple product categories or variants
- Flexible label formats
- Cons:
- May not have as much customization as other apps
- Pricing: Starts at $12 per month
- Best For: Stores with diverse product catalogs and the need for automated barcode generation.
4. Retail Barcode Labels by Shopify
Introduction: Built by Shopify itself, Retail Barcode Labels is a trusted option for Shopify store owners. This app offers a simple and intuitive way to generate and print barcode labels directly from your Shopify admin. It’s perfect for those who want a basic, reliable option without a lot of extra bells and whistles.
- Key Features:
- Automatically generates barcodes for all products
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Print labels directly from Shopify’s inventory management system
- Pros:
- Built and supported by Shopify
- Easy to use with Shopify’s admin interface
- Free to use
- Cons:
- Limited customization options for barcode designs
- Pricing: Free
- Best For: Shopify stores that want a straightforward, free solution for printing barcodes.
5. SKULabs
Introduction: SKULabs is an all-in-one app that not only generates SKUs and barcodes but also integrates inventory management and order fulfillment. It’s a robust solution for medium to large businesses that need a more advanced system for handling high-volume orders and complex inventories.
- Key Features:
- Full inventory management and order fulfillment system
- Barcode and SKU generation
- Real-time stock updates
- Multi-warehouse support
- Pros:
- Comprehensive inventory and order management features
- Great for businesses with complex, high-volume operations
- Real-time syncing with Shopify
- Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- Pricing: Starts at $299 per month
- Best For: Large stores or agencies managing multiple Shopify clients and high-volume operations
6. StockSavvy Barcode Scanning and Inventory Management
Introduction: StockSavvy is a powerful inventory management app with built-in barcode scanning features. It’s designed to help store owners who need a simple yet effective way to track stock and update inventory through barcode scanning. Ideal for businesses looking to reduce manual inventory errors.
- Key Features:
- Supports scanning barcodes to update stock
- Integrates with Shopify’s inventory system for real-time updates
- Allows for batch scanning to make stock updates faster
- Detailed reporting on stock levels and movements
- Pros:
- Great for real-time inventory updates via scanning
- Batch scanning feature speeds up stock checks
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Cons:
- Primarily focused on inventory management, so it may lack some customization for barcode label creation
- Pricing: Starts at $25 per month
- Best For: Medium-sized stores that need real-time barcode scanning to keep stock levels accurate.
7. Barcode Man: Create Barcodes, SKUs, and QR Codes
Introduction: Barcode Man is an all-in-one solution that lets you create barcodes, SKUs, and even QR codes for your Shopify products. It offers a high degree of customization and flexibility, making it a strong option for stores that want to enhance both inventory management and customer engagement through QR codes.
- Key Features:
- Generate barcodes, SKUs, and QR codes
- Customizable label templates
- Bulk print options for larger inventories
- Integration with Shopify’s inventory system
- Pros:
- Comprehensive features for barcodes, SKUs, and QR codes
- Bulk generation and printing support
- Flexible customization for labels
- Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for smaller stores that only need basic functionality
- Pricing: Starts at $9.99 per month
- Best For: Stores that need both inventory tracking and customer engagement tools like QR codes
Summary Table
| App | Best For | Key Feature | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKU Print | Small to medium-sized stores | Customizable barcode labels | $9.99/month |
| EasyScan | Inventory management and SKU lookup | Bulk inventory updates via barcode scanning | $5/month |
| Barcodes Pro | Customization and advanced printing | Custom templates for barcode labels | $14.99/month |
| Multi-Label Barcodes | Diverse product catalogs | Supports multiple label formats and SKUs | $12/month |
| Retail Barcode Labels | Basic barcode printing | Free, simple barcode creation | Free |
| SKULabs | Large, complex inventories | Full inventory and order fulfillment system | $299/month |
| QR & Barcode Label | QR codes for customer engagement | Generates both QR codes and barcodes | $7.99/month |
| StockSavvy | Real-time stock management | Barcode scanning for inventory updates | $25/month |
| Order Barcode Tags | Order fulfillment tracking | Generates barcodes for orders, not products | $10/month |
| Simple Barcode | Small stores or beginners | Basic barcode generation and printing | Free/$4.99 |
| Barcode Man | All-in-one SKU, barcode, QR solution | Bulk barcode and QR code generation | $9.99/month |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shopify SKU and Barcode App
Choosing the right SKU and barcode app for your Shopify store can make all the difference in how smoothly your inventory management runs. But with so many apps available, it’s essential to know what to look for to ensure you’re getting the right fit. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Integration with Shopify Inventory System
The app you choose should seamlessly integrate with Shopify’s inventory management system. This ensures real-time updates, accurate stock levels, and easy syncing between your products and the SKU/barcode information.
2. Ease of Use
Managing inventory shouldn’t be complicated. Look for an app with a user-friendly interface that makes setting up SKUs and barcodes quick and easy, even if you have no technical experience. Features like bulk uploading and editing can be helpful when managing a large product catalog.
3. Customization Options
Every store has different needs, so customization is important. You may want the ability to customize your barcodes or SKU formats to fit your brand or specific product categorization system. Some apps offer pre-designed templates, while others let you create your own designs and labels.
4. Pricing and Scalability
Pricing is always a factor, especially for smaller stores or agencies managing multiple clients. Check if the app fits within your budget and whether the pricing structure scales with your business. Some apps have a flat rate, while others charge based on the number of SKUs or products.
5. Automation Features
Automation is one of the biggest advantages of these apps. Look for options that can automatically generate SKUs for new products, bulk edit SKUs, or print barcode labels in batches. This will save you time and minimize manual entry errors.
6. Support and Reliability
A reliable app with solid customer support is a must. Make sure the app you choose has good reviews for uptime and support responsiveness. This is especially important for developers or agencies managing multiple stores, as downtime or bugs can cause disruptions across clients.
7. API Access
For developers or larger businesses that need a custom setup, API access may be a crucial feature. This allows for deeper customization and integration with other tools or systems that you use for inventory management.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose an app that not only works for your current needs but also scales as your business grows.
How These Apps Improve Inventory Management
Managing inventory effectively is crucial for any eCommerce business, and using Shopify SKU and barcode apps can significantly streamline this process. Here’s how these apps make life easier for Shopify store owners, developers, and agencies:
1. Eliminating Manual Errors
Manually entering SKUs or barcodes can lead to errors, especially if you have hundreds or thousands of products. By automating this process with a barcode or SKU app, you reduce the chance of mistakes like duplicate SKUs, missing barcodes, or wrong product codes. This keeps your inventory organized and accurate, ensuring you never sell an item that’s out of stock or miscategorized.
2. Faster Inventory Updates
Updating stock levels and product details manually can be time-consuming, particularly for large inventories. With apps like EasyScan or StockSavvy, you can scan barcodes to update stock in real-time, cutting down on the time it takes to manage your inventory. This is especially beneficial for high-volume stores that need to update inventory quickly and accurately.
3. Better Organization with Custom SKUs
Apps like SKU Print and Barcodes Pro allow you to customize your SKU formats. This means you can organize products based on specific characteristics, like size, color, or collection, which makes it easier to find and manage items. Custom SKUs also make it simpler for your team to track products when fulfilling orders.
4. Scalability as Your Store Grows
As your store expands, managing inventory manually becomes even more challenging. Apps like SKULabs offer scalable solutions that grow with your business, handling multi-warehouse operations, real-time syncing, and bulk SKU or barcode generation. This ensures you stay organized and efficient, even as your product range increases.
5. Streamlined Order Fulfillment
Some apps, like Order Barcode Tags, focus on simplifying the fulfillment process. By generating barcodes for orders, these apps allow you to scan and track each order throughout the fulfillment process, ensuring that nothing gets lost or delayed. This improves overall operational efficiency and enhances the customer experience by ensuring timely deliveries.
6. Integration with Shopify for Seamless Operations
Since these apps integrate directly with Shopify, you don’t need to worry about syncing issues between your store’s inventory and the app. This ensures that your inventory levels are always up to date, and you can print barcodes or update SKUs right from your Shopify dashboard without having to rely on multiple tools or platforms.
By using the right app, you not only save time but also ensure that your inventory is more accurate, organized, and ready to scale as your business grows.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SKU and barcode app for your Shopify store can make a huge difference in how efficiently you manage your inventory and orders. Whether you’re a small business owner looking for a simple barcode solution, an eCommerce agency juggling multiple clients, or a Shopify developer building advanced inventory systems, there’s an app out there to meet your needs.
From the simplicity of Retail Barcode Labels for beginners, to the robust features of SKULabs for larger businesses, each app in this list offers unique solutions for different business sizes and requirements. Automating SKU generation, customizing barcodes, and streamlining order fulfillment are just a few of the ways these apps can help you improve accuracy, reduce manual tasks, and scale your business.
So, which app is best for you? That depends on your store’s size, product range, and specific needs. Try out a few options from this list and see which one aligns with your workflow. With the right app, you can transform the way you handle inventory, save time, and focus more on growing your business.
FAQs
What is an SKU, and why is it important for my Shopify store?
An SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique identifier assigned to each product in your inventory. It helps store owners organize products, track inventory levels, and manage orders more efficiently. SKUs are essential for both small and large stores, especially when managing a wide range of products.
Can these apps integrate with other platforms or inventory management systems?
Most of these apps are designed to integrate seamlessly with Shopify’s inventory system. Some, like SKULabs, offer integration with other platforms and even multi-warehouse support, making them suitable for larger operations or businesses that manage inventory across multiple sales channels.
How easy is it to customize barcode labels with these apps?
Apps like Barcodes Pro and SKU Print offer extensive customization options for barcode labels, allowing you to modify templates, label sizes, and formatting. Other apps, like Retail Barcode Labels, are more basic and may not offer as much flexibility in design.
Which app is best for large eCommerce stores with thousands of SKUs?
For large stores, apps like SKULabs or StockSavvy are ideal because they offer advanced inventory management features, such as real-time stock updates, multi-warehouse support, and bulk SKU generation.
Are these apps suitable for small Shopify stores?
Yes, apps like Simple Barcode and Retail Barcode Labels are great options for small Shopify stores. They are easy to use, affordable (or free), and offer the essential barcode generation and inventory management features you need to get started.
Can I manage multiple stores with these apps?
Some apps, such as SKULabs, are built to handle multiple stores or warehouses. If you’re an agency managing several Shopify clients, these apps can help you track and manage inventory across different accounts.
