Within Thrive, the key difference is simple:
Barcodes can be reused across multiple variants
SKUs must always be unique
Because each integration handles these fields differently, Thrive requires unique SKUs to keep inventory organized and syncing properly.
Additionally, every product uploaded to Thrive must have a unique SKU to avoid upload errors and maintain accurate inventory records.
From Edit Products Page:
Creating SKUs and Barcodes
You can generate a SKU and Barcode for any variant that doesn't already have one right in the SKU field in the Produce Details page under the Identification section.
Otherwise, there's a bulk task where you can assign a unique SKU to any product in your inventory without a SKU or Barcode. Both of those options are outlined here for SKUs and Barcodes.
What is a Visible Barcode?
A visible barcode is the graphical representation of a number.
When printing a tag or label (from the SKU or Barcode field) it will end up looking like the scannable "barcode" you are used to seeing below:
Note: The Barcode and SKUs fields can be different, but in the above example, whether you are printing from the SKU or Barcode field, the result is the same.
Print a SKU/barcode (Tags or Labels)
Thrive provides you with pre-formatted PDF files for you to print out scannable barcodes.
Read more about supported printers, compatible sizes, supported SKU/Barcode formats, and label examples here:
Integration Specific Support
Each integration handles these a little differently.
BigCommerce: supports SKU and barcode
Clover**: supports SKU and barcode
Square: supports SKU only
Shopify*: supports SKU and barcode
WooCommerce: supports SKU only
*Only the Barcode can be scanned at the Shopify POS.
**Our barcode will map to the "Product Code" in Clover.
If your provider doesn't support a field, you can still use it internally in Thrive. Both SKUs and Barcodes are optional.
BONUS: These fields also enable you to track commissions or serial numbers!
General Rules for Product Naming
To avoid errors and keep uploads clean:
Simple Products
Each simple product must have a unique product name
Duplicate names are not allowed unless variants or attributes are used
Products with Attributes or Variants
Products can share the same name
Variants should be grouped under that shared product name
Following these tips helps streamline bulk uploads and reduce data issues
Things to Note:
Each variant can have one SKU and one Barcode
SKUs must be unique per variant
Barcodes can be reused across variants
Simple products must have unique names
Products with variants or attributes can share names when properly grouped