How SKU codes work

Your SKU code is the primary identifier Carpe Inventory IQ uses to track a product across every sales channel. It links your orders, inventory, costs, and reorder math to one record. This page explains how codes are matched — especially how capitalization is handled.

Capitalization never creates a duplicate

Carpe Inventory IQ treats SKU codes the same whether you type them in capitals or lowercase. WIDGET-100 and widget-100 are the same SKU — not two:

Creating a SKU whose code matches an existing one in any casing is blocked, with a message pointing to the existing code.
Importing a spreadsheet row with a different capitalization updates the existing SKU instead of creating a new one.
When a marketplace listing comes in, its Seller SKU matches your code regardless of capitalization.

Your exact casing is preserved

Matching ignores capitalization, but Carpe Inventory IQ stores your code exactly as you typed it. If you created Widget-100, it stays Widget-100 on every screen and export — and it isn't rewritten when a channel sends a different capitalization. That matters because your SKU code is often the same code you use as your Seller SKU on Amazon or Walmart.

Good SKU code habits

Keep it short and machine-friendly — letters, numbers, and dashes (e.g. WIDGET-100, GADGET-200-RED).
Pick one style and stay consistent. Capitalization won't fork your catalog, but a consistent style keeps your lists tidy.
Don't rename a SKU lightly — each channel maps its own code to your primary SKU.