SKUWorks Guides
Practical guides and best practices for product ops: barcodes, labels, design files, and purchase orders.
Featured guides
Which Barcode Should I Use?
EAN-13 vs UPC-A vs ITF-14 vs GS1-128: choose the right barcode for retail units, cartons, or logistics.
Read guideCarton Barcodes: ITF-14 vs GS1-128 (and When SSCC Matters)
ITF-14 vs GS1-128 for cartons: when to use each, what SSCC is, and common mistakes that cause rejected deliveries.
Read guideBarcode Size Guide
Safe print sizes for EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, ITF-14, GS1-128, and QR codes. Quiet zones and troubleshooting.
Read guidePurchase Order Basics
What should be on every PO, common mistakes to avoid, and how to treat POs as structured data for smoother production and fewer disputes.
Read guideGTINs Explained
GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14: when each is used. GS1 standards, official barcodes, and global best practice.
Read guideGS1-128 vs Code 128: What's the Difference?
Code 128 vs GS1-128: when to use each, key differences, Application Identifiers, and practical examples for cartons, pallets, and internal workflows.
Read guideLatest posts
Master Carton Labelling Guide (Retail + 3PL + Warehouse)
Outer vs inner carton labels, ITF-14 placement, SSCC pallet labels, retailer requirements, and common rejection reasons — so your goods move smoothly from factory to retail.
Read moreHow to Structure SKUs Properly (Before You Print Anything)
Internal SKU logic, variants, carton multiples, GTIN hierarchy — structure your SKUs strategically before printing packaging, labels or barcodes, or pay for reprints later.
Read moreOuter vs Inner Carton Labels Explained
Outer vs inner carton labels, what goes on each, barcode types, common mistakes — so you avoid delivery rejections, warehouse delays, and chargebacks.
Read moreDo I Need a Barcode for Amazon FBA? (FNSKU vs EAN/UPC Explained)
FNSKU vs manufacturer barcode, when Amazon relabels, carton labelling, GTIN exemptions — so you can ship to FBA without delays, extra fees, or stranded inventory.
Read moreHow to Get a GS1 Barcode (Step-by-Step Guide for Brands & Founders)
A step-by-step guide to getting legitimate GS1 barcodes: company prefixes vs single GTINs, costs (UK, US, EU), and common beginner mistakes that can damage your brand.
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