ACBUY: Mastering SKU-Level Performance Tracking Across Orders
A Data-Driven Guide to Optimize Your Inventory Selection
In today's competitive e-commerce and retail landscape, success hinges on moving beyond simple order volume metrics. To truly optimize profitability and customer satisfaction, you must dive deeper. Tracking performance at the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) level across multiple ordersitem popularity, quality control (QC) success rate, and refund frequency. This guide outlines a systematic approach to SKU analytics.
The Three Pillars of SKU Performance
1. Item Popularity (Demand Analysis)
This measures the sales velocity and consistent demand for a specific SKU.
- Metrics to Track:
- Data Source:
- Goal:
- Data Source:
2. QC Success Rate (Quality Integrity)
This tracks the percentage of units that pass your predefined quality control checks upon receipt from suppliers.
- Metrics to Track:
- Data Source:
- Goal:
- Data Source:
3. Refund & Return Frequency (Customer Satisfaction)
This indicates the rate at which customers return or refund a specific SKU, a direct signal of problems.
- Metrics to Track:
- Data Source:
- Goal:
- Data Source:
How to Implement Cross-Order SKU Tracking
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Centralize Your Data
Aggregate data from all channels (Amazon, Shopify, wholesale orders) into a single database or dashboard. Ensure each record is tagged with a unique SKU identifier.
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Create a Master SKU Performance Dashboard
Build a table or report that lists every SKU with columns for the key metrics across all three pillars. For example:
SKU Units Sold (30d) QC Pass Rate Refund Rate Overall Score WB-2024-BLK-S 450 98% 2% Excellent WB-2024-RED-M 210 85% 15% Review -
Analyze Correlations
Look for patterns. A popular item with a high refund rate is a major red flag. A moderately popular item with a 99% QC pass rate and low refunds is a reliable staple.
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Take Action & Optimize
Use your insights to make informed decisions:
- Increase stock
- Investigate & renegotiate
- Revise listings or improve quality
- Discontinue
- Investigate & renegotiate
- Increase stock