For one-off clothing, give each physical item a unique stock number and record its storage location separately. Use that same item reference when tracking its eBay and Depop listings. Two adverts for one jacket still represent one jacket.
A tub number tells you where to look. A SKU tells you which item you are looking for. If your current tub system works, keep it; add individual numbers when similar items or growing stock make identification difficult.
Choose a stock number you can keep using
Start with a simple sequence such as LA-00001, LA-00002 and LA-00003. These are suggested internal references, not codes required by either marketplace.
Give two similar black jumpers different numbers. Avoid building size, colour, asking price or marketplace into the code: those details can change, and a long code creates more opportunities for typing errors.
Keep leading zeros by formatting the stock-number column as text in your spreadsheet. Never reuse an old number for a newly sourced item. Keeping the original reference makes old orders and returns easier to trace.
Separate identity, location and availability
One row per physical garment is a useful starting point. Store the marketplace adverts as separate fields in that row.
| Stock number | Item | Location | Availability | eBay URL | Depop URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA-00001 | Blue denim jacket, size M | Tub 03 | Available | Paste actual URL | Paste actual URL |
| LA-00002 | Black wool jumper, size L | Cleaning area | Not ready | Leave blank | Leave blank |
| LA-00003 | Floral dress, size 12 | Dispatch shelf | Sold | Retain order reference | Check advert ended |
These are illustrative records. Use your actual listing links and choose status names that make sense to you. Moving LA-00001 from Tub 03 to Tub 08 changes its location, not its identity.
For the physical setup, use the beginner’s storage guide. For matching existing marketplace records, use the inventory reconciliation checklist.
Assign the number before taking listing photos
Work through one item at a time:
- Inspect the garment and assign its stock number.
- Create the matching stock-sheet row.
- Keep a removable reference card beside it while photographing and measuring.
- Label its storage bag or hanger without marking the garment.
- Record its location when it goes into listed stock.
An internal reference photo can help separate similar garments in your camera roll. Keep that photo out of the buyer-facing photo set if it adds clutter. Avoid attaching adhesive labels directly to delicate fabric or leather.
Use marketplace references without assuming they synchronise
Where your eBay listing workflow provides a custom label or SKU field, use your item reference consistently. eBay’s Seller Hub reports documentation discusses SKU and custom-label inventory; the tools available depend on your account and selling plan.
Keep your own stock record even when a marketplace has a suitable field. Do not assume an internal field is transferred to Depop, displayed in an order, or used to establish a Listalong link. Confirm the actual listing URLs and physical item.
Listalong can help cross-list between eBay and Depop. Your stock number supports the physical picking routine; it does not replace checking the linked marketplace records.
Check the garment when an order arrives
Open the order, identify its stock reference and retrieve the recorded location. Compare the garment against the sold listing’s label, size, colour and distinguishing details before packing.
If the bag number and garment disagree, stop and resolve the mismatch. A correct bag label does not prove the correct item is inside.
Move the item to a dispatch area and update availability. For cross-listed stock, also check that the matching advert is no longer available. Keep the completed record rather than deleting it immediately.
Keep the same reference for a returned item
A returned jacket is still the original physical jacket. Retain its stock number, inspect its condition and update its location. Decide whether it is ready to sell again only after checking what actually came back.
Record any new listing URL beside the historical reference so you can distinguish a replacement advert from an older one. Follow the returns and cancellations checklist before making the item available again.
Put the SKU system to work: our free reseller inventory spreadsheet keeps each item, bin and marketplace link on one row and tracks what remains after postage, fees and returns.
Start with one manageable batch
You do not need to renumber the whole shop in an afternoon. Trial the system on ten new items, then find each one using only the stock sheet. Fix unclear handwriting, missing locations or duplicate numbers before expanding.
Prepared 4 November 2026. This is a suggested manual system for individual resale items. Multi-quantity products and variants may need a different stock structure.
Frequently asked questions
What is a SKU for a clothing reseller?
A SKU is a stock-keeping unit reference. For one-off second-hand clothing, assign each physical garment its own stock number so similar items remain distinguishable.
Should a SKU include the storage tub number?
It can, but keeping the permanent item number and current storage location in separate fields makes moving stock easier. Update the location when the item moves.
Do I need a barcode printer to start?
No. A legible stock number on a removable bag label and a matching spreadsheet row can be enough for a small resale operation.