This article explains how MSKUs (Merchant Stock Keeping Units) work in ScanPower and how you can configure an MSKU Template to automatically generate MSKUs for your items.

An MSKU is a unique identifier used by Amazon sellers to identify and manage their listings and inventory. ScanPower allows you to create MSKUs automatically using a customizable template.

⚠️ Important: MSKU Character Restrictions

Amazon does not allow commas (,) or plus signs (+) in MSKUs when using the Amazon API.

Therefore, when creating or configuring an MSKU template in ScanPower, do not use commas or plus signs in the generated MSKU.

For example:

❌ Incorrect:
2606-1,1-L15cm+B07MP6T3CM

✅ Correct:
2606-1.1-L15cm-B07MP6T3CM

We recommend using characters such as hyphens (-), periods (.), letters, and numbers instead.

Configuring the MSKU Template

You can configure the format ScanPower uses when automatically generating MSKUs from the MSKU Template section.

The template can contain regular text along with available variables. Any regular text entered in the template will be used exactly as entered.

For example, you can create a template using a combination of the item ASIN, date, condition, source, or other available information.

Available Variables

Auto Numbering

$auto
Starts at 001 and increments for every MSKU that uses this variable.

Date and Time

$date
Uses today's date in the format specified in your settings or in YYYY-MM-DD format.

$time
Uses the current time in HH:mm:ss 24-hour format.

You can also select a Date Format to control how the $date variable appears in the MSKU.

Custom Text

$custom

Allows you to enter a custom value that will be substituted when the MSKU template contains the $custom variable.

Item Data Variables

You can also use information related to the item when generating an MSKU.

$asin

The item's ASIN.

$condition

The item's condition. This may use abbreviations such as:

N for New
U for Used Good
Other condition abbreviations as applicable

$upc

The item's UPC.

$size

The item's variation size.

$rank

The item's last known rank at the time the MSKU is created.

Buy Data Variables

You can also include purchase-related information in your MSKU.

$cost

The cost of the item.

$expires

The item's expiration date in the selected date format or YYYY-MM-DD.

$source

The source of the item.

$shopper

The abbreviated name of the shopper who purchased the item.

$notes

The notes entered for the item.

$purchased

The date the item was purchased in the selected date format or YYYY-MM-DD.

$price

The price of the item.

Example MSKU Templates

You can combine text and variables to create a format that works for your business.

For example:

$date-$asin

This could generate an MSKU such as:

2026-09-03-B07MP6T3CM

Or you could use:

$source-$condition-$auto

This allows you to create MSKUs based on the item's source, condition, and an automatically incrementing number.

Additional Settings

Date Format

Select the format you want to use when the $date or other date-related variables are included in your MSKU template.

Custom Value

Enter the value that should replace the $custom variable in your template.

Truncate Cost

You can enable Truncate Cost if you want trailing zeros to be removed from the cost value when it is used in an MSKU.

Best Practices

Keep your MSKUs unique.
Use a consistent format across your inventory.
Avoid using unnecessary special characters.
Do not use commas (,) or plus signs (+) in your MSKUs.
Use hyphens (-) or other supported characters to separate different parts of your MSKU.
Keep the template easy to understand so you can identify important item information when reviewing your inventory.

Once your MSKU template is configured, ScanPower will use the selected format when generating MSKUs for applicable items.

Understanding and Configuring MSKUs