# How to Handle Multiple Product Codes in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
WooCommerce is fantastic for selling online, but what if you need more than one product code for a single item? Maybe you have different SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) for variations (size, color), batch numbers, or internal reference codes. This guide shows you how to manage multiple product codes effectively in your WooCommerce store, even without advanced coding.
Why You Might Need Multiple Product Codes
Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand why you might need this functionality.
- Variations: A t-shirt comes in sizes Small, Medium, Large. Each size requires a unique SKU for inventory management.
- Batch Numbers: For perishable goods or those with limited edition runs, a batch number is crucial for tracking and quality control. Imagine a jar of jam – you’ll need a SKU for the jam itself, but also a separate batch number to identify the specific production run.
- Internal Reference Codes: You might use your own internal coding system separate from SKUs for internal organization. This code might reflect your supplier, material, or other internal details.
- Multiple Suppliers: If you source the same product from different suppliers, each might have a unique code that’s beneficial to track.
- Create Attributes: In your WooCommerce dashboard, go to Products → Attributes. Create attributes like “Size” and “Color”. Add values (e.g., Small, Medium, Large; Red, Blue, Green).
- Assign Attributes to Products: When adding or editing a product, assign these attributes and enter the unique SKU for each variation. This is where the SKU acts as one of your product codes.
- Example: A red small t-shirt might have SKU `TS-RED-S`, while a blue large t-shirt has SKU `TS-BLUE-L`.
- Using a Plugin: Plugins like “Custom Fields for WooCommerce” or “Advanced Custom Fields” make adding custom fields incredibly easy. Install and activate your chosen plugin.
- Create a Custom Field: Define a new field – “Batch Number” or “Internal Code” – and assign it to your products. You can even specify data types (text, number, etc.).
- Add the Code: When adding or editing a product, simply enter your additional product code in this custom field.
Methods for Managing Multiple Product Codes in WooCommerce
There isn’t a built-in “multiple product code” field in WooCommerce. However, we can achieve this functionality using several approaches:
1. Using WooCommerce Product Attributes (For Variations)
This is the simplest and most recommended solution for managing variations like size and color. WooCommerce’s built-in attribute system handles this perfectly.
This method effectively manages different product codes for variations without requiring extra plugins or code.
2. Utilizing Custom Fields (For Additional Codes)
For batch numbers or internal reference codes, custom fields are your best bet. These let you add extra information to your products.
This approach keeps your additional codes separate but readily accessible within the product details.
3. Advanced: Modifying WooCommerce Database (Not Recommended for Beginners)
This method requires direct database manipulation and should only be attempted if you are very comfortable with PHP, MySQL, and have backed up your database. Incorrectly modifying your database can severely damage your website.
// This is a highly simplified example and should NOT be used in production // without thorough testing and understanding of the implications.
// You would need to add new columns to the `wp_posts` table (where WooCommerce products are stored)
// and then update the code to handle the new columns. This is a complex task and beyond the scope of this beginner’s guide.
Choosing the Right Method
- For variations, use WooCommerce’s built-in attributes. It’s the easiest and most efficient solution.
- For additional codes (batch numbers, internal codes), use custom fields via a plugin. This is safe, user-friendly, and highly recommended.
- Avoid directly modifying the database unless you’re an experienced developer.
By utilizing these strategies, you can effectively manage multiple product codes in WooCommerce, improving your inventory management and internal organization. Remember to always back up your website before making any significant changes.
