SKU Minimum

A requirement to order a minimum number of different products (SKUs), rather than a minimum quantity of a single product.

A SKU minimum requires you to launch with a certain number of distinct products at once -- for example, a supplier that requires you to order at least three different formulas in your first order, even if the per-unit minimum on each is low.

SKU minimums are a less obvious way a "low minimum" or "no minimum" claim can still create a real cost and complexity barrier for a first-time seller who wants to launch with a single product and validate demand before expanding.

Example

A private label manufacturer requires new brands to launch with a minimum of three SKUs (e.g. three flavors or formats) even though the per-SKU unit minimum is relatively low.

Worth Knowing

If you only want to launch one product, ask directly whether a SKU minimum applies -- it's often not stated alongside the headline order minimum.