What is SKU prep?
SKU prep is getting a product’s files, data and images ready before you list or send inbound, so the catalog imports cleanly.
Data prep vs warehouse prep
In a warehouse, SKU prep can mean labeling and poly-bagging. In this toolkit it means the catalog side: a stable SKU or Handle, titles without currency symbols in price columns, UTF-8 files, and images named for the slot they will fill. Physical inbound still follows the destination warehouse guide.
Files that usually break imports
Merged factory Excel cells, leading zeros stripped from barcodes, HTML dumped into the title, and image URLs that 404. CrossKit CSV Formatter tidies messy spreadsheets in the browser. It does not push the file into Shopify and does not need customer personal columns to do catalog work.
Images are part of SKU prep
A listing that cannot upload a main image is not prepped. Resize and compress from the original, keep masters, and match pack count in the photo to the row in the CSV. Privacy-safe prep means those files stay in the browser while you work.
Related CrossKit tool
CSV Formatter
Open this browser tool after you read the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SKU prep the same as FBA prep?
FBA prep is physical: labels, bags, carton marks. Catalog SKU prep is files and data. You usually need both before inbound.
Should customer emails be in the product CSV?
No. Product catalogs do not need personal data. Drop those columns before you format or share a file.
Can CSV Formatter import into Shopify for me?
No. It prepares a cleaner file in the browser. You import in Shopify admin and keep a backup of the last good export.