Shopify Product Variant SKU Management Issue Beyond 100 Variants

I’m currently facing some challenges regarding product variants in Shopify:

  1. 100-Variant Limit: I have successfully managed to surpass Shopify’s 100-variant limit using a third-party app. This solution allows me to add more variants to a single product without issue.
  2. SKU Assignment Issue for Extended Variants: While the app resolves the variant limitation, I need to manage SKUs as well. Shopify’s system restricts unique SKU tracking for each extended variant beyond the initial 100 variants, which is essential for inventory management and tracking purposes. It appears that my third-party app does not support unique SKU management for variants beyond the initial limit.

I’m seeking a solution that would allow each variant—beyond the 100 variant mark—to have its own SKU, so that each can be tracked and managed individually in the system. If anyone has suggestions for an app, custom coding, or another workaround to enable unique SKUs for extended variants, I would greatly appreciate it. Also if possible if any app has above features and also the feature of color swatching with images that would be great.

Hello,

Currently I am in a similar situation. I have used an app that can solve this problem called Product Variants Reloaded, but the cost is high. I think using this app will enable you to do this without worrying about the sku tracking.

If you want to go this route, perhaps look into a product bundling app (such as Infinite Options or Advanced Product Options), as these apps mimic more variants with SKU level tracking. Combine with a PIM tool (Plytix) or you can set up custom metafields for the product inventory control. And some also feature image swatches for more intuitive UX. Hope this helps.

Hi @liaison ,

You’re not alone—this is a common frustration for Shopify merchants managing complex products. Let’s break down your situation and provide you with clear, practical options:

1. Use a Third-Party App That Creates Linked Products Instead of Variants

Some advanced apps simulate unlimited variants by creating separate hidden products (with their own SKUs) and linking them together via a UI on the product page.

Recommended Apps:

  1. Advanced Product Options by Mageworx

    • Create custom options with unique SKUs

    • Supports inventory tracking per option

    • Can use hidden products under the hood

    • Supports color swatches with images

    • Inventory synced via linked products not native variants

  2. Infinite Options by ShopPad + Connected Inventory App

    • Allows custom fields, swatches

    • No native SKU tracking, but you can integrate it with a connected inventory app (like Connected Inventory or Trunk) to assign SKUs manually.

  3. Variant Option Product Options by Best

    • Allows unlimited options & swatches

    • Has workaround for SKUs by linking to hidden products

    • Excellent UI/UX

    • Popular in fashion, custom, and print stores

2. Custom Shopify App / Storefront (Advanced Route)

If you want full control:

  • Build a custom Shopify app or headless storefront.

  • Store your own product data in metafields or external database.

  • Each variant (even beyond 100) is a separate product.

  • Display them as if they are variants on the frontend.

  • Track inventory individually via Shopify Admin (since each is its own product with a SKU).

This requires:

  • Developer skills (or hiring one)

  • More complex setup, but scalable

3. Headless Commerce (Using Shopify as Backend Only)

If your store has:

  • High variant complexity

  • Large catalog

  • Strong dev team or budget

You could go headless:

  • Use Shopify as backend

  • Present product options/variants your own way

  • Fully custom SKU & inventory tracking

  • Great flexibility

Frameworks like Hydrogen (Shopify’s React framework), Next.js, or Vue/Nuxt are commonly used.

Please let me know if it works as expected

Best regards!

Managing SKUs beyond 100 variants in Shopify can become challenging because the platform wasn’t originally designed for very large variant sets. Using a centralised product information system like UnoPim helps organise and maintain SKU consistency across all variants. This approach reduces errors, simplifies updates, and ensures accurate inventory management, making it easier to handle large catalogues without manually editing each variant individually.

Hi @liaison

Looks like you’re running into Shopify’s variant limit. A simple way around this is using an app like Easify Product Options, which lets you create unlimited option combinations and display them with swatches or other input types. That way you’re not stuck with the 100-variant cap but can still give customers a smooth product selection experience.

Here’s how it works:

  • This is the result:

  • This is the app setting: Easify offers unlimited product options with a wide range of option types, so you can freely customize your products without worrying about limits.

You’ll find this app easy to use, so I hope you give it a try. If you need assistance, just let me know or reach out to Easify! :blush: