A hair extensions catalog can explode into hundreds of SKUs very quickly: every length times every shade times every gram weight. Most new ecommerce sellers launch too many and then run out of the two shades that actually sell. This guide shows how to build a small, reorderable matrix instead.
The three axes of a SKU
- Length — 16, 18 and 20 inches cover most first orders; add longer lengths only after demand appears.
- Shade — start with four to six core shades plus a color ring for custom work.
- Gram weight — decide one weight per length for fine hair and one for full volume; do not mix weights under the same SKU code.
A starter matrix of three lengths × five shades × one weight is 15 SKUs. That is enough to learn from, and small enough to keep in stock.
Which products to launch first
Clip-in sets are the easiest first SKU: no installer, simple returns, and clear product photography. Clip-in vs tape-in explains why tape-in belongs in a salon program rather than a pure online launch. Add one premium balayage or root-shadow line for differentiation — see which blonde families sell.
Cutting color-related returns
- Approve a physical swatch under daylight, not a screen color — the three-point shade check.
- Print the shade code on the hang tag and reuse it in the product title: packaging and hang tags.
- Show the same hair in natural light and indoor light in your listing photos.
- Keep the approved swatch with the purchase order so reorders match the dye lot.
Working backwards from margin
Add freight, duty and tax to the factory price before setting a retail price — landed cost method. Then check that the price still works at your expected return rate. MOQ and length pricing and margin planning cover the two other calculations founders usually skip.
A simple reorder rule
| Step | What to record |
|---|---|
| 1 | Approved swatch, dye lot and grams per pack for every SKU |
| 2 | Weekly sell-through by shade, not just total units |
| 3 | Reorder point = weekly sales × lead time + safety stock |
| 4 | Freeze the spec; never reorder a shade without the retained swatch |
For the full first-order workflow see the factory order checklist and private-label launch plan.
Frequently asked questions
How many SKUs should I launch with?
Ten to fifteen is usually enough: three lengths, four to six shades and one gram weight per length.
Should I list every shade on day one?
No. Stock the fast movers deeply and offer a color ring for custom orders instead.
Why do customers return "wrong color" items?
Screen color, lighting in listing photos and missing shade codes. Physical swatches and consistent photos fix most of it.
Can I customize the packaging?
Yes, custom boxes, hang tags and barcodes are supported from 50 packs — see OEM and ODM explained.
Want a starter SKU sheet with current MOQ by shade? Contact our factory and we will include it with your samples.
