Quick answer: A virtual or kit-only SKU is a SKU that doesn’t exist as a physical item in the warehouse, instead, it’s made up of component SKUs that are picked and assembled at the time of packing.
Setting Up a Virtual or Kit-Only SKU: What to Do Step by Step
Follow these steps to get a kit SKU configured correctly in Fulfyld’s system.
Step 1: Define Your Kit Structure
Before any system setup, document the kit clearly: which component SKUs are included, the quantity of each, and whether the configuration is fixed or variable. If you sell multiple kit variations, each variation needs its own kit SKU and its own component mapping.
Step 2: Connect with Your Dedicated Account Manager
Kit SKU setup is done in coordination with your account manager; it’s not something you configure independently in the client portal. Contact your account manager with your kit structure documentation.
Step 3: Confirm Component Inventory Is Live
Before the kit SKU can be activated, every component SKU that makes up the kit needs to be live in the Fulfyld system: received, processed, and assigned to a bin location. If a component SKU isn’t in the system yet, the kit can’t be fulfilled.
Step 4: Verify the Kit Configuration with a Test Order
Once the kit is set up in Shipedge, place a test order for the kit SKU.
Step 5: Monitor Kit Inventory at the Component Level
Once you’re live, monitor inventory for each component SKU independently, not just the kit SKU as a whole. If one component runs out, the kit can’t be fulfilled regardless of how much stock exists for the other components.
What This Means for Pick Fees
If your kit is configured as a virtual SKU, each component counts as a separate pick. A kit with 6 components generates 6 picks, which means one additional pick charge at $0.50 beyond the standard 5-free-picks threshold per order.
For high-component kits with high order volume, this adds up. If reducing pick fees is a priority, discuss with your account manager whether pre-assembling the kit as a single stored SKU makes financial sense for your catalog. The assembly cost may be offset by savings from the pick fee at scale.
Still Have Questions?
To set up a virtual or kit-only SKU on your account, reach out to your dedicated account manager directly. You can also contact Fulfyld at hey@fulfyld.com or (256) 716-8241, or visit fulfyld.com/services/kitting-and-fulfillment-services for more on Fulfyld’s kitting capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a kit SKU myself in the Fulfyld client portal, or does it require my account manager?
Contact your account manager with the kit structure details, and they’ll coordinate the setup.
What happens if one component of a virtual kit goes out of stock?
If any component SKU is out of stock, the kit order can’t be fulfilled and will be flagged as a backorder or partial fulfillment, depending on your account configuration. The system tracks inventory at the component level, so a stockout on one component affects the entire kit.
Can I have multiple virtual kit SKUs that share the same component SKUs?
Yes. Multiple kits can pull from the same component SKUs. Shipedge tracks inventory at the component level, so available stock is shared across all kits that use a given component.
Does switching from a virtual kit to a pre-assembled kit require new inventory to be sent in?
Not necessarily. If the component inventory is already at Fulfyld’s warehouse, the team can pre-assemble kits from existing stock as a special project.
How does Fulfyld handle kit returns? Do the components get restocked individually?
When a kitted order is returned, Fulfyld inspects the returned items and handles restocking based on your instructions. If the kit was assembled from virtual SKUs, individual components can be returned to their respective bin locations if they’re in resellable condition.