Product Specifications

Why product specifications matter for D2C brands

A clear product specification page is not just “nice to have” — it’s a conversion tool. Accurate sizes, color names, materials, measurements and packaging details reduce returns, customer confusion and delivery mistakes. For D2C brands selling online, better specs mean fewer wrong-size returns and fewer delivery issues caused by incorrect weight or dimensions. When your order management system has reliable product data, it can validate orders, choose the right courier, and cut costly mistakes.

What to include in every product specification (checklist)

Use this checklist for every SKU you upload to your store or OMS:

1. Product name & SKU — a unique identifier for each variant.
2. Short description — one sentence that summarizes the product.
3. Full description — features, use cases and benefits.
4. Dimensions — Length × Width × Height (state whether measurements are packed or unboxed).
5. Weight — net weight and gross (packaged) weight in grams or kilograms.
6. Color / Color code — exact color name and HEX/RGB code if needed.
7. Material / Fabric / Ingredients — an honest list of components.
8. Size chart — numeric and S/M/L conversions, plus measured points (chest, length, waist).
9. Care instructions — washing, storage and safety notes.
10. Country of origin — manufacturing info if relevant.
11. Images & image specs — main image, lifestyle shots, model shots; recommended pixel sizes.
12. Barcode / GTIN / MPN — where available.
13. Return policy & warranty — link to the policy and short summary.
14. Tags & categories — for search and filtering on the site.

How to write specs so customers understand sizes and colors (practical tips)

• Show the measuring points: write exactly how measurements are taken (for example: “Chest = measured under the armpit across the garment”).
• Provide conversions: show S/M/L and numeric equivalents for international shoppers.
• Use consistent color names: pick one official name for each shade and pair it with a HEX code.
• Give fit guidance: use short, practical notes like “Runs small — consider one size up.”
• Recommend swatches when necessary: for color-sensitive products, tell customers how to order a sample.
• Record packaged dimensions: couriers charge on volumetric weight — include package size to avoid surprises.

Template — Product Specification

Product name: Classic Cotton Tee — Charcoal
SKU: CT-CH-001
Short description: Soft 100% cotton men’s tee, regular fit.
Full description: A breathable combed-cotton tee designed for daily wear. Smooth finish with reinforced stitching at shoulders.
Dimensions (unboxed): Chest 52 cm, Length 72 cm, Sleeve 20 cm.
Packaged dimensions: 30 × 22 × 2 cm
Weight (unboxed): 160 g — Packaged weight: 220 g
Color: Charcoal (#333333)
Material: 100% combed cotton, 180 GSM
Care: Machine wash cold, do not bleach, tumble dry low
GTIN / Barcode: 8901234567890
Return window: 10 days (unworn, tags attached) — see policy.
Image specs: Main image 2000×2000px, model shot with size M, zoomable.
Notes: Runs slightly slim — pick one size up for a relaxed fit.

Example — cosmetics product spec (short)

Product: Glow Serum 30ml
SKU: GS-30-001
Volume: 30 ml
Net weight: 38 g (bottle + serum)
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid 1%, Vitamin C 10%, water, glycerin.
Usage: Apply 3 drops nightly to cleansed face.
Warnings: For external use only. Patch test recommended.
Packaging dims: 5 × 5 × 12 cm, packaged weight 70 g

How this helps logistics and order management

• Correct dimensions and weights lead to accurate shipping cost calculation and fewer re-weigh disputes.
• Accurate color and material descriptions reduce returns and improve customer satisfaction.
• Correct SKUs and barcodes speed up picking and packing in warehouses and reduce human errors.

When your order management system receives clean, standardized product data, it can automatically validate orders, select the best warehouse, and pick an appropriate courier — all of which save time and money.

Practical implementation tips for teams

1. Make the packaged dimensions and packaged weight mandatory when uploading a SKU.
2. Standardize measurement rules and publish them in an internal guide that packers and product managers follow.
3. Require at least three high-quality images per SKU: front, back, and lifestyle/model.
4. Store color codes alongside color names in the product database to keep names consistent.
5. Use a single SKU per variant and never reuse SKUs for different items.
6. Include care and safety warnings prominently for cosmetics and fragile items.
7. Train warehouse staff on barcode scanning and packing specs to ensure real-world compliance.

Final checklist before publishing a product page

• ✅ Unique SKU and readable barcode.
• ✅ Packaged weight and dimensions filled in.
• ✅ At least one model or lifestyle image and one product-only image.
• ✅ Size chart present and easy to read.
• ✅ Color name + color code listed.
• ✅ Care instructions and safety warnings visible.
• ✅ Return policy linked clearly.