How to Create Options and Variants for Ecommerce Products

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Options and Variants
  3. Creating Options
  4. Creating and Managing Variants
  5. Additional Settings for Options and Variants
  6. Best Practices and Advanced Tips
  7. FAQ
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever walked into a clothing store only to find racks upon racks of seemingly identical items? It’s overwhelming. The same holds true for online stores, where an endless inventory can easily discourage potential buyers. However, the utilization of product options and variants can streamline this experience, offering customers the precise variety they seek without the clutter of individual listings. This informative guide will walk you through the process of creating options and variants for ecommerce products, ensuring a simplified and organized storefront for your visitors.

In this blog post, you will learn how to set up product options and variants effectively, making your ecommerce store more user-friendly and efficient. We will cover everything from defining what options and variants are to detailed steps in creating and managing them. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge required to maximize your ecommerce platform's functionality, attract more customers, and enhance your overall sales experience.

Understanding Options and Variants

What are Product Options?

Product options represent the different choices customers can make regarding a particular product. Common options include color, size, material, and finish. For instance, a t-shirt may come in multiple colors and sizes; these are referred to as its options.

What are Product Variants?

Variants are specific combinations of your product options. Using our t-shirt example, if it comes in three colors (red, blue, green) and three sizes (small, medium, large), you will have nine potential variants (red-small, red-medium, red-large, etc.). Each variant acts as a unique product but remains part of the same general listing.

Creating Options

Step 1: Collate Product Information

Before creating product options, gather all necessary details about your product. Document possible variations such as different sizes, colors, or materials. This initial organization will save time and facilitate a smoother creation process.

Step 2: Assigning Options

  1. Navigate to Product Editor: Go to the Options tab within the Product Editor.

  2. Create New Option: Click the SELECT dropdown and choose CREATE NEW. Enter the title for the option, such as "Color." Click Create Option.

  3. Add Values: After creating the option, enter the values (e.g., Red, Blue, Green) in the Values table. Use the Create value button to add multiple entries.

  4. Save Your Product: Click the Save icon to finalize the newly created option. Repeat as necessary for additional options like size or material.

Step 3: Option Editor Customization

  1. Access Option Editor: Click the Option title in the Options tab or access it through Products > Options in the main menu.

  2. Refine Block Settings: In the Details section, check Include in refine block if you want the option to appear within the refine options on category pages.

  3. Product Page Display: In the Displayed on the Product Page section, decide how the option will be presented. You can choose between a select field, radio buttons, or option icons, depending on your preference and the version of your theme.

Creating and Managing Variants

Step 1: Generate Variants

  1. Access Variants Tab: Once options and values are set, navigate to the new Variants tab that appears.

  2. Generate SKUs: Each variant requires a unique SKU. Press Generate Variant SKUs to automate this process. Save the product initially to make other fields editable.

Step 2: Modify Variant Details

  1. Unique Data Entry: Enter specific data for each variant, including its unique barcode, part numbers, prices, weights, and stock quantities.

  2. Assign Variant Images: To enhance customer experience, assign specific images to each variant. This way, when a customer selects a particular variant, the corresponding image displays dynamically.

Step 3: Further Customizations

  1. Add HS Codes: For international shipping, each variant can have its own HS Code and country of origin specified.

  2. Setting Intangible Products: Assign files to intangible variants, such as downloadable goods, ensuring each variant remains comprehensive in its functionality.

Additional Settings for Options and Variants

Organized Selection Approach

Set your option selection to In Sequence to ensure customers choose their options in the order displayed on the product page. This setting facilitates better stock management and improves customer experience by showing available choices as they navigate through the options.

Importing and Updating Options and Variants

You can also add and update options and variants via a comprehensive product import feature. Utilizing a CSV file for importing product data saves time and ensures consistency across your product listings.

Best Practices and Advanced Tips

  • Limit Variants: While Bluepark allows for unlimited options, keep in mind there is a practical limit of 500 variants per product. Plan your options and variants mindfully to avoid exceeding this limit.

  • Optimize Images: Ensure all variant images are optimized for quick loading to enhance customer experience.

  • Consistent SKU Management: Maintain a standardized format for SKUs to ensure ease of inventory management.

  • Customer-Focused Design: Utilize option icons and other visual aids to make the selection process intuitive for customers.

FAQ

What are product options and variants in ecommerce?

Product options are the different choices available for a product (like size and color), while variants are specific combinations of these options (like a red, medium t-shirt).

How do I create options for my products?

Navigate to the Options tab in the Product Editor, create new options, add values, and save your product.

Can I assign specific images to each variant?

Yes, you can assign unique images to each variant by uploading them in the Images tab of the Product Editor.

What is the sequence setting for options selection?

The sequence setting ensures that customers choose their options in the order they are displayed on the product page, facilitating better stock management and customer experience.

How many variants can I add to a product?

You can add up to 500 variants per product.

Conclusion

Implementing options and variants on your ecommerce platform can transform a cluttered inventory into a streamlined, customer-friendly shopping experience. By following these steps, you ensure your products are well-organized, easy to navigate, and tailored to meet customer preferences. This not only enhances user experience but also drives sales and customer satisfaction. Ready to streamline your online store with options and variants? Start today and watch your ecommerce business transform.

Are you ready to take your ecommerce site to the next level? Start integrating options and variants now to offer a more organized, user-friendly shopping experience!