How to Create Options and Variants

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Are Options and Variants?
  3. How to Create Options
  4. How to Create Variants
  5. Best Practices for Using Options and Variants
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  7. Conclusion

Introduction

When you're selling products online, one challenge you might face is how to effectively showcase the various choices available for each item. Rather than creating separate listings for every variation, you can use product options and variants to provide a seamless shopping experience while keeping your inventory organized. In this blog post, we'll delve into the concepts of options and variants, explain how they function, and offer a step-by-step guide to help you set them up. By understanding and implementing these features, you'll be able to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline your product management process.

What Are Options and Variants?

Options

Options are the different attributes or characteristics that a product can have. Common examples include color, size, material, and finish. Each option allows you to offer multiple choices for a single product, making it easier for customers to find exactly what they need. For instance, a t-shirt may come in several colors and sizes, which can be offered as options rather than separate products.

Variants

Variants, on the other hand, are the specific combinations of option values. For example, if your t-shirt comes in three colors and four sizes, you would have 12 different variants. Each variant can have its own unique attributes, such as SKU, price, and stock level. By managing variants, you ensure that each unique combination is accurately represented in your inventory.

How to Create Options

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Options

  1. Navigate to the Product Editor: Open the product editor for the item you want to edit.

  2. Select the Options Tab: Click on the "Options" tab.

  3. Choose to Create New Option: From the "SELECT" dropdown, choose "CREATE NEW".

  4. Enter Option Title: Type in a new option title, such as "Color" or "Size".

  5. Create Option Values: Enter the various values for this option (e.g., Black, White, Red for color).

  6. Save the New Option: Close the values table and save the product to apply the new option.

Using the Option Editor

The Option Editor allows you to further customize how your options are displayed on both product and category pages. Some key settings include:

  • Include in Refine Block: Decide whether the option should be shown in the refine block on category pages.
  • Minimize in Refine Block: Choose whether to initially hide the option values until the customer expands them.
  • Displayed on Product Page: Set how the option appears on the product page; choices include select fields, radio buttons, and option icons.

How to Create Variants

Generating Variants

Once you've established your options, the next step is to generate the variants:

  1. Access the Variants Tab: After creating options, navigate to the "Variants" tab.

  2. Review Generated Variants: Variants will be automatically generated based on the options and values you entered.

  3. Add Unique Data: Enter unique SKU, price, stock levels, and other specific details for each variant.

Managing Variant Images

Each variant can also have its own set of images. Follow these steps to assign images to variants:

  1. Go to the Images Tab: In the product editor, select the "Images" tab.

  2. Choose the Variant: In the "Select Parent or Variant" section, pick the variant from the dropdown.

  3. Upload Images: Upload the necessary images for the selected variant.

Additional Settings for Variants

You can specify more detailed settings for each variant, such as:

  • Barcode and Part Number: Unique identifiers for inventory management.
  • Pricing: Variant-specific selling, list, and cost prices.
  • Weight and Stock Quantity: Physical characteristics and stock levels.
  • Location and Intangibility: Storage location and settings for downloadable products.

Best Practices for Using Options and Variants

Organizing Your Options

Before you start creating options, it's helpful to gather all relevant product information. Knowing the attributes and values that you'll need helps to avoid confusion and ensures a smoother setup process.

Using the In Sequence Setting

An efficient way to manage options is by using the "In Sequence" setting. This setting forces customers to select options in a specified order, ensuring that only available combinations are shown. For example, a customer might first choose a color, after which only available sizes for that color are displayed.

Variant Limits

Bear in mind that there is a maximum of 500 variants per product. This limit means that you should plan your options and variants carefully, especially for products that come in many variations.

Importing and Exporting Variants

If you have a large number of products, you might want to import or export options and variants via CSV files. This feature can save time and reduce manual entry errors. Make sure to follow guidelines for formatting and include all necessary columns such as SKU, option values, and images.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I exceed the 500-variant limit for a product?

If you reach the variant limit, you'll need to either streamline the options or split the product into multiple listings based on major distinctions.

2. Can I change the display type of an option after it has been created?

Yes, using the Option Editor, you can change how an option is displayed on both product pages and category pages at any time.

3. Are there any restrictions on the types of options I can create?

There are no restrictions on the types of options you can create. However, it's wise to stick to the most relevant attributes that will aid the customer in making a purchase decision.

4. Can I bulk edit options and variants for multiple products?

Yes, the product import/export feature can be used to update options and variants for multiple products efficiently.

5. How do I ensure that the correct image is displayed for each variant?

Assign specific images to each variant via the Images tab in the product editor. Double-check that each variant is linked to the correct image to avoid any mismatches.

Conclusion

Creating and managing product options and variants can significantly improve your eCommerce site's user experience and streamline your inventory management. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to offer a wide range of product choices to your customers without cluttering your product catalog. This not only makes shopping more convenient for your customers but also helps in maintaining an organized and efficient product management system. Keep experimenting with different options and variants to find what works best for your business, and don't hesitate to utilize advanced settings to further customize the user experience.