Learn how to use product variations to manage different product options like size, color, or style. This guide covers assigning unique images, tracking inventory with SKUs, adjusting prices, and more.

Understanding Product Variations

Product variations let you offer a single product with multiple options, such as different sizes, colors, or materials. Each unique combination of these options is a product variation.

Using variations can help you:

• Display specific images for each product option (e.g., a blue shirt image for the blue option).

• Automatically adjust prices based on customer selections.

• Track inventory for each specific variation using unique SKUs to prevent overselling.

• Set different weights for each variation for more accurate shipping costs.

For example, a t-shirt available in two sizes (small, medium) and two colors (yellow, gray) would have four distinct variations:

• Small, Yellow

• Small, Gray

• Medium, Yellow

• Medium, Gray

When a customer selects a variation, the product's price and image will automatically update on your site.

How to Add Product Variations

You can create an unlimited number of options and variations for each product. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting them up:

1. Create a product: Start by creating a new product or selecting an existing one in your store's Catalog > Products section.

2. Add product options: In the Options tab, select Drop-down menu or Radio button for each option you want to add (e.g., "Color," "Size").

3. Add selection values: Click Add new selection to add the specific values for each option (e.g., for "Color," add "Yellow" and "Gray"; for "Size," add "Small" and "Medium").
   

4. Go to the Variations tab: After adding your options, switch to the Variations tab.

5. Create a new variation: Click + New Variation and select the specific color and size for this variation.
   

6. Customize variation details:

   • Set the color for the variation.
     

   • Set a unique SKU, Price, and Weight for this variation.
     

   • Add a specific Image that corresponds to this variation.
     

7. Manage stock:

   • Click Manage to set the stock level for this specific variation.
     

   • Enter the number of units in stock and a quantity for low-stock notifications.
     

   • Click OK.

8. Repeat the process: Repeat these steps for all necessary variations.

9. Set base product stock: Make sure to set the stock for the base product to Unlimited. This allows your inventory tracking to be managed at the variation level instead.
   

10. Save your changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does adding a variation count as an additional product?

No. Product variations do not count toward your product limit. We only count the number of base products you have listed on your Products page.

Can I have different stock for each product size?

Yes. Each product variation should have its own unique SKU and stock quantity so its inventory can be tracked independently. This ensures the stock level automatically decreases with each sale and becomes unavailable when it sells out.

For example, if you sell shoes in different colors and sizes, you can create a unique variation for each color-size combination (e.g., a "Red, Size 7" variation) and assign it a specific stock quantity.

What if I don't have consistent options for all variations?

If you have some variations that are out of stock or unavailable (e.g., a yellow t-shirt that only comes in sizes S and M, not XS or L), you can still create these unavailable variations and mark them as "Out of Stock." This prevents customers from ordering combinations you don't offer.

Can I use the same SKU for the base product and its variations?

While technically possible, it's not recommended. It's best practice to assign a unique SKU to each variation if you need to track its inventory, price, or weight separately. Once a variation is treated as a unique item, it should have its own SKU.

How do I set a default variation?

A default variation is the one that is pre-selected when a customer first views the product page. This is based on the default values you set for each option (e.g., the default color is "Gray" and the default size is "Small," so the "Gray, Small" variation is pre-selected).

If you don't want any pre-selected options, simply check the box that says "Do not preselect default value for product options" in the Options tab.

Can I assign unique UPC/EAN codes to product variations?

Yes, you can assign unique UPC/EAN codes to individual variations.

1. Go to Catalog > Products.

2. Select the product with variations.

3. Go to the Options tab, then the Variations sub-tab.

4. Click the Manage link under the Stock column.

5. Enter the UPC value in the UPC field for that specific variation.

6. Save your changes.