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Item Variations

Item Variations represent different versions of a product based on attribute combinations like color, size, or material. The variation manager automatically generates all possible combinations and lets you set individual prices, quantities, and SKUs for each.

Overview

The Variation Manager allows you to:

  • Select attributes that apply to a product (Color, Size, Material, etc.)
  • Choose attribute values for each attribute (Red, Blue for Color; S, M, L for Size)
  • Auto-generate combinations from selected values (Red-S, Red-M, Blue-S, Blue-M, etc.)
  • Set price and quantity for each variation individually or in bulk
  • Configure user level pricing for loyalty program tiers
  • Upload images by attribute (e.g., different images per color)
  • Add new attribute values directly from the manager

Common use cases: - T-shirt in different sizes and colors - Laptop with different RAM/storage configurations - Shoes in different sizes and widths

Accessing the Variation Manager

  1. Navigate to Products and click on a product to edit it
  2. Click the Manage Variations action button in the header

This opens the Variation Manager page for that specific product.

Item Variations Manager

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Select Attributes

The first section shows all available attributes (defined in Item Attributes).

  1. Check the attributes that apply to this product
  2. Selected attributes are highlighted with a colored border
  3. You can select multiple attributes (e.g., both Color and Size)

Example: For a t-shirt, select both "Color" and "Size" attributes.

Step 2: Choose Attribute Values

For each selected attribute, a new section appears showing available values.

  1. Click on values to toggle selection (selected values are highlighted)
  2. You can select multiple values per attribute
  3. Click Add to create a new value on the fly
  4. Click Manage to open the full attribute editor

Example: For Color, select "Red", "Blue", "Green". For Size, select "S", "M", "L", "XL".

Step 3: Review Generated Variations

The system automatically generates all possible combinations (cartesian product).

Example: 3 colors × 4 sizes = 12 variations: - Red - S, Red - M, Red - L, Red - XL - Blue - S, Blue - M, Blue - L, Blue - XL - Green - S, Green - M, Green - L, Green - XL

Each variation row shows:

Column Description
Checkbox Select for batch operations
Variation Combination name (e.g., "Red - Large")
Price Selling price (optional, inherits from product if empty)
Level Prices Special prices for user levels (if configured)
Quantity Available stock
SKU Stock Keeping Unit (auto-generated if SKU Generator is enabled)

Step 4: Set Prices and Quantities

You can enter values individually or use batch operations:

Individual Entry: - Click directly in any input field - Enter the value - Move to next field

Batch Operations: 1. Select specific variations using checkboxes (or leave empty for all) 2. Expand the Batch Actions section 3. Enter value and click Apply

Step 5: Upload Images (Optional)

If you have an "image controlling attribute" configured (usually Color):

  1. A section appears showing each selected value
  2. Click the + button to upload images
  3. Images are shared across all variations with that attribute value

Example: Upload red product images once, they apply to Red-S, Red-M, Red-L, etc.

Step 6: Save Variations

Click Save All Variations to create/update all variations at once.

Batch Actions

The Batch Actions panel provides efficient bulk operations:

Price Operations

Action Description
Set Price Apply the same price to selected (or all) variations

Quantity Operations

Action Button Description
Set Set Replace quantity with entered value
Add + Add to existing quantity
Decrease − Subtract from existing quantity (minimum 0)

User Level Pricing

If you have user levels with special pricing enabled:

  • Each level appears with its own batch input
  • Apply sets the level price for selected variations
  • Clear (✕) removes level prices from selected variations

Adding New Attribute Values

You can add new attribute values without leaving the page:

  1. Click Add next to any attribute section
  2. Enter the value name (e.g., "Purple")
  3. If the attribute uses colors, pick a color code
  4. Click Add
  5. The new value appears and is auto-selected

Variation Fields Reference

Field Type Required Description
Price Number No Variation-specific price (uses product price if empty)
Quantity Number No Available stock (default 0)
SKU Text No Unique identifier (auto-generated if enabled)
Track Inventory Boolean Auto Enabled when quantity > 0

User Level Prices

If your store uses the Loyalty Program with special pricing:

  • Columns appear for each user level with special pricing enabled
  • Enter level-specific prices for variations
  • Leave empty to use the regular variation price
  • Use batch operations for efficient bulk updates

Image Management

Images are organized by the "image controlling attribute" (configured in Item Attributes):

How It Works: - Select an attribute as "Controls Images" in Item Attributes settings - Images uploaded for a value apply to all variations with that value - Commonly used with Color attribute

Uploading Images: 1. Click the + button in the attribute value section 2. Select one or multiple images 3. Images appear as thumbnails 4. Hover and click ✕ to remove an image

Workflow Examples

Create T-Shirt Variations

  1. Edit the T-Shirt product
  2. Click Manage Variations
  3. Select "Color" and "Size" attributes
  4. Choose colors: Red, Blue, Black
  5. Choose sizes: S, M, L, XL
  6. 12 variations are generated
  7. Set base price using batch: Enter 29.99, click Apply
  8. Adjust individual prices if needed (e.g., XL costs more)
  9. Set quantities: Enter 50, click Set
  10. Upload color images for each color
  11. Click Save All Variations

Update Stock After Restock

  1. Open product's Manage Variations
  2. Expand Batch Actions
  3. Enter restock quantity (e.g., 100)
  4. Click + to add to existing quantities
  5. Click Save All Variations

Set Premium Pricing for VIP Customers

  1. Open product's Manage Variations
  2. Expand Batch Actions
  3. Find the VIP level price input
  4. Enter discounted price (e.g., 24.99)
  5. Click Apply
  6. Click Save All Variations

Sell Out Specific Variations

  1. Open product's Manage Variations
  2. Find the sold-out variation row
  3. Set quantity to 0
  4. Click Save All Variations

Best Practices

Attribute Setup

  • Create attributes before products (in Item Attributes)
  • Use consistent naming (e.g., "Size" not "Sizes")
  • Set one attribute as "Controls Images" for visual products

SKU Conventions

If using auto-generation: - Configure SKU Generator settings first - SKUs include attribute codes automatically

If using manual SKUs: - Pattern: [PRODUCT]-[ATTR1]-[ATTR2] - Example: SHIRT-RED-L, SHIRT-BLUE-M

Pricing Strategy

  • Use batch price for base pricing
  • Adjust individual variations for size premiums
  • Use user level prices for loyalty discounts

Inventory Management

  • Use batch quantity for initial stock
  • Use + button for restocks
  • Use − button for adjustments

Troubleshooting

Q: Why don't I see any attributes? A: Create attributes first in System Settings > Item Attributes.

Q: Why can't I save variations? A: Select at least one attribute and one value to generate variations.

Q: Where did my old variations go? A: Saving replaces all existing variations. The system recreates them from your current selection.

Q: Why are prices empty after save? A: Empty prices inherit from the parent product. Enter explicit prices if needed.

Q: How do I delete a specific variation? A: Deselect the attribute value that creates it, then save. Or set quantity to 0 to keep it but mark as unavailable.

Q: Images aren't showing for variations? A: Ensure you've set an attribute as "Controls Images" in Item Attributes, and upload images in the variation manager.