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Item Variations

Item Variations represent different SKU-specific versions of a product, each with its own price, inventory, and product information. Use this section to manage product variants like different colors, sizes, or configurations of the same base product.

Overview

Item Variations allow you to:

  • Manage different SKUs for the same product
  • Track inventory separately for each variant
  • Set different prices per variant
  • Store variant-specific images
  • Set quantity limits for variants
  • Disable specific variants without deleting them

Common use cases: - T-shirt in different sizes and colors - Laptop with different configurations - Product in different packaging options

Accessing Item Variations

Navigate to Catalog Management > Item Variations from the admin sidebar.

Item Variations List

Understanding Item Variations

Variation Fields

  • Item: The parent product this variation belongs to
  • SKU: Stock Keeping Unit (unique code for inventory tracking)
  • Price: Current selling price
  • Old Price: Original/list price (for showing discounts)
  • Quantity: Available inventory
  • Min Quantity: Minimum order quantity
  • Max Quantity: Maximum order quantity
  • Disabled: Toggle to disable variant without deleting
  • Image: Variant-specific image (e.g., color-specific photo)

When to Use Variants

Use variations when: - Same product available in multiple options (color, size) - Each option has different inventory - Each option may have different pricing - You need to track them separately

Managing Variations

Creating a Variation

Create Item Variation

  1. Click New Item Variation
  2. Select the Item (product)
  3. Enter SKU (e.g., "SHIRT-RED-M")
  4. Enter Price (selling price)
  5. Enter Old Price (optional, for comparisons)
  6. Enter Quantity (available stock)
  7. Set Min/Max Quantity limits (optional)
  8. Toggle Disabled if variant shouldn't be sold
  9. Upload variant-specific Image
  10. Click Create

Editing Variations

  1. Click Edit link
  2. Update fields as needed
  3. Click Save

Disabling vs. Deleting

Disable a variant when: - Temporarily out of stock - Being discontinued soon - Needs to be hidden without losing data

Delete a variation when: - No longer needed for reference - Data cleanup

Managing Inventory

Each variation tracks independent inventory: - Quantity: Current stock level - Min Quantity: Minimum order (e.g., "10") - Max Quantity: Maximum per order - Update quantities as stock changes

Pricing Strategy

For each variation, set: - Price: Current selling price - Old Price: Show discounts if selling below list price - Variation pricing provides flexible product options

Searching and Features

  • Search by SKU: Find variants quickly
  • Search by Item: Filter by product
  • Sort by price: Organize by pricing
  • Sort by quantity: Identify low stock items
  • Toggle columns: Show/hide fields

Bulk Actions

Select multiple variations to: - Delete in bulk: Remove multiple variants at once - Export: Backup variation data

Best Practices

SKU Conventions

Use consistent SKU format: - Pattern: [PRODUCT]-[OPTION]-[SIZE] - Example: SHIRT-RED-M, SHIRT-BLUE-L - Make SKUs scannable/memorable - Include meaningful identifiers

Inventory Management

  • Keep quantities updated
  • Monitor low stock items
  • Set reasonable min/max limits
  • Export and review regularly
  • Update pricing as costs change

Image Management

  • Use clear, consistent images for each variant
  • Show the actual product in that variant
  • Use consistent backgrounds and lighting
  • Include color representation in filenames

Common Workflows

Add Size Variants

  1. Create base product
  2. Click New Item Variation
  3. Select Item (the product)
  4. SKU: "PROD-S" (size S)
  5. Set price and initial quantity
  6. Upload size-specific image
  7. Click Create
  8. Repeat for other sizes

Update Stock After Sale

  1. Navigate to Item Variations
  2. Find the variant sold
  3. Click Edit
  4. Reduce Quantity
  5. Click Save
  6. Track as stock depletes

Disable Discontinued Variant

  1. Click Edit on the variant
  2. Toggle Disabled ON
  3. Click Save
  4. Variant hidden from customers but data preserved

Set Purchase Limits

  1. Edit the variation
  2. Enter Min Quantity (e.g., "5")
  3. Enter Max Quantity (e.g., "100")
  4. Save
  5. Customers must buy within these limits

Troubleshooting

Q: How do variants relate to products? A: A product can have multiple variations. Each variation is a different SKU or option of the same product.

Q: Can I have multiple variants with the same SKU? A: No, SKUs should be unique for inventory tracking.

Q: What happens if I disable a variant? A: It's hidden from customers but remains in the system for reference.

Q: Can I change a variant's parent product? A: Yes, edit the Item field to reassign it.

Q: How do min/max quantities work? A: Customers can only buy between min and max quantities in a single order.

Q: Can each variant have different images? A: Yes, upload a unique image for each variant.

Quick Reference

Field Type Required Notes
Item Select Yes Parent product
SKU Text Optional Unique identifier
Price Number Optional Current price
Old Price Number Optional List price
Quantity Number Yes Stock level (default 0)
Min Quantity Number Optional Minimum order
Max Quantity Number Optional Maximum order
Disabled Toggle No Hide from customers
Image Image Optional Variant image

Bulk Operations

Export Variations

  1. Select variations (checkboxes)
  2. Click Export
  3. File downloads for backup/analysis

Bulk Delete

  1. Select variations
  2. Click Delete in bulk actions
  3. Confirm deletion

Performance Tips

  • Keep variations in same product logical (related items)
  • Monitor quantity levels regularly
  • Use consistent naming schemes
  • Export backups periodically
  • Clean up disabled variants periodically
  • Use clear, unique SKUs for accuracy