Adding a Product with Variants on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Are Product Variants Important?
3. Adding Product Variants on Shopify
4. Managing Product Variants
5. FAQs About Adding Variants on Shopify
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Imagine walking into a store, excited to buy a new T-shirt, only to find the perfect style in just one color and size. Frustrating, right? In the competitive world of e-commerce, offering product variants can be the difference between a sale and an abandoned cart. Shopify facilitates this by allowing you to add products with multiple variants, tailoring to a wide range of customer preferences.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how you can harness Shopify's features to add a product with variants effectively. By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of why adding variants is essential, how to add them efficiently, and techniques for managing them. We’ll explore different methods so you can choose the best approach for your business needs.

Why Are Product Variants Important?

Increase Sales and Conversions

The foremost benefit of product variants is the potential increase in sales. Providing various options like different sizes, colors, or materials caters to a broader customer base, increasing the likelihood of purchase.

Enhance Customer Satisfaction

Offering multiple variants ensures that customers find exactly what they're looking for, enhancing their shopping experience and building brand loyalty.

Better Product Searchability

By indexing various product variants, search engines can better position your offerings, improving visibility and driving organic traffic to your site.

Adding Product Variants on Shopify

Method 1: Shopify Admin Interface

This is the most straightforward method, suitable for products with up to three options and 100 variants.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a New Product:

   • From your Shopify admin, go to Products.
   • Click 'Add product' and fill in the necessary details.

2. Go to the Variants Section:

   • Scroll down to the 'Variants' section and click '+ Add options like size or color'.

3. Choose Option Names and Values:

   • Enter the option name (e.g., Size, Color).
   • List the option values (e.g., Small, Medium, Large for Size).

4. Add Another Option (Optional):

   • To add a second or third option (e.g., Color, Material), follow the same procedure.

5. Edit Variant Details:

   • Click 'Edit' next to each variant to add prices, quantities, images, SKUs, and more.

6. Save:

   • Click 'Save' to implement your variants.

Method 2: Using a Shopify App

For businesses that require more than three options or 100 variants, or additional customization, Shopify offers various apps.

Step-by-Step Guide Using "Infinite Options"

1. Search for Apps:

   • Navigate to the Shopify App Store and search for 'product variants' or 'Infinite Options'.

2. Install the App:

   • Follow the prompts to install the app. Ensure you review the permissions and privacy settings before completing the installation.

3. Customize the App:

   • Follow the in-app guide to set up product variants. Most apps will provide a template or wizard to help you build variant options efficiently.

4. Assign Variants to Products:

   • Use the app interface to assign your newly created variants to your existing products.

Method 3: Using CSV Export-Import

For bulk editing or adding variants to multiple products, the CSV import method is efficient.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Export Product Data:

   • From your Shopify admin, go to Products and click 'Export'.
   • Choose 'All products' or selected products and export as a CSV file.

2. Edit the CSV File:

   • Open the CSV file in a spreadsheet program.
   • Add variant information under the respective product handles.

3. Import the CSV File:

   • Go back to Shopify admin, click 'Import', and upload the updated CSV file.
   • Ensure you check the box to overwrite existing products for the updates to take effect.

Managing Product Variants

Bulk Editing Variants

Shopify allows you to bulk edit product variants to save time. You can use the bulk editor tool within the Shopify admin to adjust prices, inventory, and other details across multiple variants simultaneously.

Utilizing Metafields

For advanced data management, Shopify lets you add metafields. Metafields help store custom information that isn't natively supported. This can be particularly useful for complex products that require additional data points.

Setting Up Discount Rules

While Shopify's native tools have limitations regarding discount rules for variants, you can use third-party apps like "Automatic Discount" to overcome these restrictions, enabling you to set up complex discount structures.

FAQs About Adding Variants on Shopify

Q1: How many variants can I add to a single product in Shopify?

Shopify allows up to 100 variants and three options per product. For more, you'll need third-party apps.

Q2: Can I bulk edit multiple product variants in Shopify?

Yes, Shopify provides a bulk editor tool that lets you make changes to multiple variants at once.

Q3: Are there any tools to handle more than 100 variants?

Yes, apps like 'Infinite Options' can help you manage products that require more than 100 variants.

Q4: How can I add custom data to my product variants?

You can use metafields to add custom data to your product variants. Third-party apps can extend this functionality further.

Q5: Can I apply discount rules to specific variants?

Shopify allows applying discount codes to specific variants, although there are some limitations. Third-party apps can help manage more complex discount rules.

Conclusion

Offering variants for your products on Shopify can significantly boost your store's usability and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose to use the Shopify admin, an app, or CSV import, each method provides a robust way to manage your product catalog efficiently. By understanding and applying these methods, you can create a seamless shopping experience for your customers, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.

Happy selling!