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How to Add Variants on Shopify: A Masterclass

Adding product variants on Shopify is the cornerstone of a successful online store, particularly if you’re selling items that come in different sizes, colors, or styles. It allows customers to choose the perfect iteration of your product, boosting sales and improving their overall shopping experience. This isn’t just about listing options; it’s about presenting a comprehensive and intuitive selection for your customers. Let’s delve into exactly how to do it, and do it well.

Adding variants on Shopify is a straightforward process, primarily handled through the product creation or editing interface. Simply create a new product or edit an existing one, then navigate to the “Variants” section. Enable the option that states “This product has options, like size or color”. From there, you can add options like size, color, material, etc. After that, input the different values for each option, such as “Small,” “Medium,” “Large” for size or “Red,” “Blue,” “Green” for color. Shopify will then automatically generate all possible combinations, which you can then manage individually, setting prices, SKUs, inventory levels, and images for each specific variant.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Shopify Variants

Let’s break down that initial summary into actionable steps. Understanding the why is important, but mastering the how is critical for execution.

1. Accessing the Product Creation/Edit Page

First, log into your Shopify admin panel. On the left-hand navigation, click on “Products.” From there, you can either click “Add product” to create a brand new listing or click on an existing product that you want to add variants to.

2. Enabling the “Variants” Option

Within the product page, scroll down until you find the section labeled “Variants.” You’ll see a checkbox labeled “This product has options, like size or color.” Check this box. This simple action unlocks the variant creation functionality.

3. Defining Your Options

This is where you specify the characteristics that differentiate your products. Shopify provides some default options like “Size,” “Color,” and “Material.” You can use these, or create your own custom options.

Adding a Pre-defined Option: Click the “Add option” button, and select from the dropdown if you see a relevant option like “Size” or “Color.”
Creating a Custom Option: Click the “Add option” button. If you don’t find what you need in the dropdown, simply type your desired option name into the text field. Think creatively! Maybe you sell personalized mugs and an option is “Font Type,” or you sell downloadable artwork and an option is “License Type.”

4. Entering Variant Values

Once you’ve defined your options, it’s time to specify the values for each. For example, if you chose “Size,” you would enter “Small,” “Medium,” “Large,” etc. Each value should be entered on a separate line within the option’s text field.

5. Managing Individual Variants

Shopify automatically generates all possible variant combinations based on the options and values you’ve provided. This is where you fine-tune the details.

Pricing: Enter the price for each variant. Prices can vary between sizes or colors, especially if certain materials or production methods are more expensive.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): Assign a unique SKU to each variant. This is crucial for inventory management and order fulfillment.
Inventory: Track the quantity of each variant you have in stock. Shopify can automatically update inventory levels as orders are placed.
Images: Upload specific images for each variant. This allows customers to see exactly what they’re buying. A red shirt should show a picture of the red shirt, not the blue one!
Weight: Specify the weight of each variant. This is important for accurate shipping calculations.

6. Saving Your Product

After meticulously entering all the necessary information, click the “Save” button at the top or bottom of the product page. Your variants are now live!

Tips for Optimizing Your Shopify Variants

Beyond the basic steps, consider these tips for a smoother and more effective variant implementation:

Limit Options: While variety is good, too many options can overwhelm customers. Stick to the essential differentiators.
Order Matters: Consider the order of your options. Generally, the most important or visible option (e.g., color) should be listed first.
Professional Photos: High-quality images are essential. Invest in professional photography to showcase your variants in the best possible light.
Descriptive Names: Use clear and descriptive names for your options and values. Avoid ambiguity.
Inventory Management is Key: Regularly monitor your inventory levels for each variant to avoid stockouts.
Use Variant Images Consistently: Ensure all variants have high-quality images that accurately depict the product. Consistency builds trust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shopify Variants

Here are 12 commonly asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Shopify variants.

1. Can I edit variants in bulk on Shopify?

Yes! Shopify offers bulk editing capabilities. From your product list, you can select multiple products and use the “Edit products” option to modify certain attributes like price or inventory for all selected variants simultaneously. You can also use apps specifically designed for bulk variant management, which offer more advanced features.

2. How do I remove a variant on Shopify?

Simply navigate to the product page, scroll down to the “Variants” section, locate the variant you want to remove, and click the “…” (more actions) icon next to it. Choose “Archive” to remove the variant from being displayed publicly. If the variant is sold out and you don’t plan to restock it, archiving it is the best option.

3. Can I reorder variants on Shopify?

Yes, you can reorder your variants. In the “Variants” section of the product page, simply drag and drop the variants into the desired order. This is particularly useful for prioritizing certain options based on popularity or sales. The order on this page is the same that customers will see.

4. How many variants can I add to a Shopify product?

Shopify allows you to add up to 100 variants per product, with a maximum of 3 options. If you need more, you might consider using a third-party app or breaking your product into separate listings.

5. How do I add an image to each variant on Shopify?

In the “Variants” section, click on a specific variant to expand its details. You’ll see an “Image” area where you can upload a corresponding image. Use images to provide clear visual distinctions for each option.

6. How do I handle variants with different weights for shipping calculations?

When editing each variant, you’ll find a “Weight” field. Enter the accurate weight for each variant individually. Shopify uses this information to calculate shipping costs correctly.

7. Can I hide certain variants from being displayed?

Yes, you can. Go to the specific variant in the product’s “Variant” section. Click the “… (more actions) icon” then select “Archive” to hide the variant from the online store. This does not delete the variant, but it makes it unavailable for sale.

8. How can I use variants for product personalization?

Use custom options to offer personalization. For example, you could have an option called “Engraving Text” where the customer enters the text they want engraved on the product. Adjust pricing accordingly to account for the personalization service.

9. How do I ensure that all variants have sufficient inventory?

Regularly review your inventory levels for each variant. Set up low-stock alerts in Shopify to notify you when a variant is running low. Consider using a dedicated inventory management app for larger stores.

10. Is it possible to link to a specific variant of a product?

Yes, it is. Each variant has a unique URL. When viewing the product page, select a specific variant. The URL in your browser will update to include the variant’s ID. You can use this URL to direct customers directly to that variant.

11. How do I offer a discount on only certain variants?

Within the variant details, you can set a “Compare at price” higher than the actual price to display a sale price. Alternatively, you can use Shopify’s discount code feature and specify which variants the discount applies to.

12. What should I do if I need more than 100 variants for a product?

If you need more than 100 variants, consider breaking down your product into separate listings based on the most important options. Another option is to explore third-party apps on the Shopify App Store that provide advanced variant management features, some of which may allow for more than 100 variants. Finally, if the large number of variants is due to customization options, consider an app designed to manage custom product configurations.

Mastering Shopify variants is more than just a technical skill; it’s about enhancing the customer experience and maximizing your sales potential. Use these tips and FAQs to create a well-organized and engaging product selection that converts browsers into buyers.