How to add variants on Shopify: Eight key steps

When a shopper lands in your store, they're excited to find the perfect product. But what if it's only available in one size or color? Offering product variants can do wonders for the success of your ecommerce store as they allow you to offer more flexibility with options like sizes, colors, styles, and materials.

Managing those variants can get a little complicated, but it can be straightforward with the right approach. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to set up and manage product variants on Shopify so your store can shine. 

We’ll also highlight Gelato’s integration with Shopify, which simplifies the entire process, especially for offering customizable, print on demand products.

Main takeaways from this article:

• Product variants on Shopify allow you to offer multiple options for the same product, like sizes or colors.

• The variant details page helps manage options, pricing, inventory, and images for each variant.

• Adding variants increases customer satisfaction, enhances product offerings, and boosts sales conversions.

• Gelato's integration with Shopify makes it easy to offer customizable print-on-demand products, assisting with production and shipping.

Shopify product variants are different versions of a single existing product, like various sizes, colors, or materials. They help store owners offer multiple options and manage inventory for each variation effectively. Product variants enhance the shopping experience by providing diverse choices, ensuring customers find exactly what they need, thus boosting overall sales and satisfaction.

When working with product variants on Shopify, understanding how to structure the page is crucial for effectively managing your inventory and displaying your products. Here are the different sections to populate:

• Prices: Set different prices for each variant, allowing pricing flexibility based on size, color, or material.

• Inventory: Track how many items of each variant you have in stock. This section includes options for SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers, barcode scans, and inventory policies.

• Shipping: Adjust shipping weight, dimensions, and fulfillment details for each variant to ensure accurate delivery costs and methods.

• Images: Upload specific images for each variant to help customers visualize what they buy. This adds a personalized touch to your product listings.

• Options: Define variant options like color, size, and material. These attributes allow customers to select their preferred variant from the product page.

Once you finish filling out all sections on the page, the next step is to optimize it for search engines. Customizing the search engine listing preview, including the product variant metafields with meta title and description, boosts the visibility of individual variants and helps customers find the one that most closely matches their expectations.

Offering product variants in your Shopify store can really enhance your business in multiple ways. Here are the top four benefits: 

1. Increased customer satisfaction: Offering a range of variants makes it easier for customers to find exactly what they want, increasing the likelihood of a purchase.

2. Higher sales potential: More options can lead to more sales, as customers are more likely to find a variant that suits their needs and preferences.

3. Better inventory management: Variants allow you to manage stock more efficiently, keeping track of which specific items are selling well and which aren't.

4. Enhanced product presentation: Displaying various options gives the impression of a more comprehensive and considerate product line, making your store look more appealing.

Let's follow the eight key steps below to easily add, manage, and showcase different variants of your products in your Shopify store.

1. Understand what product variants are on Shopify

Product variants are different versions of the same product, like different sizes, colors, or materials. Shopify allows you to offer customers more choices while maintaining a single product listing. Here's how you can vary your offerings:

• Size: To appeal to a broader range of customers, offer your product in various sizes, such as XS-4X.

• Color: Allow customers to select their favorite color by providing multiple color options for each product.

• Functionality: Include different features or functionalities to accommodate specific customer needs.

• Design: Present various design patterns, prints, or graphics to attract a wider audience.

2. Navigate to the product setup in your Shopify dashboard

To start adding variants, you need to access the product setup area in your Shopify dashboard. This section allows you to manage every detail of your products, including their different variants. 

• Log in to your Shopify account: Open your preferred web browser and enter your Shopify store credentials to log in.

• Navigate to the products section: On the left-hand sidebar of your dashboard, click on "Products." This will redirect you to a page listing all your store's products.

3. Add variant options to your Shopify products

Once you're in the Shopify dashboard, you can start adding variant options for your Shopify products. Here's how you can add these options: 

• Go to the Shopify admin: Click on the Products section in your dashboard.

• Select a product to edit: Find the product you wish to add variants to. You can add multiple variants, then click on its name to open its detailed settings page.

• Go to the "Variants" section: Scroll down to find the "Variants" section and add option values. If the product already has variants with the same option value, they'll be listed here as duplicates. If not, you can start adding new ones.

• Choose option details: Specify the option type, such as Size or Color, and then enter the values for each option type.

4. Set prices, inventory, and SKU numbers for each variant

Once you’ve added your variant options, set the specifics like prices, inventory, and SKU numbers. Here’s how you can do it: 

• Set up prices and create inventory: Enter the price for each variant in the provided field. Different variants may have different costs based on factors like materials or sizes. You can track the stock level for each variant individually to avoid overselling and keep your inventory organized.

• Assign SKU numbers: Stock-keeping unit numbers are crucial for internal tracking and inventory management. Assign unique SKUs to each variant for efficient monitoring.

• Configure shipping settings: If specific weights and dimensions vary by variant, set them. This is especially important for accurate shipping costs and logistics.

5. Upload images for individual variants

Using images for each product variant helps provide an attractive shopping experience. Here are the steps to effectively manage your variant images on Shopify:

• Click on the image icon: To view the product variant details, click on the image icon next to each variant.

• Choose high-quality images: Use high-resolution photos that visually represent the different options (like colors, sizes, or materials) to enhance the user's shopping experience.

• Edit as needed: You can adjust brightness, contrast, and other parameters to make your images appealing and accurate.

Gelato's mockup tools can be incredibly helpful in creating stunning images for product variants. With these tools, you can easily generate realistic previews of custom designs, making it simple to showcase a wide range of options in your online store.

6. Save, review, and test your product variants in your online store

After you've set up your product variants, it's crucial to ensure everything appears correctly in your online store. Here's how you can do this: 

• Save your changes: Once you've entered all necessary details for your variants, make sure to click on the 'Save' button. Be sure to especially save specialized information.

• Preview your product: Utilize the preview feature to see how your product variants look in your store. You can find this option on your product setup page.

• Test the shopping experience: Go through the purchasing process like a customer would. Add items to your cart, choose different variants, and proceed to checkout to ensure everything works smoothly.

7. Use Gelato's integration to offer multiple variants with customization options

Integrating Gelato with your Shopify store expands your customization options. Here are a few ways Gelato's integration can simplify this process and enhance your store: 

• Customizable print on demand products: Gelato makes it easy to add customizable products to your Shopify store, with options for different sizes, colors, and materials.

• Offer multiple variants: By utilizing Gelato's platform, Shopify users can create a wide array of customizable products. For instance, a clothing store can offer t-shirts in various sizes and colors and with the option for customers to add their own text or images. A phone case store can provide cases in different materials, colors, and designs.

• Streamlined production and shipping: Gelato handles the production and shipping process through localized hubs, which allows you to cater to your audiences around the world while focusing on marketing and selling your products.

• Enhance customer satisfaction: Offering unique and personalized products using Gelato's integration helps meet individual customer needs. Customers appreciate the ability to create one-of-a-kind items that reflect their individual preferences and styles. This level of customization builds a strong connection between customers and your brand, leading to increased loyalty and repeat purchases.

8. Managing and updating existing variants over time

As your business grows, managing and updating existing variants becomes crucial for maintaining a smooth operation. Here are some key strategies for managing and updating your product catalog:

• Regularly review and update inventory: Ensure your stock levels are accurate and make adjustments as necessary to prevent overselling or stockouts.

• Monitor variant performance: Analyze the sales data of different variants to identify popular options and adjust your offerings accordingly.

Gelato’s integration can help you manage more variants. Whether it's adding new designs, sizes, or colors, Gelato allows you to scale up effortlessly. The platform handles everything from production to packaging and shipping, so you can focus on expanding your product range and optimizing your store for better customer experiences.

Gelato's seamless integration with Shopify ensures that any changes made to variants in Gelato are automatically reflected in the Shopify store. This helps maintain consistency and reduces the need for manual updates. The automated workflows, data synchronization, and customization of the integration helps businesses meet their specific needs as they grow over time.

Showcasing variants as separate products in your Shopify store can enhance your customers' browsing experience, making it easier for them to find exactly what they're looking for. 

To effectively showcase product variants:

• Adjust display settings: Head to your Shopify admin, navigate to the product you want to split and adjust its display settings to ensure it’s showcased as an individual item in your store.

• Create separate product listings: Instead of using variants, create a new product listing for each variant. This ensures each one has its own product page.

• Update SEO settings: Optimize the SEO settings of each new product listing to ensure they perform well in search engines and attract the right audience.

Adding variants to your Shopify store can sometimes exceed the platform's built-in capabilities. That's where third-party apps come into play. Here's a look into these apps:

• Variants App by HulkApps: This app allows you to create unlimited product variants and options, making it a great choice for stores with complex product lines.

• Infinite Options by ShopPad: Known for its versatility, this app enables you to add an unlimited number of product options with no coding required. It is perfect for creating customizable products.

• Product Personalizer: Ideal for stores offering personalized items, this app allows customers to customize products in real-time, providing a more engaging shopping experience.

• Bold Product Options: This option offers extensive customization features, including conditional logic, option dependencies, and more, making it easier to offer a tailored shopping experience.

Adding product variants to your Shopify store is easier than you think! From understanding what variants are to setting them up and maintaining them, this post gives you the tools you need to succeed. But why stop there? 

Gelato easily integrates with Shopify, offering a powerful print on demand solution that allows you to offer a wide range of customizable products. Whether you need different sizes, colors, or designs, Gelato has you covered. With our robust features, you can automate production and shipping, freeing up your time to focus on growing your business. 

Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Sign up for Gelato and choose a subscription plan to start offering diverse, customizable product variants today!

Which is the best method to add product variants on Shopify?

The best method to add product variants on Shopify depends on your needs. For simple additions, use Shopify’s admin panel. For complex variants, consider using Shopify apps for advanced options and bulk editing capabilities to save time and effort.

How to bulk edit variants in Shopify?

To bulk edit variants in Shopify, go to your admin dashboard, select the product, click on variants, and then 'Bulk edit'. You can make various changes in the spreadsheet-like interface. After editing, click 'Save' to update all selected variants at once.

How many variants can you have on Shopify?

On Shopify, you can have up to 100 variants per product. Each variant can be based on up to 3 product options such as size, color, or material. If you need more than 100 variants, you must create additional products to accommodate them.

What is the difference between options and variants in Shopify?

Options in Shopify are attributes such as size, color, or material. Variants, however, are unique combinations of those options, like a medium blue cotton shirt. This allows customers to choose precise product specifications, enhancing their shopping experience and simplifying inventory management for store owners.