Products

Product Variants

Learn how to create and manage product variants in PlanetShopping for different sizes, colours, styles and other product options.

Purpose

Variants let you sell different versions of the same product without creating a separate product page for every combination.

For example, a T-shirt might be available in different sizes and colours. Instead of creating a separate product for each one, you can add options such as Size and Colour. PlanetShopping then creates the available combinations as variants that customers can choose from on the product page.

When to use variants

Use variants when the versions belong to the same product but customers need to choose between options such as:

Size
Colour
Material
Style
Pack size
Other product-specific choices

If two items are substantially different products rather than different versions of the same product, it is usually clearer to create them as separate products.

Add product options and variants

You can add options while creating a new product or by editing an existing product.

From the Merchant Panel, go to Products → All Product.
Create a new product or open the product you want to edit.
Go to the product options section.
Add an option, such as Size or Colour.
Add the values available for that option. For example, a Size option might contain Small, Medium and Large.
Add another option when the product has more than one choice.
Review the resulting variants and complete the information required for each one.
Save your changes.

PlanetShopping creates combinations from the option values you add. For example, if a product is available in three sizes and two colours, the variants can represent each available size-and-colour combination.

Manage variant information

Each variant represents a specific version of the product. Where relevant, you can manage information for individual variants, including:

price
SKU
barcode
inventory quantity
product image
other variant-specific product information

This allows different versions of the same product to be tracked and sold correctly while remaining together on one product page.

Variant pricing

Variants can have different prices when one version of a product costs more or less than another.

For example, a larger size or premium material might have a different selling price. Review the pricing for each variant before publishing or updating the product so customers see the correct price for the option they select.

SKUs and barcodes

Give each variant its own SKU when you need to identify and track variants separately. A unique SKU makes it easier to distinguish similar versions of a product in inventory and order management.

If you use barcodes, enter the barcode that belongs to the individual variant rather than using the same barcode for different variants.

Variant inventory

Variants can be tracked separately so you know how many units are available for each version of a product.

For example, you might have 10 Medium / Black items available but only 3 Large / Black items. Tracking inventory by variant helps prevent one combination from being treated as though it has the same stock as another.

For broader inventory management, see Managing Inventory.

Variant images

When your product variants look different, use the appropriate product images to help customers understand what they are selecting. This is especially useful for options such as colour, pattern or style.

Keep product photography clear and consistent so customers can easily compare available choices.

Edit variants

When a product changes, open the product and update its options or individual variant information as needed.

You might edit a variant to:

change its price
update its SKU or barcode
adjust inventory information
update its image
change an option value
add a new product choice
remove a choice you no longer sell

Review the product after making changes to make sure the available options and combinations still represent what you actually sell.

Removing variants or option values

If you stop selling a particular version of a product, remove the relevant variant or option value as appropriate.

Be careful when changing existing options on products that have already been sold. SKUs, inventory records and existing order information can be associated with particular variants, so check the product carefully before making significant changes.

What customers see

On your online store, customers can select the available product options before adding the product to their cart. The combination they select determines the specific variant being purchased.

Clear option names make the buying experience easier. Use familiar labels such as Size, Colour or Material rather than internal abbreviations that customers may not understand.

Tips for managing variants

Keep option names simple and consistent across similar products.
Use clear option values that customers will understand.
Give variants unique SKUs when tracking them separately.
Keep inventory accurate for each variant.
Check variant prices before publishing changes.
Use appropriate images when visual differences matter.
Remove combinations you do not actually sell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a product variant?

A variant is a specific version of a product created from one or more product options. For example, Medium / Blue can be one variant of a T-shirt with Size and Colour options.

Do I need to create a separate product for every size or colour?

No. When the items are versions of the same product, use product options and variants so customers can choose the version they want from the same product page.

Can variants have different prices?

Yes. You can manage pricing at the variant level when different versions of a product have different prices.

Should each variant have its own SKU?

Use a unique SKU for each variant when you want to identify and track the versions separately. This is particularly useful for inventory and order management.

Can variants have separate inventory quantities?

Yes. Variant inventory can be managed separately so each size, colour or other combination reflects its own available quantity.

Can I add variants to an existing product?

Yes. Open the product, add or update its product options, then review the resulting variants and their information.

Can I remove a variant I no longer sell?

Yes. Remove the relevant variant or option value, then review the remaining combinations to make sure the product still reflects what you sell.

How many variants should I create?

Create only the combinations you genuinely sell. Keeping options relevant and organised makes products easier for both merchants and customers to manage.

Next Step

Review products that come in multiple sizes, colours, styles or other choices and make sure their options, variant details, SKUs, prices and inventory accurately reflect what you sell.