What is a Variant?

A variant refers to different versions of the same product that may vary in attributes such as color, size, or specifications. For example, a T-shirt may have multiple color options (red, blue, black) or sizes (S, M, L, XL), but they are fundamentally the same product.

Should the product itself be included in the variants list?

This depends on the settings. Some systems may include the main product as part of the variant list, while others may only display related variants.

  • Include itself: The product A (red) will also appear in its own variant list.
  • Exclude itself: The variant list will only show other related variants (e.g., different colors or sizes).

How to Auto-Link Variant Products?

The terms "Auto Variants Products" and "Automatic Matching Criteria" refer to methods of automatically linking variant products. The system can recognize variants based on specific attributes.

Matching Criteria

Select matching criteria to automatically link variant products, such as:

  • SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): Products with similar SKU prefixes may be variants.
  • UPC (Universal Product Code): Products with the same UPC may be variants.
  • Other unique product identifiers, including EAN, JAN, ISBN, MPN.

Match XX Characters from the Beginning

  • For example, if the system is set to match the first 5 characters:
    • ABC12345
    • ABC12987
    • These products might be considered variants because they share the first five characters, "ABC12".

Get Auto Variant Product From?

The system can automatically fetch variant products based on the following attributes:

  • Model
  • SKU
  • UPC
  • EAN
  • JAN
  • ISBN
  • MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)

Summary

  1. Variants are different versions of the same product (color, size, etc.).
  2. You can choose whether to include the main product in the variant list.
  3. The system can auto-match variants using SKU, UPC, and other identifiers.
  4. Matching criteria can be set based on the first X characters.
  5. Variants can be automatically identified from Model, UPC, ISBN, MPN, etc.

This type of setting is commonly used in e-commerce platforms (such as Shopify, Magento) to improve product management efficiency and automate variant linking.