BearOrders Docs

Understanding Product Variants

Learn how product variants work when browsing and ordering products

What Are Product Variants?

Product variants are different versions of the same product with varying options like:

  • Color - Red, Blue, Green, etc.
  • Size - Small, Medium, Large, XL, etc.
  • Material - Cotton, Polyester, Wool, etc.
  • Finish - Matte, Glossy, Textured, etc.
  • Pattern - Solid, Striped, Floral, etc.
  • Style - Classic, Modern, Vintage, etc.

How Variants Appear

When browsing a store, you'll see:

Single Product with Multiple Variants:

  • Product name (e.g., "Classic T-Shirt")
  • Available options to select (Color, Size)
  • Each combination has its own SKU and stock status

Example:

Product: Classic T-Shirt
- Red / Small (SKU: TS-RED-S) - In Stock
- Red / Medium (SKU: TS-RED-M) - In Stock
- Blue / Small (SKU: TS-BLU-S) - Out of Stock
- Blue / Large (SKU: TS-BLU-L) - In Stock

Selecting Variants

When ordering a product with variants:

  1. Choose your options - Select the color, size, or other attributes you need
  2. Check stock status - Each variant has its own availability
  3. Review the SKU - Make sure you're ordering the correct variant
  4. Add to cart - Specify quantity for that specific variant
Each Variant is Separate

Different color/size combinations are tracked separately. If you need multiple variants of the same product, add each one individually to your cart.

Variant Stock Status

Each variant can have a different stock status:

  • Some sizes might be in stock while others are backordered
  • Some colors might be available while others are out of stock
  • Lead times can vary by variant

Always check the specific variant's status before ordering.

Variant Information

For each variant, you'll see:

Basic Info:

  • SKU (unique identifier)
  • Selected options (Color: Red, Size: Large)
  • Stock status

Additional Info (if provided by supplier):

  • Lead time (for backordered items)
  • Individual pricing (if different from parent product)
  • Variant-specific images

Ordering Multiple Variants

To order different variants of the same product:

  1. Select First Variant

    Choose your first color/size combination and add to cart

  2. Return to Product

    Go back to the product page to select a different variant

  3. Select Next Variant

    Choose different options and add to cart again

  4. Repeat as Needed

    Continue until you've added all the variants you need

Variant SKUs

Each variant has a unique SKU (Stock Keeping Unit):

  • Helps you track exactly what you ordered
  • Makes reordering easier
  • Prevents confusion between similar products

Example SKUs:

MUG-BLK-12oz  (Black Mug, 12 ounce)
MUG-WHT-16oz  (White Mug, 16 ounce)
MUG-BLU-12oz  (Blue Mug, 12 ounce)

Troubleshooting Variants

Can't find the variant I want

  • It might be out of stock or discontinued
  • Contact your supplier to ask about availability

Ordered wrong variant

  • Contact your supplier immediately
  • They may be able to modify your order before it ships

Variant looks different than expected

  • Check product images carefully before ordering
  • Contact supplier if you have questions about a specific variant
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