What are the basic to start adding Products

Before you start adding products, there are a few basics you need to cover: Categories, Product Options, and Brands. Setting these up first will make it much easier to add products without needing to go back and edit them later.


1.Setting Up Product Categories

Cart -> Configuration -> Category

Steps to Organise Product Categories

  1. List Your Main Product Types.
    Identify your core product groups (e.g., Furniture, Clothing, Electronics).
  2. Break Down Into Subcategories.
    Under each main category, list logical subcategories (e.g., Sofas, Dining Tables, Office Chairs under Furniture).
  3. Keep It Simple and Intuitive.
    Avoid overcomplicating the structure. Limit levels to 2–3 tiers deep so customers don’t get lost.
  4. Use Clear and Consistent Naming
    Choose names your customers will recognize. Avoid jargon or internal terms.
  5. Group by Purpose or Use
    If relevant, organize by how the product is used (e.g., Outdoor Lighting vs. Indoor Lighting).
  6. Avoid Duplicate or Overlapping Categories
    For example, use Lighting - Indoor and Lighting - Outdoor instead of repeating “Lighting” in multiple places.
    This helps keep your structure clear and less confusing.
  7. Review and Adjust Regularly
    As your catalog grows, revisit your category structure to make sure it still makes sense.

2. Adding Product Options & Variants

Cart -> Configuration -> Global Options

Steps to Organise Product Options

  1. Identify Common Product Variations
    Start by listing all the ways your products vary, such as Size, Color, Material, or Finish.
  2. Create Standard Option Types
    Group similar attributes under clear option types (e.g., Size with values like S = (Small), M - (Medium),  L= (Large), XL = (Extra Large)).
  3. Keep Naming Consistent and Clear
    Use simple, customer-friendly names. Avoid technical terms unless necessary.
  4. Use Shared Option Sets Where Possible
    If multiple products use the same set of options (e.g., T-shirts and hoodies both using Size), reuse them to save time and ensure consistency.
  5. Avoid Overloading Products with Options
    Only include relevant options per product to keep the selection process simple for your customers.
  6. If Duplicate Option Names Are Needed, Add Context
    To avoid confusion, add the parent product or category name (e.g., Colour - Cushions and Colour - Lamps) when using the same option label across different product types.
  7. Preview Product Pages
    Check how options appear on product pages to ensure they’re user-friendly and intuitive to select.
  8. Update as Needed
    As your product range evolves, regularly review and refine your options to match customer expectations.

2. Adding Product Brands

Cart -> Configuration -> Brands

Steps to Organise Product Brands

  1. List All Brands You Carry
    Start by compiling a list of all the brands you offer in your store.
  2. Use Brand Names Consistently
    Always use the official, full name of the brand for clarity and consistency. Avoid abbreviations or variations unless the brand itself uses them.
  3. Add Brand Logos (Optional)
    If possible, include brand logos alongside their names to enhance recognition and improve the visual appeal of your store.
  4. Link Brands to Products
    Ensure each product is linked to its respective brand to help customers filter by brand easily when browsing.
  5. Avoid Brand Overlap
    Make sure there are no duplicated brands (e.g., "Nike" and "nike") to avoid confusion.
  6. Update Regularly
    As you add new brands or discontinue others, make sure to update your store’s brand list to keep it current and accurate.


Now You Can Start Adding Your Products

With your categories, product options, and brands set up, you’re ready to begin adding products to your store.

Follow these steps to ensure each product is properly configured and ready for your customers to browse and purchase.